T&G Flange vs Standard RF Flange in Refrigeration

[houchie]

I am replacing a heat exchanger used to condense Freon from a vapor to a liquid. Shell rating is 300 psi at 200/20 deg F and tube side rating is 75 psi at 150/20 deg F. Freon is on the shell side and cooling water on the tube side. In reviewing the original design, a 6" 300# T&G CS flange is used on the shell side inlet and a 6" 300# Refrigeration FRICK flange on the outlet. There are no documents in our file to explain why the two different types of flanges are being used. With such moderate temperatures and pressures, I do not understand why a standard 300# RF flange can't be used on both ends. Am I missing anything or is there a special requirement for the current flanges because of Freon? Any ideas or comments??

 

[TXiceman]

The refrigeration flanges are a unique design to the refrigeration industry. They are designed to provide a higher clamping force than the standard ANSI flanges.

I do not know how old your equipment is, but the trend has been to get totally away from flanges as much as possible and go with socket or butt weld joints directly to the vessel/heat exchanger. This is done to minimze leaks to keep the EPA folks happy.

Flanges are only now supplied to equipment that will need to be pulled for regular maintenace sucha s control valves, pump, etc.

Ken

Ken
KE5DFR