7 types of Flanges used in Piping Systems
Whether you have ever wondered about the 7 Types of Flanges Used in Piping Industry, you are in the right place. Flanges are very important in piping systems as they are used to interconnect pipes, valves, pumps, and other devices. They simplify maintenance, inspection, and installation, particularly in such sectors as oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation.
We will discuss the 7 types of flanges used in piping industry in this guide, which will allow you to know their peculiarities and decide on selecting the ideal fit in order to be able to have a leak-proof, durable, and efficient connection of piping.
Why Are Flanges Important in Piping Systems?
Flanges are important in ensuring that pipelines are not damaged. Flanges enable the parts to be screwed instead of welded, hence installation and repair become very easy.
Key benefits of using flanges:
- Ease pipeline assembling and disassembling.
- Allow inspection and cleaning to be easy.
- Offer powerful and leakproof connections.
- It can be used with high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
Top 7 Types of Flanges
Now we will discuss the key types of flanges in the different industries.
1. Weld Neck Flange
Weld Neck Flanges are suitable where the pressure is great. Their tapered hub is long, and it transfers stress to the pipe, thus minimizing fatigue. They are usually applied to refineries and process plants.
Applicant: High pressure and temperature.
2. Slip-On Flange
The Slip-On Flanges are simple to install and align. The pipe is just pushed into the bore of the flange and welded on both sides to avoid leakage.
Best used: When there is low pressure required or when it is necessary to assemble quickly.
3. Blind Flange
The Blind Flange is employed to seal a piping system. It is ideal in pressure testing and temporarily isolating.
Best use: Sealing or testing parts of a pipeline.
4. Socket Weld Flange
Socket Weld Flanges are applied to pipelines that have a small diameter and are under high pressure. The pipe then gets inserted into a socket and fillet-welded about the hub.
Best use: When it is under high pressure and the pipe is small.
5. Lap Joint Flange
The Lap Joint Flanges are employed on stub ends and are easily adjustable, particularly where the disassembly has to be made frequently.
Best to use: Systems that have to be maintained regularly.
6. Threaded Flange
Threaded Flanges are used to join the pipes without welding. Their threads render them to be used in low-pressure applications or having inflammable fluid systems.
Best: Low-pressure, non-welded connections.
7. Orifice Flange
Orifice Flanges contain orifice plate measurements of flow rates. They are typical of process and instrumentation systems.
Best use: Pipelines (Flow measurement).
How to Choose the Right Type of Flange
The choice of the flange on the right is based on:
- Operating pressure and temperature
- Material compatibility (carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.)
- Pipe size and design
- Ease of assembly or maintenance
To be on the safe side, always use engineering standards such as ASME, ANSI, or DIN.
Common Materials Used for Flanges
Flange are made of a wide range of materials, based on the use:
- Stainless Steel– Durability and corrosion resistance.
- Carbon Steel– Economical and powerful.
- Alloy Steel– In high-temperature applications.
- Copper-Nickel– Very good in the sea.
Conclusion
The piping systems used in the industrial setting require the flanges to be safe, reliable, and trouble-free to maintain. The various variants of flanges will enable you to achieve the best flange to use in your project, depending on the performance requirements. In terms of quality and accuracy of the flange, Neelam Forge is a trustworthy company that can provide the industry with durable solutions that can be applied to various applications.
FAQ
1. What are the functions of flanges in a pipeline?
Pipes, valves, pumps, and other elements are easily connected through flanges by means of which they can be cleaned, inspected, and repaired.
2. What is the number of possible flanges?
The primary ones are weld neck, slip on, blind, socket weld, lap joint, threaded, and orifice flanges, and each of these flanges is intended to be used in industry.
3. What is the best flange to use with high pressure?
The high-pressure and high-temperature pipelines are best suited to Weld Neck Flanges, which are a robust structure.
Do you require credible flange solutions for your piping systems? Guarantee stability, effectiveness, and sustainability. Contact us or email us at sales@neelamforgeindia.com.