Product Description
GB Standard Forged Steel Pipe Flanges are manufactured according to Guobiao (Chinese National Standards) for pressure piping, power plants, oil refineries, and municipal fluid systems. The framework harmonizes both European metric (PN series) and American imperial (Class series) dimensioning systems into a unified national standard.
1. Governing GB Standards
Chinese national flange specifications are consolidated under comprehensive standards covering materials, pressure-temperature ratings, and dimensions:
-
GB/T 9124.1: Steel pipe flanges - Part 1: PN designated series (European metric framework).
-
GB/T 9124.2: Steel pipe flanges - Part 2: Class designated series (American ASME B16.5 framework).
-
GB/T 9112 to GB/T 9123: Individual dimensional standards for specific flange types (e.g., GB/T 9115 for Weld Neck, GB/T 9123 for Blind).
-
HG/T 20592 & HG/T 20615: Chemical Industry Standards (HG) widely specified alongside GB standards for petrochemical plants.
2. GB Flange Structural Types & Letter Codes
GB standards utilize specific two-letter alphabetical codes to identify flange structural configurations:
| GB Type Code | Structural Description | Joint / Attachment Style | Primary Application |
| WN | Welding Neck Flange | Butt-welded via a smooth tapered hub. | High-pressure, high-temperature, cyclic loads. |
| SO | Slip-On Hubbed Flange | Double fillet-welded inside and out. | Medium-pressure lines; easier field alignment. |
| PL | Plate Flange for Welding | Fillet-welded flat disc (no hub). | Low-pressure utility, HVAC, and water lines. |
| BL | Blind Flange | Solid un-bored forged disc. | Pipeline capping, vessel nozzles, hydro-testing. |
| SW | Socket Welding Flange | Recessed socket fillet-welded. | Small-bore high-pressure lines ($text{DN } le 50$). |
| TH | Threaded Flange | Screwed NPT / BSP male threads. | Non-welded utility lines, explosive areas. |
| PJ/SE / PJ/RJ | Loose / Lap Joint Flange | Rotatable flange ring over a stub end. | Corrosive media lines; fast bolt hole alignment. |
3. Sealing Face Configurations (GB Standard)
GB standards use letter designations for flange sealing face profiles:
-
RF (Raised Face): Concentric serrated raised seating area; standard for general industrial service.
-
FF (Flat Face): Entire face is machined flat; used when mating against fragile or cast iron equipment.
-
FM / M (Female / Male Face): Matched recessed and raised step set to retain gaskets under pressure.
-
TG / T (Tongue / Groove Face): Interlocking groove joint preventing lateral gasket displacement.
-
RJ (Ring Joint): Machined metallic annular groove for solid metal ring gaskets in high-pressure service.
4. Pressure Ratings & Dimensional Systems
GB standards accommodate both global piping philosophies within one specification:
PN Series (Metric / European Origin)
-
Pressure Ratings: PN 2.5, PN 6, PN 10, PN 16, PN 25, PN 40, PN 63, PN 100, PN 160.
-
Nominal Sizes: DN 10 through DN 2000.
Class Series (Imperial / ASME Origin)
-
Pressure Ratings: Class 150, Class 300, Class 600, Class 900, Class 1500, Class 2500.
-
Nominal Sizes: DN 15 ($NPS 1/2$) through DN 600 ($NPS 24$).
5. Standard GB Material Specifications
Forged steel materials for GB flanges correspond directly to international carbon, alloy, and stainless steel grades:
| GB Steel Grade | Chinese Material Spec | Equivalent ASTM Grade | Equivalent EN / WNr Grade |
| Q235B / 20# | GB/T 699 / GB/T 700 (Carbon) | ASTM A105 / A36 | P250GH / 1.0460 |
| 16Mn / Q345R | GB/T 1591 (High-Yield Carbon) | ASTM A350 LF2 | P355NH / 1.0565 |
| 12Cr1MoVG | GB/T 5310 (Cr-Mo Alloy) | ASTM A182 F11 / F22 | 13CrMo4-5 / 1.0735 |
| 15CrMoG | GB/T 5310 (Cr-Mo Alloy) | ASTM A182 F5 / F9 | 16Mo3 / 1.0619 |
| 06Cr19Ni10 | GB/T 1220 (Stainless 304) | ASTM A182 F304 | X5CrNi18-10 / 1.4301 |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T 1220 (Stainless 316L) | ASTM A182 F316L | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / 1.4404 |
Precision Engineered for Demanding EnvironmentsGB Standard Forged Steel Pipe Flanges are meticulously forged and machined for high strength and dimensional accuracy, fulfilling the strict requirements of pipeline, oil & gas, chemical, power plant, and water treatment sectors. Their robust construction and high metallurgical purity ensure they perform reliably even under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
Wide Range of Types and Customization OptionsCustomers can select from a broad variety of flange types-including Weld Neck, Slip On, Threaded, Blind, and others-with sizes from DN15 to DN1200 and pressure ratings up to PN64. Options for face finishes and surface treatments further allow users to tailor the product for specific technical or environmental needs.
Certified Quality and Rigorous TestingEach flange is subjected to hydrostatic, ultrasonic, and PMI (Positive Material Identification) testing. As a result, these products deliver uncompromised leak-proof performance and meet the highest standards for material traceability and safety assurance.
FAQ's of GB Standard Forged Steel Pipe Flanges:
Q: How are GB Standard forged steel pipe flanges tested for quality?
A: Each flange undergoes hydrostatic, ultrasonic, and Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing to guarantee material integrity, leak-proof connections, and high metallurgical purity. These rigorous assessments ensure reliable performance and compliance with GB/T 9112-9131 standards.
Q: What types of forged flanges are available according to the GB standard?
A: The available types include Weld Neck, Slip On, Socket Weld, Blind, Threaded, Lap Joint, and Orifice flanges. All are produced in various face types such as Raised Face (RF), Flat Face (FF), and Ring Type Joint (RTJ), catering to diverse connection requirements.
Q: Where can GB Standard forged steel flanges be used?
A: They are suitable for industrial, commercial, and marine applications, including use in pipelines, oil & gas infrastructure, chemical processing, power plants, and water treatment facilities, due to their high strength and corrosion resistance.
Q: What is the process for installing these forged steel flanges?
A: Installation depends on the flange type: Weld Neck and Socket Weld require precise welding, Threaded types are suitable for screwed connections, while Slip On and Blind flanges can be bolted or welded. Always follow standard piping installation guidelines to ensure proper sealing and safety.
Q: What are the benefits of choosing GB Standard forged flanges over other options?
A: These flanges combine superior mechanical strength, exceptional corrosion resistance, precise tolerances, and high leak-proof performance. Their certified quality, wide availability of types, and suitability for elevated pressures and temperatures make them an ideal choice for demanding operational environments.
Q: When should I select a particular face type (RF, FF, RTJ) for my application?
A: Choose the face type based on design and sealing requirements: Raised Face (RF) is common in industrial applications, Flat Face (FF) is useful for less critical or lower pressure systems, while Ring Type Joint (RTJ) is optimal for high pressure, high-temperature environments requiring superior seals.