Expander Orifice Forged Steel Flanges Fully Hydrostatic Tested
Product Overview
Expander and orifice forged steel flanges are specialized components designed to address two critical applications that standard flanges cannot handle: smooth pipe size transitions and flow measurement integration.
Expander forged steel flanges facilitate seamless connections between smaller and larger pipelines with smooth internal transitions, making them ideal for pump suction systems, control valve bypasses, and meter stations. Orifice forged steel flanges incorporate pressure tap holes and securely hold orifice plates used by flow computers for accurate flow rate measurement.
Both flange types undergo comprehensive hydrostatic testing in our workshop, ensuring reliability for measurement and safety-critical installations. Our expander and orifice forged steel flanges are precision-machined from forged and heat-treated blanks, manufactured to ASME B16.36 standards for orifice flanges and ASME B16.5 for expander flanges.
Orifice flanges can be supplied complete with orifice plates, jacking screws, and pressure taps ready for immediate installation. All tap hole positions are drilled and verified according to your specific metering requirements. Every flange in this product range undergoes 100% hydrostatic testing and is accompanied by comprehensive test reports and material certification.
Technical Specifications
| Design Standard |
ASME B16.36 (orifice flanges), ASME B16.5 (expander flanges) |
| Pressure Rating |
Class 150 to Class 2500 |
| Size Range |
1/2" to 24" (DN15 to DN600) |
| Orifice Options |
Pressure tap holes, jacking screws, orifice plate, drain/vent |
| Materials |
A105, F304, F316, F11, F22 |
| Seal Face |
RF / RTJ |
| Testing |
100% hydrostatic test, dimensional inspection report |
| Documentation |
EN 10204 3.1 material certificate |
Key Advantages
- Expander flanges provide smooth bore transitions that minimize turbulence and erosion at size change points
- Orifice flanges feature precision-drilled tap hole positions for reliable and accurate flow measurement
- Complete hydrostatic testing with individual test reports for every unit
- Comprehensive orifice flange sets available including plates, gaskets, and jacking screws
- Forged and heat-treated blanks ensure superior material integrity for high-pressure metering applications
- Custom drilling patterns and facing configurations available according to customer specifications
Quality Assurance & Documentation
Given the dimensional criticality of expander and orifice forged steel flanges, each unit undergoes thorough inspection against relevant standard specifications and customer drawings prior to testing. Orifice flange tap hole positions are verified using coordinate measurement technology, ensuring precision alignment.
Every expander and orifice forged steel flange undergoes comprehensive hydrostatic testing with detailed recorded test reports. Our extensive experience supplying these specialized components to metering skid builders and pipeline contractors is supported by complete documentation packages that provide full traceability for project acceptance and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between an expander flange and a reducing flange?
An expander flange features a gradual bore enlargement from a smaller inlet to a larger outlet within a single forged piece, while a reducing flange connects different pipe sizes using flat or tapered face transitions. Both specialized flange types are available within our manufacturing program.
Q2: Can orifice flanges be supplied complete with the orifice plate?
Yes. We provide complete orifice forged steel flange assemblies including orifice plates, jacking screws, pressure tap valves, and gaskets, ready for immediate installation in metering systems.
Q3: How is the hydrostatic test performed on these special flanges?
Each expander and orifice forged steel flange undergoes individual hydrostatic testing using water at 1.5 times the rated pressure. The accompanying test report documents the specific test pressure, duration, and results for each serialized unit.
Q4: Do you accept customer drawings for special flanges?
Yes. We accommodate custom requirements including specialized hub geometry, precise tap hole positioning, and unique bolt patterns machined according to customer drawings. All dimensions are verified through comprehensive inspection reports prior to shipment.
