Many different types of stainless steel flanges are used in the industry, particularly in piping systems. Preferred for their resistance to rust, stainless steel flanges are also incredibly strong and capable of outperforming other types of flanges, including carbon steel flanges. Additionally, they offer a greater degree of corrosion resistance than aluminum flanges. This can be particularly important in a number of industrial applications, particularly those in which the flange could be exposed to water and/or chemicals.
Aluminum is generally softer than steel, and when placed under heavy stress, it could fail. By comparison, a stainless steel flange will not fail when placed under even extreme stress. This degree of reliability makes a stainless steel flange the preferred choice for a number of different industrial applications. When searching for a flange for projects in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you should consider that while other types of flanges are available, stainless steel flanges are generally the most popular due to their inherent strength and durability. A stainless steel flange will ensure that failure due to corrosion is never a concern.
Sizing and Standards for Stainless Steel Flanges
The size of the flange chosen will often vary based on how it will be used. Standard sizes are specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the American Society of Engineers (ASME). Most types of metal flanges will fall under either ASME or ANSI regulations, making it easy to replace a flange constructed of a different material with a stainless steel flange, when necessary. It should be noted that ANSI flanges are designed under certain standards, while ASME flanges are required to meet other standards. Such standards are intended to ensure that flange design remains consistent, and will be capable of withstanding certain environments and applications. In choosing a stainless steel flange for a specific application, it is important to determine whether the flange to be replaced was required to meet ANSI or ASME standards.
Compared to other types of metal flanges, a stainless steel flange may have a higher initial cost. Still, considering the greater strength and durability offered by a stainless steel flange, it is considered a solid investment compared to other types of metal flanges.