What is a Spectacle flange?

Flanges have been an integral part of the piping system. There are varieties of flanges that are in use in different industries. Every industry demands a special set of flanges according to their requirements.

What is a flange?

A flange is a metal disc used to join pipes. A flange is used to connect two pipes or valves or tubes to form a piping network. Flanges provide support and strength and prevent leakage.

Flanges are commonly welded or screwed into pipes or valves and are then joined with bolts. Flanges provide easy access to clean or inspect a piping system.

Flanges are made of different metal – Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Carbon Steel, etc. As they are made from a variety of metals, flanges differ in their ‘pressure classes’.

What is a spectacle flange?

A spectacle flange is made from a single piece of metal which is cut into two discs: out of which one is a solid plate whereas the other is a ring. These two pieces of discs are joined together with a section of steel similar to that of the nose piece of a pair of glasses. Hence, the name ‘spectacle flanges’. These flanges are also called as ‘figure8’ flanges.

Use:

The main purpose of this flange is to prevent any kind of leakage during the maintenance period of pipes. Spectacle flanges are pressure retaining plates used in high pressure piping networks.

When a piping system is under inspection, cleaning or maintenance process, the blind end of the spectacle flange blocks the flow of the inner fluid in the pipe. On the other hand, the open end (or the ring) permits flow of the inner fluid during operation period of the piping system.

In short, the spectacle flange is used as it can be easily rotated to open and close the flow from pipes. They are permanently installed on pipes and installations that require separate regularly for various maintenance purposes.

Pros:

• These flanges do not require welding
• They have high pressure tolerance.

For more information on spectacle flanges, their availability and supply, log on to: http://www.steelagealloys.com/

As a budding writer, I'm trying to simplify jargons of the Steel industry by breaking them into small, lucid articles, in a Q&A format. I hope my content helps readers.