Choosing the correct flange size is usually easy as most are pre-determined by national standards. Flange dimensions vary, but most countries have standards. Consider overall dimension, weight/pressure, and contact a manufacturer or engineer for heavy loads or high pressures.
Choosing the correct flange size is often easier than you might expect because most flange sizes are pre-determined and governed by a number of national standards. In the United States, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) sets the regulations governing flanges. If the required flange dimensions match an existing ASME flange, the dimensions are already designated and available for you. Most flanges you may come across have already been designed and proven to fit and function properly.
Flange dimensions can vary greatly. Luckily, most countries maintain standards that generally provide the flange dimensions for us. For example, ASME oversees US standards, while the German governing body is known as DIN. This is the English translation for the German Institute for Standardization.
In the rare event that a flange does not have to meet any of the industry standards, you should still consider certain criteria when choosing flange sizes. For example, the overall dimension of the flange assembly can help determine the number of bolts required and the thickness of the flange. In other words, a wide flange assembly may require more, or larger, bolts than a narrow flange.
Another consideration in selecting the correct flange size is the weight and/or pressure involved in the connection relative to the flange joint. Flanges intended to hold large amounts of pressure, such as factory steam pipes, must maximize the clamping pressure at the connection. Increasing the number of bolts around the pipe achieves this. If the bolts are spaced too far apart, there is an increased risk of leaks between them.
To illustrate this idea, imagine a picnic blanket on a windy day. Placing rocks in the four corners of the blanket will help keep it in place. Strong winds may still be able to raise the cracks along the long sides. Dividing that size and placing four more rocks between the corner rocks would strengthen the force holding the deck down. This same idea applies when trying to maximize the clamp pressure of a flange assembly.
If you are still not sure how to choose the best flange size, contact a flange manufacturer. Most dimensions used in flanges and flange systems are already determined. Consulting an engineer can also help when the choice involves heavy loads, high pressures, or unusual configurations, such as those covered by ASME.
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