Sanitary flange
High-Quality Sanitary Flanges for Hygienic Applications
Sanitary flanges are essential components in industries requiring strict hygiene standards such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Our premium sanitary flanges meet the highest industry standards for cleanability, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Sanitary Flange Specifications
- Material: 316L stainless steel (standard), other alloys available
- Surface Finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 μm (32 μin) electro-polished or mechanically polished
- Size Range: 1/2" to 12" nominal diameter
- Pressure Rating: 150 psi (10 bar) standard
- Temperature Range: -20°F to 400°F (-29°C to 204°C)
- Standards Compliance: 3-A, ASME BPE, DIN, ISO, SMS
Sanitary Flange Dimensions (3-A Standard)
| Nominal Size | Outside Diameter | Bolt Circle | Number of Holes | Bolt Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 2.38" (60.5mm) | 1.75" (44.5mm) | 4 | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| 3/4" | 2.88" (73.0mm) | 2.25" (57.2mm) | 4 | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| 1" | 3.12" (79.4mm) | 2.50" (63.5mm) | 4 | 5/16"-18 UNC |
| 1.5" | 4.12" (104.6mm) | 3.25" (82.6mm) | 4 | 3/8"-16 UNC |
| 2" | 5.00" (127.0mm) | 4.00" (101.6mm) | 4 | 1/2"-13 UNC |
Sanitary Flange FAQ
Q: What makes a sanitary flange different from standard industrial flanges?
A: Sanitary flanges are specifically designed for industries requiring hygienic processing. They feature smooth, crevice-free surfaces that prevent bacterial growth, use high-grade materials resistant to corrosion and pitting, and comply with strict sanitary standards like 3-A and ASME BPE. Standard flanges typically have rough surfaces and designs that can trap product.
Q: How often should sanitary flanges be inspected in a food processing facility?
A: We recommend visual inspections of sanitary flanges before each production run and thorough inspections every 3-6 months. Critical factors to check include: gasket condition, surface finish integrity, signs of corrosion or pitting, and proper bolt tension. In high-acid or high-temperature applications, more frequent inspections may be necessary.
Q: Can sanitary flanges be used with different piping materials?
A: Yes, sanitary flanges can connect to various piping materials when proper adapters are used. Common connections include: stainless steel to stainless steel (direct flange-to-flange), stainless to plastic (using specialized sanitary adapters), and stainless to glass (with appropriate clamp systems). Always ensure all materials meet the hygiene requirements of your specific application.
Proper Sanitary Flange Installation
- Clean all surfaces with approved sanitary cleaners
- Inspect gasket for imperfections and proper material compatibility
- Align flanges carefully to prevent gasket pinching
- Hand-tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern
- Final torque to manufacturer's specifications (typically 5-10 ft-lbs for 1/4" bolts)
- Verify uniform gap between flange faces
- Conduct pressure test if required
Sanitary Flange Maintenance Best Practices
- Clean after each use with pH-neutral detergents
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage surface finish
- Replace gaskets at recommended intervals or when showing wear
- Store in clean, dry environments when not in use
- Keep mating surfaces protected during handling
- Document all maintenance activities for compliance records
Industry Standards for Sanitary Flanges
| Standard | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 3-A Sanitary Standards | US standard for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical equipment | Material purity, cleanability, non-toxic surfaces |
| ASME BPE | Bioprocessing equipment standard | Surface roughness, material traceability, dimensional tolerances |
| DIN 11866 | European standard for hygienic flange connections | Material specifications, dimensional requirements |
| SMS 1145 | Scandinavian dairy standard | Special requirements for dairy applications |