A loose flange is a device welded to the end of a pipe to create one half of a flanged coupling. It allows for the creation of couplings anywhere along the pipeline and is used to complete joints where there is no prefabricated flange. Pipeline construction often uses straight sections of pipe and loose flanges.
A loose flange is a device that is welded to the end of a piece of pipe to create one half of a flanged coupling. Consisting of a forged steel plate with bolt holes around the perimeter and an opening in the center to the size of the pipe you intend to weld onto the loose flange, the component can be manufactured from either carbon steel or stainless steel to suit the intended application . Loose flange types are available to fit elbows, valves and almost any type of piping component in use.
Due to the nature of pipelines, connections and couplings can rarely be made in advance. Using a free flange allows a worker to create a coupling anywhere along the pipeline. The operator simply cuts the pipe at the required location and places a loose flange on the end of the pipe. After carefully preparing the pipe to be welded, the loose flange is permanently welded to the pipe end. If a valve or elbow is required, the operator simply welds the flange onto the elbow or valve, as well as the pipe, and the fitting is made.
Many elbows, valves and other similar parts are created with a flange cast on the component. In this case the pipe is prepared to join the piece by welding the flange on the pipe end only. The flange aligns with the already cast flange and the joint is made. On some components, however, there is no prefabricated flange in the component and a flange must be welded onto the component to complete the joint. This application requires the use of a free flange in the pipeline construction. Welding and fitting should typically be completed by a licensed and certified welder who has been tested to ensure all welds are up to standard.
In many cases, a pipeline is constructed using straight sections of pipe and loose flanges all welded together to form a complete line of pipe. Whether welded by man or machine, pipeline is assembled from straight pipe ends that are welded together to form virtually seamless pipe with flanged fittings installed at critical points in the pipeline. In these locations, a loose flange is welded to the pipe on either side of the fitting and the pipe is bolted together using a gasket and many hardened bolts.
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