Temperature Rating
SAE Flanges are made of different materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel. SAE Flanges are connecting devices for pipes, hoses, and tubes. SAE Flanges are designed following the SAE standards and specifications. Carbon steel and stainless steel are some of the most used materials in the mechanical industry due to their strength, weldability, and durability.
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Furthermore, they have some elements that enhance the resistance to chemicals and corrosion. SAE flanges are also known as Code 61 and Code 62, each representing a pressure series. The elastomer o-ring affects the overall SAE Flange operation temperature rating.
1. What are SAE Flanges ?
SAE Flanges are one of the most common types of flanges used in hydraulic system applications. SAE Flanges are suitable for various purposes and available in a range of sizes. They are connecting components for pipes, hoses, and tubes in a hydraulic system.
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SAE Flanges are valuable in size between 3/8” to 5”. This wide range makes them fit into different applications with unique sizes. The full package of the SAE Flange comes with different components to seal the connection. The components are flat side flange, o-ring side, screw caps. Bolts, and washers. Also, it could come as an o-ring side flange or flat side flange depending on the preference.
2. What are SAE Flanges made of ?
SAE Flanges are made majorly of two materials, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Stainless steel (SS316) is one of the materials containing high resistance against corrosion. Stainless steel (SS316) is an alloy of chromium, iron, and other elements. SS316 also has some percentage of molybdenum and this also helps increase the resistance of the corrosion. Generally, Stainless steel SS316 has very good resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and heat.
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The working temperature of the stainless steel SAE Flange is between -60°C to +50°C. All pressure directives are based on a working temperature -60°C to +50°C. Beyond this temperature range, the physical properties of the used material are affected and the maximum operation working pressure is reduced according to the elevated temperature rating. The elevated temperature rating is calculated when the environment temperature changes.
The indicated temperature pressure refers only to the flange body itself. The pressure directives of the respective are the determining factor for use of tubes, fittings, or connectors.
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Stainless steel (SS316) has another variant SS316L which is a low-carbon content of the material. That is, while SS316 has a higher content of carbon, the SS316L has a lower content. SS316 is one of the materials used for the SAE Flange because of its various properties.
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Another material for the manufacturing of SAE Flanges is carbon steel. Carbon steel, unlike stainless steel, is an alloy of carbon and iron. The working temperature of carbon steel flanges is -40°C and +120°C. Generally, this material contains a maximum carbon content of 2.1%. However, the content varies in the versions. Carbon steel is classified into three variants; mild carbon steel (low carbon steel), medium-carbon steel, and high-carbon steel.
SS316 contains several elements which are shown in the table below:
3. How the Elastomer O-ring affect the temperature rating?
All SAE Flange connections are sealed using an elastomer o-ring. The o-ring supplied is made from NBR or Viton material. The standard common material use with SAE Flange is NBR 70. Viton is available upon request and the advantage is to work in high temperature environment which is up to 205°C.