What is A Flange: Types, Connection, and Machining Process

22 Nov.,2023

 

Choosing the right flange for your piping system or intended joining purpose will help to guarantee dependable performance, a long service life, and affordable cost. Below are common flange types and their uses.

Socket-Weld Flanges

Socket-weld flanges have a connection where you insert the pipe into the flange, similar to snap-fit joints. A multi-pass filet weld helps secure the connection. This makes socket-weld flanges ideal for smaller pipe diameters in low-temperature and low-pressure conditions. Therefore, These flanges eliminate the constraints of threaded ends and make this form easier to set up than other welded flanges.

Lap Joint Flanges

Lap flange joints have a two-piece construction, and the flanged connection is made by welding the shaft end to the pipe or fitting and using a backing flange. Because of its design, this form is well-liked for usage in systems with constrained dimensions or requiring frequent disassembly and maintenance.

Blind Flanges

Blind flanges, simply blank discs that are easy to bolt, find use in the isolation or termination of piping systems. When placed correctly and used with the appropriate gaskets, they can create an excellent seal that is simple to remove when necessary.

Weld Neck Flanges

Weld neck flanges need to be shaft welded to be installed, just like lap flange joints. However, their reliability makes them a popular option for process pipes. They also perform excellently in systems with several repeat bends, making them ideal for high-temperature and pressure systems.

Slip-On Flanges

Slip-on flanges are widely used and come in various sizes to support systems with increased flow rates and throughout. All you need to do is match the pipe’s outer diameter to the flange. The flange must be securely fastened to the pipe on both sides, which makes installation a little more technical.

Threaded Flanges

This design, also called a flange screw, features a thread inside the flange bore that matches the male thread on the pipe or fitting. You may dispense with welding in many applications thanks to the threaded connection. To use threaded flanges, matching the thread to the pipes you want to connect is best.

Long Neck Welding Flanges

Long weld neck flanges, also known as integral flanges, indicate that the neck of a welding neck flange is extremely lengthy. The welding neck flange commonly features a conical neck and a bevel end butted together with the complementary pipe.

Orifice Flanges

When orifice plates or flow nozzles are utilized, orifice flanges are used instead of the typical pipe flanges. This mainly aims to gauge how quickly gases or liquids are moving through the appropriate pipeline.

Special Flange Types You Need to Know

Special flanges are flange types that are suitable for use in a diverse range of environments. They also include flange types with a diverse range of uses. Special flange types include:

  • Expanding flanges
  • Nipo Flanges
  • Reducing flanges
  • High hub flanges
  • Ring type flanges
  • Groove and tongue flanges
  • Loose flanges
  • Spectacle blind flanges

If you have any questions on flange management. We will give the professional answers to your questions.