PTFE lined flanges are a specific connector type employed to connect PTFE lined pipe systems. PTFE layers with high chemical resistance, corrosion protection and non-stick surfaces are some of the features found in them. These flanges provide a leak-tight seal when operating with high pressure and corrosive and high/low temperatures. These are often used in chemical processing, pharmaceuticals and food production, where it is important to keep system integrity and contaminants out.
Types of PTFE Lined Flanges
Here are different types of PTFE-lined flanges based on their construction and application:
- PTFE Lined Weld Neck Flanges: These flanges are made to be welded to the pipe and the connection is very strong and firm. They are most suitable for high pressure processes due to the fact that pressure does not affect their effectiveness in any way.
- PTFE Lined Slip-On Flanges: These flanges are slipped over the pipe end and are fastened with the help of bolts and nuts. They are easy to install, and therefore are preferred for use where lower pressure is needed.
- PTFE Lined Blind Flanges: Blind flanges are applied to the end of a pipe and serve to shut off the pipeline, test it or separate it into several parts.
- PTFE Lined Socket Weld Flanges: These flanges are intended to be welded onto the pipe’s socket, so this will create a very strong and leak proof joint. They are used where high pressure and high temperature is required.
- PTFE Lined Threaded Flanges: These flanges have interior threads that enable them to be screwed onto threaded pipes; they can also be unscrewed for ease of maintenance.
- PTFE Lined Orifice Flanges: These flanges have a hole or orifice installed in it to measure the flow rate and are used in metering and monitoring.
- PTFE Lined Raised Face Flanges: These flanges have a surfaces of bolts raised to give a good sealing pressure distribution around the bolt holes.
- PTFE Lined Flat Face Flanges: These flanges possess a flat sealing face and are preferred to be used with non-metallic gasket where pressure distribution is even.
These types of flanges are designed individually depending on the applied requirements of the given PTFE-lined flange.
Various PTFE Lined Flanges Materials
PTFE-lined flanges are available in various metal materials to suit different application needs:
- Stainless Steel: It is highly resistant to corrosion and very durable hence can be used in harsh environments and aggressive chemicals.
- Carbon Steel: It offers an economical solution for use in the situations where corrosion protection is required but not to the same extent. It is most commonly used as a lining for chemical equipment in combination with PTFE due to the latter’s relatively poor chemical resistance.
- Alloy Steel: It is used for applications such as high strength and to withstand harsh conditions such as high temperatures. Alloy steel flanges with PTFE lining give the product extra strength and also provide protection from corrosive elements.
- Aluminum: Light weight and chemical resistant PTFE lined aluminum flanges are used where weight considerations and chemical attack are of concern.
- Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys come out as the best when it comes to withstanding very corrosive conditions. These materials’ PTFE-lined flanges are ideal for use where chemical and temperature are severe.
- Titanium: Titanium flanges with PTFE linings are the most resilient flanges with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance making them suitable for high pressure applications.
These materials make it possible for PTFE-lined flanges to be able to perform to the needs of various industries.
PTFE Lined Flanges Characteristics
Here are the key features of PTFE-lined flanges:
- Chemical Resistance: The PTFE lining also offers excellent resistance to different aggressive chemicals and acids that may be in contact with the flange and the piping system, thus preventing the flange from corroding or degrading.
- Temperature Tolerance: PTFE lined flanges are resistant to high and low temperatures and are capable of performing optimally and being highly durable in such conditions.
- Non-Stick Surface: The PTFE lining has a low friction surface that will not allow the buildup of material and virtually eliminate the need for maintenance and cleaning.
- Corrosion Protection: The layer of PTFE protects the metal underneath from rusting, which lengthens the flange’s service time and reduces replacement expenses.
- Leak-Proof Seal: PTFE lined flanges are constructed in such a manner that they allow for a close fit and no leakage thereby enhancing the integrity of the piping system.
- High Purity: Non-stick characteristic of PTFE also means that flange will not affect the purity of the materials being conveyed in high purity applications.
- Durability: The use of PTFE with metal gives a strong flange that can be able to cope with mechanical forces and other conditions that may be prevailing in the operating environment.
- Versatility: PTFE lined flanges could be manufactured for specific use in various pipe systems in different types and sizes and it can be used in various types and sizes.
These features make PTFE lined flanges a favourable and flexible product for industries to use.
Uses of PTFE Lined Flanges
Here are some applications of PTFE-lined flanges:
- Chemical Processing: PTFE lined flanges join the parts of pipework systems, dealing with the severe chemicals and acid, preventing corrosion and maintaining the safety of the system.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: In production of drugs and other chemicals in the pharmaceutical industries, PTFE lined flanges ensure that the products remain pure since they do not come into contact with contaminants.
- Food and Beverage Industry: PTFE lined flanges are applied in food processing and beverage systems in order to maintain high levels of hygiene and avoid the risk of contamination during transport.
- Oil and Gas: PTFE lined flanges are employed in the oil and gas sector for joining pipes conveying aggressive media and substances. They provide the aspect of durability and they also withstand different unfavorable conditions.
- Water Treatment: PTFE lined flanges join parts together and deal with chemicals employed during purification in water treatment plants.
- Pulp and Paper Industry: PTFE lined flanges are applied in applications involving corrosive chemicals and bleach where they offer excellent durability and require little maintenance.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: In semiconductor production, the PTFE lined flanges are used to transport highly corrosive chemicals and the material’s chemical resistance is vital to maintaining the overall system.
These applications demonstrate the usefulness of PTFE lined flanges and their importance in many fields.
