The Retain Ring Flange System is a non-welded piping connection designed for heavy-wall pipes, typically Sch 160 and thicker. The pipe end is machined or grooved to form an annular groove on the outside diameter, allowing a retain ring to mechanically secure the flange to the pipe.
After machining or pipe grooving, the flange is slipped onto the pipe and a retain ring (which consists of a segmented stainless steel ring bound by a spiral wound stainless steel spring) is sprung over the pipe’s outside diameter nesting in the annular groove. The flanges can be rotated prior to bolting thus eliminating the need to be concerned about the axis of the pipe on which the fitter aligns the flange holes. At times, it also allows the flange cap screws to be installed in more confined spaces. Learn more on how pipe is grooved.
How Retain Ring Flange System Works
The pipe end is machined to form an annular groove on its outside diameter. A segmented retain ring is positioned in this groove and mechanically retains the flange on the pipe. The connection is sealed using an O-ring seal retainer positioned between the pipe end and the mating flange. The seal retainer incorporates O-rings on both sides, creating a sealed connection at the pipe end face when the flanges are bolted together. TMI has in-house developed portable Pipe Grooving Machine to meet the required standard of grooving needed for retain ring flange system. Grooving machine operator needs basic training to operate the equipment which will be provided by our installation team. For more information on grooving learn how pipe is grooved.
Retain Ring Flange System Specification
Material and Pipe Sizes
Retain Ring Flange system is used for pipes of sizes ranging from 1-1/2” through 10” (Sch 160 and above). The flanges come in Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel 316L material.
Pressure Ratings
Retain Ring Flange System can take pressures upto 6000 psi / 420 bar based on the pipe size and thickness.
Flange Standards
Retain Ring Flange System comes in SAE Code 61 (ISO 6162-1), SAE Code 62 (ISO 6162-2), ISO 6164 and also TMI® 8-bolt and 9-bolt proprietary flange standard.
Benefits of Retain Ring Flange System
- Unlike welded flanges, Tube-Mac® retain ring flanges rotate freely around the pipe for easy bolt alignment.
- The grooving and installation time is measured in minutes versus hours for a welded connection.
- The non-welded retain ring flange technology is clean, preventing contamination from being introduced into the piping systems.
- The retain ring flange system is a fast and clean solution for connecting pipes, requiring less time to commission and oil flush the system.
- The non-welded leak-free flange connection offers a significantly reduced overall installed cost when compared to a welded piping system
Certifications
Compliance – Fully complies with ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3
Rigorous Tests Passed – Impulse & Vibration Test, Flange Pull Out Test
Industries
Applications
Retain Ring Flange Systems are used in high-pressure hydraulic, lubrication, oil and water piping applications where heavy-wall pipe and reliable mechanical connections are required.
HYDRAULICS
LUBRICATION
GREASING
OIL
WATER
Retain Ring Flange System in Projects
