If you are planning to use orifice flange, you should know that there are several types available. You can choose from various nominal sizes and pressure ratings. You also have the option of purchasing socket weld, threaded, or weld neck types. These flanges are available in ASTM forged grades.
Typical orifice flange
The typical spectacle blind assembly consists of two ported flanges, gaskets and jack screws. It is designed to fit over a hole in a pipe, and may include an auxiliary bolt for jacking the flanges together.
Orifice flanges can be used to measure flow rates of liquids or gases. They can be used with welded or tapped connections. The pressure drop caused by the flow through the orifice plate is measured with a differential pressure meter. The plate is typically a thin plate with a center bore. The size of the center bore depends on the desired flow rate.
Types of flange faces
Orifice flanges are commonly used with orifice meters to measure the flow rate of gas or liquid. The flanges have raised or tapped faces and are available in both threaded and slip-on configurations. The flanges are used to connect orifice plates to the meter’s connection points. They are structurally similar to B16.5 flanges and are available in various materials.
The orifice plate restricts the flow through a restricted area. It also allows the user to determine the volumetric and mass flow rate. These flow control plates are available in stainless steel and other alloy materials. Sweco Fab offers orifice flanges with orifice plates, as well as gaskets, to meet customers’ requirements.
Bore sizes
The size of an orifice flange is determined by the internal diameter of the section of pipe it is designed to fit. Before installing the orifice flange, the pipe ends should be reamed so that they are 3 mm from the flange face. Then, drill the pipe ends through each of the flange pressure tappings. For 4″ bore pipe and above, the recommended drill size is 12 mm. For 3″ and two-and-a-half” bore pipe, a 6 mm drill should be used.
The most common design for orifice flanges is a concentric bore with a bevelled edge and square or round sides. This design is ideal for clean fluid services and provides a high level of accuracy. The Beta ratio of this type of orifice is generally between 0.1 and 0.75.
Installation
The Orifice Flange is used to control flow rates. A simple design allows for precise control of flow rate and differential pressure. There are different types of orifice plates for different media. These plates are mounted on special orifice flanges that have pressure tappings on both ends of the flange. Installation of the orifice plate requires jacking screws and an adequate pipe diameter.
When installing an orifice flange, it is important to install the piping system with the correct orientation for metering purposes. There are two basic styles: vertical and horizontal.
Maintenance
Maintenance of orifice flanges is important to ensure they continue to function properly. These flanges can suffer from a number of problems, but most of them are easily repaired or replaced. Regular inspections will ensure that these flanges are working efficiently and safely for your facility. Proper care will also help to prevent the development of any serious damage.
The flange can be cut with a tape measure or a ruler. Make sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from metal shavings. A hacksaw is also an effective tool for cutting and trimming the flange. After cutting or trimming, use a file to smoothen out any rough edges.
