10 Popular Types of Flanges used in Industries

Flanges are used for making a pipework system by joining valves, pipes, pumps, and other devices. To provide access to the piping system, flanges are usually welded or threaded together, and then two flanges are linked by bolting them together with gaskets. Slip On Flanges, weld-neck flanges, blind flanges, socket weld flanges, etc. are just some of the many varieties of these flanges that may be purchased. Flanges are an integral part of plumbing systems, and there are many different kinds utilised for different purposes and sizes.

10 Popular Types of Flanges used in Industries:

1. Slip On Flanges (SO flanges):

Slip on Flange consists essentially of a ring that fits over the pipe’s end, along with a flange’s face extended over the end of the pipe far enough to weld a bead to the inside of the pipe. These flanges are called "Slip On" because they may be installed on a pipe by simply sliding them on.

The SO flange's inner dimension is somewhat larger than the pipe's external dimension, allowing it to be fillet welded directly to the pipe at its top and bottom. Assembled to fit into the inner hole of the flange, it’s used for inserting the pipe. Pipe flanges can have a flat or raised face for slip on installation. When working with low pressure, Slip On Flanges is a good option. For many fluid pipelines, the slip on flange is used more often than it should be.

2. Weld Neck Flanges:

Tapered hub flanges, often called high-hub flanges, are another name for Weld Neck Flanges. The pressure built up at the flange's base is relieved thanks to the weld neck flange's (WN flange) movable neck. To put it another way, it can be used with high-pressure, high-temperature pipelines.

A Welding Neck Flange can be recognised by its long tapered end, which gradually penetrates the wall thickness of a pipe or fitting. When used in high-pressure, sub-zero, and/or high-temperature environments, the long, tapered hub provides significant shielding. Weld neck flanges are circular fittings that have a projecting edge around their perimeter. Up to 5,000 psi, Weld Neck Flange has been put to good service.

3. Socket Weld Flanges:

There is only one fillet weld connecting the Socket weld flanges on the outside, hence they are not often recommended for use in emergency situations. Small-bore lines typically employ them. Although its static strength is on par with SO flanges, its fatigue strength is 50% greater than that of double-welded SO flanges. It is important to specify the connecting pipe’s thickness when using this flange so that the bore length is enough. A socket weld flange requires that the space between the flange and pipe be enlarged prior to welding.

As the weld metal solidifies, the bottom clearance of a socket weld is meant to reduce the amount of pressure left over at the weld root. The necessary space must be made in order to use a socket weld flange, which is a disadvantage. Corrosive products, especially those used with stainless steel pipe systems, can seep into the breach between the flange and pipe and cause corrosion. There are procedures when this flange is prohibited. This flange is no exception to the rule that a pipe must be welded to it before any fittings can be attached. Along with socket weld flanges, Ablaze Lining is an excellent Lined Reducing Flange supplier in India.

4. Blind Flanges:

Typically used to seal off the ends of pipes, valves, and pressure vessel openings, Blind Flanges are manufactured without a bore. If you consider bolt loading as well as internal pressure, blind flanges, especially in larger sizes, are the most overstressed flange types. The majority of these pressures, however, are bending kinds at the centre, and because there is no defined diameter on the inner side, these flanges are well suited for systems operating at higher pressure and temperature.

These flanges are used to seal off unused sections of pipe or nozzles on vessels. If the plant is conducting pressure checks, or if the consumer simply does not need all of the nozzles that came with the tank, the nozzle will often be blocked off with a blind flange.

5. Spectacle Blind Flanges:

Spectacle blinds are commonly used to divide pipe networks in two or to join two separate networks together permanently. Two discs of a specific thickness are cut from a steel plate to make a Spectacle Blind.

Steel, resembling the bridge of a pair of glasses at the bridge of the nose, connects the two discs. The assembly's resemblance to a pair of eyeglasses is where the term "spectacles" comes from. The inner diameter of the ring-shaped disc is the same as that of a flange, and the other disc is a solid plate. Spectacle Blinds are installed regularly in buildings that must be isolated from adjacent facilities. In order to allow for adequate airflow through the pipe, the Spectacle Blind is typically set up in the "open" position. In the "close" position, the Spectacle Blind completely blocks the pipe, preventing any flow.

6. Lap Joint Flanges:

When the pipe is composed of high-end material, a stub end with a lap joint flange is used. If you're installing a stainless steel pipe system, you can utilise a carbon steel flange on the pipes without worrying about the flange corroding. The flanges will be left unattached while the stub ends are butt-welded to the pipe. These flanges have a bevelled inner radius that allows them to pass over the radius of the stub end.

Lap joint flanges are essentially identical to Slip On flanges, with the exception of a small radius machined into the bore at the point where the flange face meets it. This allows the flanged end of the Stub End to fit snugly. Their pressure-holding capacity is just slightly more than that of SO flanges, and the assembly has a fatigue life that is only a tenth as long as that of Weld Neck Flanges. So, the applications for lap joint flange are non-critical and low-pressure.

7. Reducing Flanges:

When the diameter of the pipe needs to be reduced, reducing flanges are used. Most of the flange's dimensions correspond to the larger NPT pipe size, while the bore is scaled down to fit the smaller pipe size. Threaded, SO, welded neck, as well as Blind flanges are the most common types of these flanges. They can be used to join pipes of different diameters and come in a wide variety of pressure ratings. If an abrupt shift, like at a pump, could potentially generate unwanted turbulence, then this style of the flange should be avoided. High-quality lined reducing flanges are manufactured and supplied by Ablaze Lining - the most prominent Lined Reducing Flange distributor in Gujarat, India.

Developed variable-diameter pipe systems. A Line Reducing Flange manufactured by the distinct Lined Reducing Flange distributor in Vadodara has a larger outer diameter than the nominal bore size. For all parameters other than bore and hub, the larger pipe size will be used for the flange. Same sized Flanges supplied with various connecting parts are welded, glued, or clamped together to form reducing flanges. Lined Reducing Flange distributor in Vadodara

8. Threaded Flanges:

Threaded flanges seem similar to Slip On flanges, but they're bored to match a pipe's internal diameter. The threaded flange conforms to ASME B1.20.1 and can be utilised in piping systems with no welding over the pipe allowed, such as in extremely explosive locations.

The threaded flange is attached to an additional-threaded taper pipe. Threaded flanges are used with galvanised and cast-iron piping. Threaded flanges can be placed without welding in high-pressure systems with modest diameters.

9. Square Flanges:

JIS B2291/JIS F7806-compliant square flanges. Pipe-to-pipe and pipe-to-component connections use square flanges. They're built of stainless steel as well as steel and employed in hydraulic systems where fluids travel. A set of square flanges includes bolts, oring, female as well as male flanges. Female flange A. B describes the male flange. AB complete.

This standard includes three Square Flanges: SHAB — For hexagon hex bolts, bigger flange body. SSAB is used with socket cap screws and has a smaller flange body than SHAB.

10. Long Neck Weld Flanges:

Long welded neck flanges are utilised in high-pressure, high-temperature circumstances, mainly in the oil and gas industry. Long neck guides pipe into the flange and offers to strengthen not achievable with welded neck flange. This reinforcement is important for industrial, commercial, and residential high-pressure systems. Long Weld Necks lack schedule bores, unlike other flanges. Square cuts are used in Long welded neck flanges to replace the pipe, not weld to it.

Long weld-neck flanges anchor gas sources or water mains in a factory or apartment building's network of pipes.