Enhanced Flow Capacity Solutions
An expander flange is a type of welding neck pipe flange used to increase pipe size at the flange connection (see sketch).
Enhanced Flow Capacity Solutions
An expander flange is a type of welding neck pipe flange used to increase pipe size at the flange connection (see sketch).
Expander Flanges are specialized steel flanges designed to increase pipe diameters and enhance flow capacity, adhering to ASME B16.5 standards as of August 24, 2025, 08:28 PM PDT. These Pipe Diameter Expansion Flanges optimize performance.
Available in sizes from 1/2” to 48” with expansion capabilities, Expander Flanges support pressure ratings up to Class 2500 and temperatures up to 600°C, depending on material, for diverse needs.
Manufactured through precision forging or machining, these flanges ensure seamless diameter increases, with coatings like 3LPE or galvanizing boosting corrosion resistance as of August 2025. Flow efficiency is key.
Compared to standard flanges, Expander Flanges offer unique flow enhancement, with a service life of 15–35 years with proper maintenance and protective coatings.
Expander Flanges address challenges like restricted flow and mismatched diameters, providing reliable industrial flow enhancement as of August 24, 2025.
The Expander Flange is normally referred to as the high hub flange. It is designed to transfer stresses to the pipe, thereby reducing high stress concentrations at the base of the flange.
An Expander Flange is a type of welding neck pipe flange used to increase pipe size at the flange connection (see sketch). Expander flanges are also known as a cost effective alternative to using a separate reducer-welding neck flange combination.
Expander flanges are also known as a cost effective alternative to using a separate reducer-welding neck flange combination. The expander flange is available in a range of sizes and materials.
An expander flange is similar to a weld neck flange but with the hub expanding to a larger size (one or two sizes). If you have limited space or just need to connect to a larger pipe size, it provides a convenient way for equipment, pumps and valves. It can replace the use of a flange and reducer. Pressure ratings and dimensions are in accordance with ANSI/ASME B16.5.
Dimensions of Expander Flanges
It’s compact size saves space when compared to a reducer-welding neck flange. This flange has a raised face.
The most common type, featuring a raised sealing surface that concentrates the bolting force on a smaller area.
Has a flat sealing surface, commonly used with cast iron flanges and for low-pressure applications.
Features a groove for metal ring gaskets (oval or octagonal), providing metal-to-metal sealing.
Features matching tongue and groove surfaces, providing self-alignment and confined gasket area.
Flange faces have to be smooth enough to ensure a tight, leak-free seal for bolted flanges.
| Flange Face Type | Flange Face Type | Flange Face Type |
|---|---|---|
| Type A: flat face | Type D: groove face | Type G: O Ring recess |
| Type B: raised face | Type E: spigot | Type H: O Ring groove |
| Type C: tongue face | Type F: recess |
| ASME B16.5 | Pipe Flanges NPS 1/2 - 24 |
| ASTM A105 | Forged Carbon Steel |
| ASTM A350 LF2 | Low-Temperature Service |
| ASTM A182 | High-Temperature Service |
| ASTM A694 | High-Pressure Transmission |
| DIN EN 1092-1 | European Standard PN 2.5-400 |
Most commonly used, forged with machined surfaces
Corrosion resistant, grades 304, 316, etc.
High-temperature and high-pressure applications
Cast iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, plastic
| Material Category | Fittings (ASTM Grade) | Flanges (ASTM Grade) | Valves (ASTM Grade) | Bolts & Nuts (ASTM Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | A234 Gr WPA | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | A193 Gr B7 A194 Gr 2H |
| A234 Gr WPB | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | ||
| A234 Gr WPC | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | ||
| Carbon Steel
Alloy (High-Temperature) |
A234 Gr WP1 | A182 Gr F1 | A217 Gr WC1 | A193 Gr B7 A194 Gr 2H |
| A234 Gr WP11 | A182 Gr F11 | A217 Gr WC6 | ||
| A234 Gr WP12 | A182 Gr F12 | A217 Gr WC6 | ||
| A234 Gr WP22 | A182 Gr F22 | A217 Gr WC9 | ||
| A234 Gr WP5 | A182 Gr F5 | A217 Gr C5 | ||
| A234 Gr WP9 | A182 Gr F9 | A217 Gr C12 | ||
| Carbon Steel
Alloy (Low-Temperature) |
A420 Gr WPL6 | A350 Gr LF2 | A352 Gr LCB | A320 Gr L7 A194 Gr 7 |
| A420 Gr WPL3 | A350 Gr LF3 | A352 Gr LC3 | ||
| Austenitic Stainless Steel | A403 Gr WP304 | A182 Gr F304 | A182 Gr F304 | A193 Gr B8 A194 Gr 8 |
| A403 Gr WP316 | A182 Gr F316 | A182 Gr F316 | ||
| A403 Gr WP321 | A182 Gr F321 | A182 Gr F321 | ||
| A403 Gr WP347 | A182 Gr F347 | A182 Gr F347 |
ASTM standards define the specific manufacturing process of the material and determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges, through percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel, etc., and are indicated by "Grade".
The usual materials of flanges include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and plastic. The choice of the material largely depends on the purpose of the flange. For example, stainless steel is more durable and is necessary for heavy use. On the other hand, plastic is more feasible for use in the home because of its reasonable price and easy installation. The materials used for flanges are under the designation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The most common materials for pipe flanges (forged grades) are: ASTM A105 (carbon steel high temperature to match A53/A106/API 5L pipes), A350 Grades LF1/2/3 (carbon steel low temperature to match A333 pipes), A694 Grades F42 to F80 (high yield carbon steel to match API 5L pipe grades), ASTM A182 Grades F5 to F91 (alloy steel flanges to match A335 pipes), A182 Grade F304/316 (stainless steel flanges to match A312 SS pipes), A182 Gr. F44/F51/F53/F55 (duplex and super duplex to match A790/A928 pipes) and various nickel alloy grades (Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy, Monel).
The material qualities for these flanges are defined in the ASTM standards.
Metal flanges are classified from 150 to 2500 # rating for different pressure applications.
Incoloy 825 Flange
Industries Using
The basic application of the Expander Flange to connect pumps, pipes, valves, and other equipment, often using butt welds, to make a pipework system.
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