{"id":13011,"date":"2020-03-25T13:33:06","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T18:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=13011&post_date=20200325104658"},"modified":"2024-04-29T15:31:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T20:31:57","slug":"orifice-flange-unions-to-industry-specs-customers-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/products\/flow-products\/orifice-flange-unions-to-industry-specs-customers-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"WIKA Flow Manufactures Orifice Flange Unions According to Industry Specs and Customers\u2019 Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

WIKA Flow designs and manufactures orifice flange unions according to the latest industry specifications. What\u2019s more, our engineers can tailor the entire package \u2013 flow elements, unions, gaskets, and hardware \u2013 for the needs of every application.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"Model

Model FLC-OP orifice plate<\/p><\/div>\n \n

To the south of Dallas\u2013Ft. Worth is the suburban city of Mansfield, home of WIKA Flow. In an 80,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art complex is the WIKA USA division that manufactures flow measurement products such as Venturi tubes,\u00a0Venturi and flow nozzles<\/a>, HHR (high head recovery) flow tubes, and\u00a0meter tubes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some of WIKA Flow\u2019s most popular products are\u00a0orifice plates<\/a>. They are the most economical and, thus, most widely used primary flow elements in the world. In addition, they are easy to install and highly versatile, making them an excellent option for any industry that needs to measure flow. That\u2019s why the ISO 9001 compliant facility in Mansfield contains 4,800 sq. ft. specifically dedicated to produce all types of\u00a0orifice plates\u00a0and differential elements, including orifice flange unions (OFUs), to the latest industry specifications.<\/p>\n

What Are Orifice Flange Unions?<\/h2>\n\n
\"Orifice

Model FLC-FL orifice flange with orifice plate<\/p><\/div>\n \n

Orifice flange unions are flange assemblies with pairs of pressure taps machined directly into the orifice flange. These built-in pressure taps eliminate the need for separate orifice carriers or pressure taps into the pipe wall. OFUs replace standard pipe flanges when mounting orifice plates and flow nozzles.<\/p>\n

Less expensive than other types of unions, OFUs provide additional flange thickness to properly place flange taps for pressure measurement. In addition, they are installed with jack screws, which makes for easy removal when end users need to inspect the paddle orifice plate.<\/p>\n

These unions are ideal for applications in oil and gas exploration and production, midstream gathering, process plants, transportation, and LNG plants. They are also cost-effective solutions for chemical, refining, and petrochemical processes, and a reliable choice for the power industry.<\/p>\n

When Not to Use OFUs<\/h2>\n

Orifice flange unions work best when the flow rate is fairly constant. As an OFU is not a custody transfer element, the orifice plate cannot be \u201ccentered centristically\u201d by installing a paddle-type orifice plate between two flanges. A better option alternative would be the single-chamber or dual-chamber orifice fitting. This custody element device (per its design standards) guarantees that the orifice plate is always properly centered.<\/p>\n

WIKA Flow\u2019s Standard and Custom Orifice Flange Unions<\/h2>\n

The Flow Division at WIKA USA has the in-house engineering capabilities to handle all our customers\u2019 needs for standard OFUs and other differential elements. Our warehouse has in stock a comprehensive inventory of flow-measurement products that are manufactured according to international standards ISO 5167\/ISO TR 15377, ASME MFC, ASME PTC 6, and ASME PTC 19.5.<\/p>\n

Each flow-measurement process is unique, with variations in media, pressure restriction, working temperature, connection types, and so forth. To meet an individual application\u2019s needs, many of our customers consult with a WIKA Flow specialist before placing an order. If an in-stock product does not meet those needs, our in-house experts can specially engineer the required differential elements.<\/p>\n

Our OFUs can come in a variety of materials, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n