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A flange is a method used to form a piping system through the connection of valves, pipes, and other equipment. They are melted, and the flanged joints are formed by attaching two flanges which create a space between them. The piping system made with flanges can be connected or disconnected easily.
Type Of Flanges
Socket Welding Flanges
These flanges were created for high-pressure piping through small-size. As to connect the pipe, one fillet weld is done on the exterior of the flange. However, a gasket must be created between the flange and the line before the welding is done. The disadvantage of this flange is that the gap made before welding can cause corrosion issues.
Slip-On Flange
As to form a piping system, two fillet welds are done both inside and outside of the flange. The space left is essential because it ensures that the flange face isn’t damaged during welding. The disadvantage of this flange is that the pipe must be welded before fitting. It isn’t possible to combine a flange and elbow because the fittings don’t have a straight end to entirely slide in the slip on flanges.
Welding Neck Flange
These flanges are made to fit perfectly with the fitting diameter so that the product can flow without restrictions. There’s no turbulence at the joint hence less erosion. This type of flange is welded using a V weld for single full penetration.
Lap Joint Flange
These flanges have a bore where a flanged portion of “Lap Joint Stub End” is fitted. They have a little capability to hold pressure. Because they slip over pipes, these flanges can be used at any pressure and are neither fastened nor welded. Through the flange’s tension, which lies against the stub end, the gasket receives pressure from the bolting pressure. This type of flange has a few advantages including;
- It never comes into contact with the fluid, and cheap carbon steel flanges can be used as they don’t rust
- These flanges can be re-used in areas where other flanges corrode quickly
- They can swivel comfortably around the pipe, which allows opposing flange bolt holes to line up.
Threaded Flange
These flanges don’t require welds for them to be fitted in a pipe, making it a primary advantage. They are preferably used in small sizes despite them being available in all sizes. Lines with thin walls aren’t suitable for this type of flange, so pipes with thicker walls must be used to enable cutting thread on the pipe.
Blind Flanges
These flanges have no bore in the making and used to blank off the valves, and piping ends. The larger sizes are mostly used in bolt loading and internal pressure. They are best when used on higher temperatures and pressures because they bend at the center, and there’s no specific diameter on the inside.
Flanges are widely used in plumbing and piping systems, among other areas. Because there are different types of flanges, the user must know which flange is best used in whatever they intend to do. When wrong flanges are used, fluids can leak, and also corrosion can occur quickly. Professionals should determine what type of flange is fit whenever a piping system needs to be developed.
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