The first thing to do before using a flange in your applications is to understand the different types of flanges available. Flanges help to connect pipes to other pipes, valves, fittings, and filters. They get joined by bolting through the holes around them. But first, you should place a gasket between them to provide sealing.
What are the most common types of flanges for pipelines?
There are different types of flanges based on the service conditions where they operate. As a result, they have varying properties, including corrosion resistance, pressure-temperature ratings (class), and erosion resistance. Their cost, physical size, and the number of welds for attachment also vary.
Wondering what flange designs match your application? Learn the different types of flanges and their applications. Share on X- Socket Weld Flange
- Blind Flange
- Threaded Flange
- Slip On Flange
1) Socket Weld Flange
A socket weld flange has a socket where you can insert a pipe and secure it by one fillet weld on the flange hub’s exterior. This flange type is ideal for small nominal pipe sizes and common for ½ to 2-inch pipe sizes. Unfortunately, experts don’t consider it a high-integrity joint since proving the weld is complicated.
2) Blind Flange
You can use a blind flange in place of a butt weld cap when you need an extension of the piping line or when a piping inspection is essential. Also, you can use this flange type as the rod access point on drain systems for easy access to the piping system. And based on the application, you can drill a blind flange and use it as a slip-on flange or tap it as a threaded flange.
3) Threaded Flange
This flange uses a screw thread to create connections to pipes. First, a male thread gets cut onto a pipe end. Then a female thread is cut into the flange’s bore. Next, the matching male thread on the pipe gets screwed into the female threaded flange.
The advantage is that you can connect the flanges without welding. However, the threaded flange is only ideal for small piping, non-toxic, and low-pressure systems.
4) Slip On Flange
Also known as “hubbed flanges,” slip-on flanges have a low-profile hub. You can connect them to pipes using one or two fillet welds – one inside and the other outside the flange. However, you can use a single weld only. Thankfully, slip-on flanges offer lower procurement costs and require lower pipe-cutting accuracy.
BOP Products Have You Covered
Now that you know the different types of flanges and their uses, you should choose suitable options for your applications. You can also consider a lap joint flange, orifice flanges, and other special flanges like reducer, expander, and swivel flange designs. Thankfully, you can find high-quality flanges at BOP Products.
Contact us to learn more applications of different types of flanges.
