What Are Orifice Flanges?<\/h2>\nDefinition and Purpose<\/h3>\n
Orifice flanges are paired flanges with precisely machined slots or holes that accommodate an orifice plate, generating a pressure differential that correlates to flow rate.<\/p>\n
Key Components:<\/h4>\n\n- Orifice Flange Pair<\/strong> – Two matching flanges<\/li>\n
- Orifice Plate<\/strong> – Precision-machined restriction element<\/li>\n
- Pressure Tappings<\/strong> – Connection points for instrumentation<\/li>\n
- Gaskets<\/strong> – Seal the orifice plate assembly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Orifice Flange Design Features<\/h2>\nPressure Tapping Locations:<\/h3>\n
\n\n\nTapping Type<\/th>\n Location<\/th>\n Application<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \nFlange Taps<\/td>\n 1 inch from orifice plate<\/td>\n Most common, standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nD and D\/2 Taps<\/td>\n 1D upstream, 0.5D downstream<\/td>\n High accuracy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nCorner Taps<\/td>\n At orifice plate faces<\/td>\n Small pipe sizes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nOrifice Plate Bore Configurations:<\/h3>\n\n- Concentric Bore<\/strong> – Standard for clean fluids<\/li>\n
- Eccentric Bore<\/strong> – For liquids with gas or solids<\/li>\n
- Segmental Bore<\/strong> – For dirty services<\/li>\n
- Quadrant Edge<\/strong> – Low flow rate applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
ASME Standards and Specifications<\/h2>\nPrimary Standards:<\/h3>\n\n- ASME B16.36<\/strong> – Orifice Flanges and Orifice Flange Unions<\/li>\n
- ASME MFC-3M<\/strong> – Measurement of Fluid Flow in Closed Conduits<\/li>\n
- ISO 5167<\/strong> – Measurement of Fluid Flow by Pressure Differential Devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Installation Requirements<\/h2>\nStraight Run Specifications:<\/h3>\n\n- Minimum:<\/strong> 10-20 pipe diameters upstream, 5 downstream<\/li>\n
- Recommended:<\/strong> 20-40 pipe diameters upstream, 10 downstream<\/li>\n
- Ideal:<\/strong> 50+ pipe diameters upstream, 15 downstream<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common Applications<\/h2>\nIndustry Applications:<\/h3>\n\n- Oil and Gas:<\/strong> Crude oil flow measurement, natural gas custody transfer<\/li>\n
- Chemical Processing:<\/strong> Raw material feed rates, product flow monitoring<\/li>\n
- Power Generation:<\/strong> Feedwater flow, steam flow measurement<\/li>\n
- Water and Wastewater:<\/strong> Raw water intake, treated water distribution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Orifice flanges remain the most widely used flow measurement technology in industrial applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and standardization.<\/p>\n
Orifice Flange Design Features<\/h2>\nPressure Tapping Locations:<\/h3>\n
| Tapping Type<\/th>\n | Location<\/th>\n | Application<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
|---|---|---|
| Flange Taps<\/td>\n | 1 inch from orifice plate<\/td>\n | Most common, standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| D and D\/2 Taps<\/td>\n | 1D upstream, 0.5D downstream<\/td>\n | High accuracy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Corner Taps<\/td>\n | At orifice plate faces<\/td>\n | Small pipe sizes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nOrifice Plate Bore Configurations:<\/h3>\nASME Standards and Specifications<\/h2>\n
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