4 Types Of Flanges: A Simple Guide

By Author: Kanakbhuvan Industries LLP
Total Articles: 39
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Pipes are important accessories used in various piping systems to connect pipes, valve, pumps and others to ensure a smooth flow of the concerned fluid. It allows for the ease of planned or unplanned access for cleaning, and inspection or making alterations. However, given that there are numerous kinds of flanges out in the market, it may be somewhat daunting to determine which flange to employ for the given application.Kanakbhuvan Industries LLP is emerging as one of the premier Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings Manufacturers in India .
1. Weld Neck Flange (WN)
What is a Weld Neck Flange?
The Weld Neck Flange is a kind of flange used generally in pipelines, equipment, and other applications which involve the connection of pipes and tubes.We are also Pipe Fittings Manufacturers in Mumbai
A Weld Neck Flange has a long tapered hollow or bored section which shrinks from the ...
... flange thickness down to the diameter of the pipe which is sometime welded onto the pipe. This design offers great benefits in strength and stress distribution, which is highly suitable for the use in pressure and heat.
Where are they used?

High-stress environments: Including; oil and gas pipelines fields, chemical processing units and manufacturing plants, power generation units.
High-pressure applications: Thus, because of the stress and pressure they display an efficient coping mechanism.

Advantages

Strong and durable: The tapered hub gives a good interface as a result of the taper that is adopted in the design.
Reduced stress: This reduces stress concentration at the base of flange, thus making transition smooth.

Example
Think about a power plant where the high-pressure steam is transported with the help of a pipeline. The type of flange that would be best for connecting the pipes and which could also incorporate the high pressure and temperature is the Weld Neck Flange.
2. Slip-On Flange (SO)
What is a Slip-On Flange?
The primary type of flange that is utilized is referred to as a Slip-On Flange and this flange is slipped over the pipe and then welded on the inside and outside of the flange for reinforcement. It is easier to fit than the Weld Neck Flange and is most suitable for low pressure services.We are also the best Flange Manufacturer in India and SS Pipe Fittings Suppliers in UAE.
Where are they used?

Low-pressure systems: Such as water treatment plants and plumbing, water systems all.
When cost is a factor: These are cheaper and comparatively easier to align as compared to Weld Neck Flanges.

Advantages

Easy to install: No very close matching is required.
Cost-effective: Stronger than most and usually cheaper and easier to put up than other types.

Example
A case in point could be a water treatment plant where there are probably pipes that require to be joined but the pipes do not sustain high pressure. Flanges that are classified as Slip-On Flanges are among the best options to fit such needs.
3. Socket Weld Flange (SW)
What is a Socket Weld Flange?
A Socket Weld Flange is one which has a socket, into which the pipe isToFit and then fillet welded around Its hub. Small diameter pipes and high pressure are the features for which this type of flange is applicable.
Where are they used?

Small diameter pipelines: Particularly where there is heavy pressure on the differentiation.
When smooth bore is necessary: In the application areas where there is a need to have a free flowing system such as in the hydraulic lines.

Advantages

Strong connection: Ensures that the boat is well joined and has a water tight seam.
Good for small pipes: Recommended to make connections on small diameter pipelines.

Example
Think about a hydraulic system where it is necessary to keep high pressure in the pipes. A Socket Weld Flange provides a secure and leak proof seal where the stresses are high in such situations.
4. Blind Flange (BL)
What is a Blind Flange?
A Blind Flange does not have a central hole; they are employed to seal the terminate of a pipeline or a vessel. It is a solid disc that halts any flow, so it can be used in testing or to seal related networks.Product Source: SS Pipe Fittings Manufacturers in India and Pipe Fittings Supplier in Saudi Arabia
Where are they used?

Sealing pipe ends: In piping systems during maintenance or during inspection.
Testing equipment: To stress the system on the need to detect leaks.

Advantages

Complete seal: Tends to the pipe and makes certain that there should be no flow through the pipe.
Versatile: It can can be used to easily isolate a section of the pipe for example when undergoing maintenance..

Example
Suppose you have a chemical processing plant in which it is essential to isolate some parts of the pipeline to carry out cleaning. Employment of blind flanges offers a credible method of sealing these sections.
Conclusion
The kind of flange to use depends with the application requirement such as pressure class, temperature, size of pipe, and order of use or disuse of the flange. One is in a position to choose an appropriate flange type that best suits a specific project and thus assure a firm pipeline system.
Whether you are use it in a severe industrial application or a basic plumbing , there exists a flange type that is suitable to be used.
The ASME standards or any other professional literature contains detailed descriptions of all flange types, and their technical specifications, if necessary.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or if you need advice on flange.