1. Industry Insights: 3 flange Market Overview
The 3 flange family—including 3 inch exhaust flange, 3 inch exhaust pipe with flange, 3 inch flange, 3 inch pipe flange, 3 pipe flange, 300 flange, and 4 150 flange—remains essential in various industrial piping, exhaust, and water systems. Global demand for pipe flanges surpassed USD 8 billion in 2023 (Source: Grand View Research), with 3 inch flanges representing around 14% of all flange applications.
Key Parameters for 3 flange and Related Types
| Flange Size | Type | Bolt Holes | Pressure Class (psi) | Material Options | Common Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inch | Slip-On, Weld Neck | 4–8 | 150–600 | Carbon Steel, SS304/316, Alloy | ANSI, AWWA, EN1092 |
| 3 inch | Exhaust Flange | 2–3 | – | Stainless, Mild Steel | OEM/Custom |
| 3 inch | Pipe Flange | 4 | 150 | HDPE, Ductile Iron | AWWA, ASTM |
| 3 inch | Socket Weld | 4–8 | 300 | Forged Steel | ASME B16.5 |
| 4 inch | 150 Flange | 8 | 150 | Stainless, CS, Alloy | ANSI, AWWA |
| 3 inch | Hub Flange | 4 | 275–400 | Carbon/Stainless Steel | AWWA C207 |
Market Share by Material
Figure 1: A typical 3 flange connection in an industrial piping setup.
2. Technical Analysis: Parameters and Data Visualization
Technical Specifications: Table 4 AWWA C207-07 Class E Hub Flanges
| Nominal Size | OD (mm) | Bolt Circle (mm) | Bolt Holes | Thickness (mm) | Bolt Size (mm) | Pressure Rating (psi) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | 168.3 | 190.5 | 4 | 24 | 19 | 275 | Carbon Steel/SS |
| 4" | 219.1 | 228.6 | 8 | 27 | 22 | 275 | Carbon Steel/SS |
| 6" | 323.9 | 279.4 | 8 | 27 | 22 | 275 | Carbon Steel/SS |
| 12" | 406.4 | 483 | 12 | 33 | 25.4 | 275 | Carbon Steel/SS |
| 24" | 692 | 749.3 | 20 | 41 | 28.6 | 275 | Carbon Steel/SS |
* Data compiled from product technical sheet and AWWA/ISO standards.
3. Manufacturing Process: How a 3 flange is Made
Manufacturing Workflow
Raw Material Selection
→
Cutting & Preparation
→
Forging / Casting
→
CNC Machining
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Drilling & Finishing → NDT/NDT (Inspection) → Surface Coating & Marking
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Drilling & Finishing → NDT/NDT (Inspection) → Surface Coating & Marking
- Raw Material: Selected carbon steel (A105) or stainless steel (304/316) bar stock or ingots.
- Cutting: Sawn or plasma-cut to rough flange dimensions.
- Forging/Casting: Billet is formed into rough flange shape by hot forging (most common for strength) or via precision casting for cost.
- CNC Machining: Automated lathes/mills define the hub, face, bore, bolt holes to precise tolerances (±0.1mm).
- Drilling & Finishing: Bolt holes CNC-drilled, sealing face finished (raised, flat-faced, or RTJ per need).
- Inspection: Each piece NDT (ultrasound/MPI), dimensions confirmed to ISO/ANSI/AWWA standards, material traceability checked.
- Surface Coating: Anti-corrosion treatment (zinc, paint, epoxy for waterworks), part marked per ASTM/AWWA/EN.
For an animated process demonstration, see this CNC flange video.
Key Manufacturing Highlights
- Material Quality: Complies with ISO 9001, AWWA C207-07, and ANSI B16.5.
- Forging Strength: Hot forged design delivers 30% greater tensile strength compared with cast alternatives.
- Precision Machining: CNC process ensures tight gasket fit and excellent pressure integrity.
- Corrosion Resistance: Through epoxy/zinc coating or selection of stainless steel (up to 10x greater corrosion life in water/chemical environments).
- Inspection: 100% dimensional and NDT testing, following ISO 5208 and AWWA leak testing requirements.
4. Technical Advantages: Why Choose Table 4 AWWA C207-07 Class E Hub Flanges?
- Exceptional Pressure Rating: With a 275 psi working pressure, these 3 flange types are suited for demanding potable water and process plants.
- Versatile Connections: Suitable for steel, ductile iron, stainless, and lined pipes (including HDPE), used in municipal and industrial waterworks.
- Long-term Durability: Service lifespan exceeds 25 years, with robust anti-corrosion specified for outdoor and buried service.
- Precision Tolerances: Machined surfaces hold tolerances ±0.15mm on critical faces, ensuring sealing and safety.
- Global Certification: Meets ISO, EN, AWWA standards for municipal water, industrial process, and fire protection piping.
5. Supplier Comparison: 3 Flange Manufacturer Benchmark
| Manufacturer | Main Certification | Core Material | Pressure Range (psi) | Delivery Lead Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YULI Steel Fittings | AWWA, ISO, SGS | CS, SS304/316 | 150-400 | 2–6 weeks | 36 months |
| Dixon Valve | ASTM, FDA | SS304, CS | 150-275 | 3–7 weeks | 24 months |
| Smith-Cooper | ANSI, ISO | CS, DI, SS | 150-350 | Available stock | 18 months |
| Industrial Flange | ASME, ISO | CS, SS, Alloy | 150-300 | 3–8 weeks | 24 months |
Note: Always verify the latest industry certifications and pressure ratings based on your project’s specific needs.
6. Customization & Engineering Options
- Material Customization: Options range from A105 carbon steel (standard), 316L stainless steel (high corrosion) to special alloys for aggressive media.
- Face Finish Selection: Raised face (RF), flat face (FF), ring-type joint (RTJ), or custom machined per gasket requirements.
- Drilling Pattern: ANSI/ASME, AWWA, ISO, or tailor-made for retrofit to legacy systems.
- Surface Coating: Epoxy, zinc spray, hot-dip galvanizing, or painted for specific corrosion resistance and color-coding requirements. Food-grade (FDA) coating available.
- Documentation: MTC (Mill Test Certificate), PMI, hydrotest, dimensional and NDT reports, with full traceability.
Customization Case: A mining project in Western Australia required 3 inch pipe flanges with PTFE lining and ANSI-150 drilling, tested to 375 psi hydrostatic pressure—delivered within 5 weeks including independent 3rd-party inspection.
7. Industry Applications & Field Cases
Municipal Waterworks
- Project: Changsha Water Treatment Expansion, 2022
- Scope: 1200+ 3 flange AWWA Class E units installed in raw/treated water lines (DN80–DN200).
- Outcome: 35% reduction in coupling failures; zero leaks in first 18 months of operation (ISO 5208 certified pressure test).
Petrochemical Plant
- Project: Mid-East Refinery Integration, 2021
- Scope: 480 custom 3 inch flange units (SS316, RTJ face), high-sulphur service lines.
- Outcome: Service uptime improvement by 21%, no corrosion identified after 2 years (inspection by SGS).
Exhaust & HVAC Systems
- Project: European Commercial HVAC Center, 2023
- Scope: Stainless 3 inch exhaust pipes with flange for air handling and emission control.
- Outcome: Quick installation, zero misalignment, and vibration isolation, confirmed by post-install thermal scans.
8. FAQ: Professional Questions & Answers about 3 Flange Systems
- Q1: What materials are most suitable for a 3 flange exposed to aggressive chemicals? A: Stainless steel 316L or duplex alloys offer maximum corrosion resistance in chemical applications. For critical lines, consider fully lined (PTFE/PFA) flanges and confirm ASTM A182 F316L compliance.
- Q2: What are the standard pressure ratings for 3 inch pipe flange in AWWA C207? A: Table 4 AWWA C207-07 Class E hub flanges are rated up to 275 psi but can be custom engineered for higher pressures; always verify hydrostatic test data per project.
- Q3: How does bolt circle diameter (BCD) affect flange compatibility? A: The BCD must match the mating flange or fitting as per ANSI/ISO standards; a mismatch causes uneven sealing and potential leakage. Always reference the latest AWWA or ASME B16.5 tables for exact BCD.
- Q4: What inspection certifications should a reliable 3 pipe flange manufacturer provide? A: ISO 9001 QMS, EN10204 3.1/3.2 MTCs, pressure/hydrotest (per ISO 5208 or AWWA C550), and NDT (ultrasonic, magnetic particle) reports guarantee reliability and full traceability.
- Q5: Can 3 inch exhaust flange systems be used for both automotive and industrial exhaust setups? A: Yes. 3 inch exhaust flanges work in both sectors, but materials differ—mild steel or aluminized in automotive for cost, while 304 stainless or high-temp alloys are recommended for industrial/high heat environments.
- Q6: Are there recommended torque values for tightening 3 flange bolts? A: Yes, always follow manufacturer torque tables based on gasket type and bolt size—e.g., for 3" 19mm M16 bolts, typical dry torque is 85–100 Nm (AWWA/ASME).
- Q7: What is the typical delivery time and warranty policy for Table 4 AWWA C207-07 Class E Hub Flanges? A: Normal lead times are 2–6 weeks depending on size, coating, and numbers. Standard warranty is 24–36 months for manufactured defects, supported by a worldwide service network.
9. Delivery, Warranty, and Technical Support
- Delivery: 2–6 weeks ex-works, urgent orders possible within 10 days (subject to stock and production schedule).
- Warranty: 24–36 months on material and workmanship; free replacement or credit for confirmed defects.
- After-sales Service: 7x24 hotline, remote video support, full documentation (MTC, test certificates, as-built drawings).
- Certificates: All products are supplied with ISO 9001, AWWA manufacturing certs, and third-party inspection reports if required.
- Project Support: Engineering team provides flange selection, calculation, and CAD modeling at no extra cost for major projects.
Delivery schedules may vary for custom coatings, special alloys, or third-party witness tests.
10. References, Further Reading, & Forum Discussions
- Grand View Research, “Flange Market Size & Analysis, 2023,” available at GVR Flange Industry Report
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) Standard C207-07, “Steel Pipe Flanges for Waterworks Service,” AWWA Standards Library
- Eng-Tips Forums, “Pipe Flange Leakage: Design, Materials, Solutions,” Industry Discussion
- Peer-Reviewed: “Performance Evaluation of Flanged Pipe Joints under Hydrostatic Pressure Tests,” ASCE Journal
- YULI Steel Fittings Product Page
