The performance and lifespan of a flange are largely determined by its material. The choice of material must be compatible with the medium being transported through the pipeline (corrosivity, temperature, pressure) and the environment.
Carbon steel (such as ASTM A105): the most common and economical material, suitable for non-corrosive media such as water, oil, and steam under normal temperature and pressure.
Stainless steel (such as 304/316L): Due to the passive film formed by chromium-nickel alloy, it possesses excellent corrosion resistance and is widely used in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Among them, 316L has stronger pitting resistance due to its molybdenum content.
Alloy steel (such as ASTM A182 F11/F22): By adding elements such as chromium and molybdenum, its high-temperature strength and resistance to hydrogen attack are enhanced, making it the preferred choice for high-temperature and high-pressure pipelines in power plants and refineries.
Special alloys (such as duplex steel, Hastelloy, and titanium materials): designed for extreme corrosive environments (such as seawater, strong acids, and wet chlorine gas). For example, 2507 duplex steel combines high strength with excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and is commonly used in harsh marine and chemical environments.
When selecting a flange, it is essential to specify the material grade, standard, and heat treatment condition, as these constitute the fundamental requirements for safe operation.