Types of Pipe Flanges Used in Piping Systems

There are different types of pipe flanges  used in the piping systems depending upon the fluid, PT rating, material of construction, connecting equipment etc.  Below are the types of flanges used in piping based on facing

1) Flat Face (FF) Flanges:

These pipe flanges are used when the counter flanges are flat face. They are mainly used at connection to cast iron equipment, valves and specialties. This flat face flange has a gasket surface in the same plane as the bolting circle face.

Flange flat face FF

2) Raised Face (RF) Flanges:

These pipe flanges are the most commonly used flanges. The raised face thickness for 150# and 300# are included in the specified flange thickness and for higher rating they are not included in the flange thickness.

Flange raised face (RF)

3) Male-Female (M/F) Face Flanges:

These pipe flanges are better version of Raised face flanges.

Flange male female (MF)

4) Tongue-Groove (T/G) Face Flanges:

These pipe flanges are most reliable type of flange joint but are costlier than the other type of flanges.

Flange tongue groove joint (TG)

5) Ring Type Joint (RTJ) Flanges:

These pipe flanges are most reliable type of flange joint but are costlier than the other type of flanges. The Ring Type Joint flanges are generally used in high pressure (Class 600 and higher rating) and/or high temperature services above 800°F (427°C).

Flange ring joint (RG)

Reference : http://www.piping-engineering.com/pipe-flanges-types-systems.html