Flat Flange vs Raised Flange: Key Differences and Applications

What is a Flat Flange?

A flat flange, also known as a flat-face flange, features a flat sealing surface. These flanges are primarily used when the connecting equipment or pipe has a flat face. Flat flanges are commonly found in low-pressure applications where the risk of joint deformation is minimal. The flat surface ensures even distribution of pressure across the gasket, reducing the chances of leaks.

Advantages of Flat Flanges:

  • Cost-Effective: Flat flanges are generally less expensive due to their simpler design.
  • Ease of Installation: The flat surface makes alignment easier during installation.
  • Low Pressure Applications: Ideal for systems operating at low pressure and temperatures.

Common Applications:

  • Water pipelines
  • HVAC systems
  • Fire-fighting systems

What is a Raised Flange?

A raised flange, as the name suggests, has a raised portion around the bore, which is designed to improve the sealing performance. The raised surface concentrates the pressure on a smaller gasket area, ensuring a tighter seal. Raised flanges are often used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications where leakage prevention is critical.

Advantages of Raised Flanges:

  • Enhanced Sealing: The raised surface provides superior sealing performance.
  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of gaskets, including spiral wound and metallic gaskets.
  • High Pressure and Temperature: Designed for demanding applications where durability and reliability are essential.

Common Applications:

  • Oil and gas pipelines
  • Petrochemical plants
  • Power generation systems

Key Differences Between Flat Flange and Raised Flange

Feature Flat Flange Raised Flange
Sealing Surface Flat Raised
Pressure Handling Low High
Cost Lower Higher
Gasket Compatibility Limited to soft gaskets Compatible with various gasket types
Applications Low-pressure systems High-pressure and high-temperature systems

Choosing the Right Flange for Your Needs

The choice between flat flanges and raised flanges depends on your system’s operational requirements. If you are working with low-pressure systems where cost-efficiency is a priority, flat flanges are the way to go. On the other hand, for high-pressure or high-temperature environments, raised flanges offer better performance and reliability.

Why Choose Piyush Steel for Your Flange Requirements?

At Piyush Steel, we are committed to providing high-quality flanges tailored to your specific requirements. Our extensive range includes flat flanges, raised flanges, and other specialized flange types, manufactured to meet international standards. With decades of expertise, we ensure durable and reliable products, backed by exceptional customer support.

Contact us today to explore our flange offerings and find the perfect solution for your industrial applications!

Team Piyush Steel

Established in 1990, Piyush Steel is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, duplex steel, and nickel alloy products. We offer a wide range of pipes, tubes, fittings, flanges, sheets, plates, and bars for industries such as oil & gas, power, marine, aerospace, and refineries. Certified with ISO and PED standards, we are committed to delivering quality, reliability, and timely service. With an extensive inventory and competitive pricing, we export to over 55+ countries, serving clients worldwide with excellence and customer satisfaction.