In piping systems and industrial connections, selecting the appropriate flange type is critical to ensure leak-proof, pressure-resistant, and structurally sound joints. One of the key considerations in flange selection is the flange facing type. The two most common facing types are Raised Face (RF) and Flat Face (FF) flanges.
Understanding the differences between Raised Face and Flat Face flanges is essential for engineers, procurement teams, and maintenance professionals. This article provides a detailed explanation of the characteristics of each flange face type, their advantages, applications, and how to choose the right one for your project.
Sunjin Metals Vina (SJM Vina), is a trusted supplier of high-quality steel pipes, flanges, and fittings sourced from South Korea and other countries, fully compliant with international standards.
What is a Flange Face?
Before exploring the differences, it’s important to understand what a flange face is. The flange face is the surface that comes into direct contact with a gasket, playing a vital role in sealing the connection between two pipe flanges. The design of the face impacts the joint’s sealing performance under pressure and the gasket’s behavior during tightening.
SJM Vina manufactures a wide range of flanges with various facing types to meet global standards and industry demands. Whether you require Raised Face or Flat Face flanges, selecting the correct face type is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your system.
What is a Raised Face Flange?
A Raised Face (RF) flange is the most widely used flange facing in industrial applications. In this design, the sealing surface is slightly elevated above the flange’s bolt circle area. The standard height of the raised face depends on the pressure class:
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For flanges in pressure classes 150 and 300, the raised face height is 1.6 mm (1/16 inch).
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For pressure classes 400 and above, the height increases to 6.4 mm (1/4 inch).
The raised face allows the gasket to be compressed on a smaller surface area, enhancing sealing capability under high pressure.
Benefits of Raised Face Flanges:
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Superior sealing performance due to concentrated gasket compression.
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Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
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Widely available and compatible with standard gasket types.
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Ideal for critical systems such as refineries, chemical plants, and oil and gas pipelines.
Raised Face flanges are designed to work with spiral wound, ring, or flat ring gaskets and are the preferred choice for most industrial applications requiring tight, high-pressure seals.
What is a Flat Face Flange?
A Flat Face (FF) flange has a flat, even gasket surface that is level with the bolt circle area of the flange. There is no raised section, and the entire face is used for sealing.
Flat Face flanges are typically used in low-pressure applications, such as water treatment systems, low-pressure steam lines, and cast iron piping systems. The design helps distribute the load evenly across the entire gasket surface and is ideal for preventing flange deformation.
Benefits of Flat Face Flanges:
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Suitable for use with cast iron equipment and fittings, which are brittle and sensitive to uneven pressure.
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Helps prevent flange warping or cracking.
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Ideal for systems operating at low pressure and low temperature.
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Compatible with full-face gaskets for even load distribution.
SJM Vina offers Flat Face flanges specifically designed for municipal and water works projects where safety and simplicity are prioritized.
Key Differences Between Raised Face and Flat Face Flanges
Design
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Raised Face Flanges: Feature a small elevated sealing surface.
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Flat Face Flanges: Have a flat, continuous sealing surface.
Gasket Type
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Raised Face: Uses spiral wound, ring type, or flat ring gaskets.
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Flat Face: Uses full-face gaskets covering the entire flange surface.
Application
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Raised Face: Used in high-pressure, high-temperature systems.
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Flat Face: Used in low-pressure, non-critical systems.
Material Compatibility
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Raised Face Flanges: Compatible with most metallic piping systems.
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Flat Face Flanges: Typically used with cast iron or brittle materials.
Installation Considerations
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Raised Face Flanges: Require precise torque to compress the gasket in a smaller area.
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Flat Face Flanges: Require careful bolting to avoid uneven stress and potential breakage.
Choosing the Right Flange Face Type
The choice between Raised Face and Flat Face flanges depends on several factors:
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Pressure and Temperature Rating: Raised Face is better suited for high-pressure systems.
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Piping Material: Use Flat Face when connecting to cast iron or fiberglass.
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Gasket Type: Raised Face allows more flexibility with gasket materials.
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Application: Critical industrial systems often require Raised Face, while municipal piping may use Flat Face.
For systems involving different flange face types, always match the same facing type on both ends of the connection. Mixing Raised Face with Flat Face can lead to gasket failure and joint leakage.
SJM Vina assists clients in selecting the appropriate flange face based on their technical requirements, industry standards, and operating conditions.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Raised Face and Flat Face flanges is key to building safe and effective piping systems. Raised Face flanges offer high sealing efficiency for demanding industrial environments, while Flat Face flanges are ideal for low-pressure systems and connections involving brittle materials.
Choosing the correct flange face type ensures optimal gasket performance, system integrity, and long-term reliability. Always consult with a qualified flange supplier or engineer before making a final decision.
For premium flange solutions tailored to your project needs, trust Sunjin Metals Vina—your reliable partner for high-quality flange products and expert guidance in the piping industry. Contact us at +84 33 4233 127 or via email at sjmvina@sunjinmetal.com. Visit www.sjmvina.com.vn for more information and to place your order today!
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Pipe Pressure Calculator (Công cụ tính áp suất ống)
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