Titanium ASME B16.5 GR1 GR2 GR5 Titanium Weld Neck Flanges RF For Industrial Applications

Titanium ASME B16.5 GR1 GR2 GR5 Titanium Weld Neck Flanges RF For Industrial Applications

1. ASME B16.5 Titanium Flanges

ASME B16.5 is a standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides specifications for pipe flanges and flanged fittings. The standard covers a range of materials, including titanium, and provides dimensions, tolerances, and pressure-temperature ratings for flanges.

When titanium is specified for flanges according to ASME B16.5, it typically refers to titanium alloy flanges that meet the mechanical and chemical requirements set forth by the standard. Titanium is often used in these applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance (especially in corrosive environments like seawater and chemicals), and lightweight properties.

Key Aspects of ASME B16.5 Titanium Flange:

Flange Types:

Weld Neck Flanges (WN): These are typically used for high-pressure applications where the flange needs to be welded to a pipe. Titanium weld neck flanges are highly reliable for critical services.

Slip-On Flanges (SO): These are designed to slip over the pipe and are then welded. They are easier to align but are generally used in less critical applications.

Blind Flanges (BL): Used to seal the end of a pipe or pressure vessel. These can be used in titanium piping systems where there is a need to block off flow temporarily.

Threaded Flanges (TH): These are designed to screw directly onto a pipe that has a matching external thread. Titanium threaded flanges are often used when welding is not possible.

Socket Weld Flanges (SW): Similar to slip-on flanges but with a socket for easier welding, commonly used in smaller diameter pipes.

Lap Joint Flanges (LJ): These are used with a stub end for systems that may need to be disassembled or cleaned frequently.

2. Technical Parameters:

3. Advantages of Using Titanium Flanges 

Strong and Reliable Connection

• Enhanced Strength: The design of a weld neck flange, with its tapered neck that gradually transitions into the pipe, provides a strong, seamless connection. This tapering minimizes the stress concentration at the joint and ensures a smooth transfer of pressure and stresses from the pipe to the flange.
• No Stress Risers: Because of the continuous taper from the neck to the flange, the weld is less prone to the formation of stress risers, reducing the risk of failure under pressure.

Improved Leak Resistance

• Smooth Transition: The gradual transition of the weld neck flange ensures a smooth inner bore, which minimizes turbulence and reduces the likelihood of leaks. This smoothness is particularly important in high-pressure or high-temperature systems where leakage could have serious safety and operational consequences.
• Pressure Distribution: The design allows for better distribution of pressure, especially in critical applications where leaks would be hazardous or costly.

Ease of Maintenance

• Reusability: Weld neck flanges can be reused in many cases because the flange and pipe are welded together in a way that can be easily cut and re-welded if necessary. This is particularly valuable in systems where disassembly and reassembly might be required over the years.
• Less Likely to Fail: Due to the strong connection and high resistance to fatigue, weld neck flanges generally have a longer lifespan and require less frequent maintenance.

Versatility in Applications

• Variety of Pressure Ratings: Weld neck flanges come in various pressure ratings, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from low-pressure to high-pressure systems.
• Adaptable to Different Sizes and Materials: They can be used in systems with different pipe sizes and materials, making them versatile for many industrial applications, including high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments.
• Variety of Welding Options: The design of the weld neck flange allows for different types of welding methods, such as butt welding or socket welding, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Enhanced Durability in Harsh Environments

• Corrosion Resistance: Weld neck flanges are often manufactured from materials that are highly resistant to corrosion (e.g., stainless steel, alloy steels, or specialized coatings). This makes them ideal for use in harsh environments, including chemical plants, marine systems, and oil and gas pipelines.
• High-Temperature and High-Pressure Resistance: They can withstand high operating temperatures and pressures without compromising structural integrity, making them suitable for critical applications in power plants, refineries, and other industries where extreme conditions are common.

Reduces Fatigue and Stress

• Smooth Flow Path: The tapering design of the weld neck flange ensures that the pipe's stress and pressure are distributed evenly, reducing the risk of fatigue over time. This makes weld neck flanges ideal for high-stress applications where vibration, thermal expansion, or mechanical stress is a concern.
• Eliminates Stress Concentration: Unlike other flanges that might have sharp corners or abrupt transitions, weld neck flanges eliminate stress concentration points, making the connection more durable under fluctuating loads and conditions.

 Better Alignment and Fit

• Precision Alignment: The design of the weld neck flange ensures that the pipe and the flange align precisely, which results in a more accurate and stronger weld. This reduces the chance of alignment issues during installation and ensures a better overall seal.

4. Manufacturing Process of Weld Neck Flanges:

The manufacturing process of weld neck flanges (WN flanges) involves several steps, ranging from raw material selection to final machining and testing. Weld neck flanges are a type of pipe flange used in high-pressure applications. They are typically forged or cast and then machined to precise dimensions. Below is a detailed overview of the manufacturing process for weld neck flanges:

Material Selection

The first step in the manufacturing of weld neck flanges is selecting the appropriate raw material. The material choice depends on the application, required mechanical properties, and environmental conditions. Common materials include:

• Carbon Steel (e.g., ASTM A105)
• Alloy Steel (e.g., ASTM A182)
• Stainless Steel (e.g., ASTM A312)
• Titanium (e.g., ASTM B381 for titanium flanges)
• Nickel Alloys (e.g., Inconel, Monel)

The material is typically available in the form of billets, which are large metal bars that are later forged into the flange shape.

Forging

Forging is the primary method used to form the initial shape of the weld neck flange. The billet of material is heated to a high temperature, typically between 800°C to 1250°C (depending on the material), to make it malleable. The heated billet is then placed in a forging die, where it is subjected to pressure using a hammer or hydraulic press.

The forging process ensures that the material has a fine-grained structure, which improves the strength and toughness of the flange. The result is a rough shape of the flange with a long neck that will later be welded to the pipe.

Trimming and Shaping

After forging, the rough flange shape is trimmed and shaped to remove excess material. The excess material, known as flash, is removed from the outer edges. The weld neck (the long tapered portion that fits into the pipe) is also further shaped.

Trimming may involve:

• Machining to refine the basic shape and prepare the flange for the next steps.
• Heat Treatment to relieve stresses from the forging process.

Heat Treatment (Optional)

After forging and shaping, weld neck flanges often undergo heat treatment to improve their mechanical properties, such as hardness, strength, and toughness. The heat treatment process involves heating the flange to a specific temperature and then cooling it in a controlled manner (e.g., air cooling, water quenching, or furnace cooling).

Heat treatments can include:

• Annealing: Used to soften the material and relieve internal stresses.
• Normalizing: Heating to a high temperature followed by air cooling to refine grain structure and improve strength.
• Quenching and Tempering: Heating the flange to a specific temperature and then quenching it in water or oil, followed by tempering to achieve the desired hardness and strength.

The heat treatment process ensures that the weld neck flange meets the mechanical properties required for the specific application.

Machining

Machining is critical to ensuring the flange has the precise dimensions required by industry standards such as ASME B16.5 or DIN. After heat treatment, the flange is machined to meet the following specifications:

• Face of the flange: The surface that mates with the gasket or the connecting flange.
• Bolt holes: Drilled to the appropriate size and number (typically arranged in a circular bolt pattern).
• Bore: The inside diameter of the flange, which matches the pipe diameter it will be welded to.
• Neck taper: The tapering of the flange neck (the portion of the flange that connects to the pipe) is carefully machined to ensure proper welding and alignment.

Common machining processes include:

• Turning: Used to achieve the desired diameter and taper of the flange neck.
• Milling: Used for the bolt hole pattern and face of the flange.
• Drilling: Used to create bolt holes.
• Grinding: For precision finishing, particularly on the flange face or neck.

Surface Finishing

After machining, the flange may undergo surface finishing to ensure smooth surfaces for better sealing when mated with other flanges. Surface finishes may include:

• Grinding to ensure a smooth and uniform surface.
• Polishing for a higher-quality finish (particularly for stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloys).
• Shot Blasting or Bead Blasting: To remove any oxidation and scale formed during the heat treatment process.

The surface finish is particularly important for applications where tight seals are necessary, such as in high-pressure or vacuum systems.

Inspection and Quality Control

Once the flange is fully machined, it undergoes a series of inspections and tests to ensure it meets the required standards:

• Dimensional Inspection: To verify that the flange meets the correct size, bolt hole pattern, and thickness, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Common methods include:
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT): To detect internal defects or cracks.
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT): To detect surface or near-surface cracks.
  • Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT): For detecting surface-breaking defects.
• Pressure Testing: In some cases, flanges are subjected to pressure tests to ensure they can withstand the required pressure rating.

Quality control is essential to verify that the flange will perform as expected in its intended service environment.

Packaging and Delivery

Once the weld neck flanges have passed inspection, they are cleaned, coated (if necessary, to prevent corrosion), and packaged for delivery. The packaging protects the flanges from damage during transportation and handling. Documentation, such as material certificates and inspection reports, may also accompany the flanges to ensure traceability and compliance with industry standards.

5. Applications

The LHTi Titanium flange is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it highly reliable for different applications. It is made of high-quality Titanium material that is resistant to corrosion and offers high strength. The surface treatment of the product includes polishing, sandblasting, anodizing, and more, making it durable and long-lasting.

The product comes with a minimum order quantity of 1 piece, and it is available at a price range of $35 to $125. It is packaged in a wooden package for safe delivery and has a delivery time of 10 days. Payment terms for the product include T/T, L/C, and other options.

The LHTi Titanium flange is suitable for different application scenarios, which include:

• Pipeline: The product is used in pipeline applications, including oil and gas pipelines, water pipelines, and more. It helps to connect different sections of the pipeline, ensuring the smooth flow of fluids.
• Petroleum: The LHTi Titanium flange is used in the petroleum industry for different applications, including refining, drilling, and more. It is suitable for use in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, making it highly reliable.
• Chemical: The product is used in the chemical industry for different applications, including processing, transportation, and more. It is resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in corrosive environments.

The LHTi Titanium flange is highly reliable and suitable for different applications. It offers high strength and durability, making it a cost-effective solution for different industries. With a supply ability of 10000, the product is readily available to meet the needs of different customers.