what is flange

A flange is a mechanical device used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a pipeline system. It is a protruded ridge, lip, or rim, either external or internal, that serves to increase strength, for easy attachment/transfer of contact force with another object, or for stabilizing and guiding the movements of a machine or its parts. Flanges are usually welded or screwed, and flanged joints are made by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them to provide a seal. Flanges are used to connect pipes with each other, to valves, to fittings, and to specialty items such as strainers and pressure vessels. There are different types of flanges, including socket weld flanges, blind flanges, weld-decked flanges, and slip-on flanges. Flanges can be made of different materials such as brass, copper, iron, and forged carbon steel.