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There are many different types of piping flange due to the different service conditions in which they operate. Flanges are chosen based on their corrosion resistance properties, erosion resistance properties, pressure temperature rating (Class), number of welds required for attachment, physical size (some flange designs may not fit into the space allowed) and cost. The most common flange types are:
Flange Types
Other flange types many engineers will encounter are the male and female, and tongue and groove types. Less common types include the orifice, expander, reducing, and long welding neck flange designs.
Flange ends may be screwed, welded, or lapped (metal to metal contact) to their associated piping.
The most popular flange types will be discussed in this section.
Are you enjoying this article so far? Then be sure to check out our Flange Fundamentals Video Course. The course has over five hours of video content, a 52 page colour illustrated handbook (this article is an extract from the handbook), a quiz, and you will receive a certificate of completion when you finish the course. Enjoy!
Some important information concerning flange types has been compiled into the below table. Although ASME standards are cited in the table, alternative international and national standards are available (DIN, EN etc.). ASME is however the most widely accepted piping standards organisation, and for this reason its standards have been cited.
In the below table, the Faces column indicates the usual sealing face chosen per flange type. However, there may be exceptions to the rule depending upon the flange type. The table should be treated as a general overview table, whilst specific information should be sought in relevant standards.
Flange Type
NPS (inch)
ASME Class
Faces
Joint Integrity
Weld
ASME Standards
Welding Neck Flange
All
All
All
High
One butt weld.
B16.5, B31.3
Slip-on Flange
Many
Generally, 600
FF, RF
Medium
One or two fillet welds.
B16.5, B31.3
Socket Weld Flange
Generally,
½ to 2.
Max 4
600
FF, RF
Medium
One fillet weld.
B16.5, B31.3
Lap Joint Ring Flange
Not used for small sizes.
NA
FF
NA
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B16.5, B31.3
Stub End of Lap Joint Flange
150 to
FF, RF, RTJ
High
One butt weld.
B16.9, B31.3
Threaded Flange
Generally,
½ to 2.
Max 4
300
FF, RF
Low
None
B1.20.1, B31.3
Blind Flange
All
All
All
NA
None
B16.5, B31.3
Flange Type Summary Table
Table Key: FF flat face. RFraised face. RTJring type joint.
Various special flange types exist, these include the reducer, expander, long welding neck, nipoflange, weldoflange, and swivel flange designs. As special flange types are not common, they are not covered in this introductory material.
This video is part of our Piping Flange Fundamentals Video Course
http://www.wermac.org/flanges/flanges_raised-face_flat-face_ring-type-joint.html
https://www.kamleshmetal.com/flanges-faces-types.html
https://www.theprocesspiping.com/introduction-to-flanges/
This blog post will cover the most common flange types used in todays industrial applications. Flanges are essential components in industrial applications. Even though there are many different types of flanges, they all share a common goal- to connect piping systems together. Lets explore the specifics of the seven most popular flange types, their unique characteristics, and their practical uses that make them essential in various industries.
AWWA, ANSI, DIN, 1/2-thick, Plate, Backing, and Exhaust FlangesWeld neck flanges perform exceptionally well in high-pressure systems. They are one of the most common flange types. Their long neck allows a seamless butt weld directly onto the pipe, leaving a smooth connection. Because of this, they are perfect for use in sectors like the oil and gas industry, where dependability under high pressure is crucial. This style of flange connection is almost exclusively used in larger diameters and higher-pressure classifications.
The simplicity of installing slip-on flanges makes them popular among manufacturers and fabricators. Because the slip-on flange lacks a weld bevel and permits pipe length adjustment in relation to flange location, it is an easy and excellent substitute for a weld neck. The matching pipe will have plenty of room in the slip-ons bore. This extra room provides sufficient workspace for the fabricator and welder to connect. They are frequently used in sectors like shipbuilding and construction that demand quick and effective setup. This kind of flange is widely used in applications with lower pressure. A hub found on most slip-on style flanges frequently resembles a raised face in terms of dimensions. In cases where space is restricted, and the application permits a ring style slip-on, it can be outfitted without a hub. A ring-style slip-on without a hub still qualifies as a slip-on flange and can be recognized as you see fit, even if the hub style is more frequently used when discussing slip-ons. Higher-pressure class slip-ons are commonly designed with a lap joint height for improved attachment.
Socket-weld flanges are resilient to high pressure and temperatures, benefiting the power generation and chemical processing industries. With a counterbore in the middle to enable a clean pipe weld into the socket, socket weld flanges are less popular but no less effective connection for flanges that require less total available space than a typical weld neck flange. These are typically supplied in smaller nominal pipe sizes, and when needed, theyre an excellent substitute for slip-on and weld necks. If the fluid is not corrosive and the pressure class is relatively low, a socket weld may be chosen for an assembly with limited space or extremely high-temperature duty.
Threaded flanges are easy to install and perform well in low-pressure applications. They are a vital component in piping systems and other environments where its essential to maintain a tight seal without doing a lot of welding. Threaded flanges have a female NPT thread in the middle for connecting to male NPT threaded piping. They are also sometimes called companion flanges, screw flanges, or NPT flanges. Threaded flanges are frequently used to create reduced connections. In addition to the basic NPT form, as defined by the ASME B16.5 specification, several thread styles can be machined.
Blind flanges are essential for closing off portions of a pipe system. Blind flanges are dependable barriers in petrochemical and other hazardous material-related industries, guaranteeing worker safety and stopping leaks during emergencies or maintenance. Blind flanges with raised faces frequently have a slight indentation in the middle, as seen in B16.1 and other industry standard cast steel requirements from decades ago. This recess allowed the pipe end to mate with the connecting flange and for a seal to form between the blind and the connecting flange. To produce a dished head formation at the top of the flange, the more oversized OD blind flanges have a concave recess through the blinds body. For the most part, blind flanges wont be produced in these forms because the earlier cast iron specification is somewhat outdated. Instead, go for a modern blind flange with or without a hub.
A Lap joint flange makes the list among the other common flange types. They are also known as Backup flanges, Loose Ring flanges, Loose Hubbed flanges, and Van Stone flanges. Easily disassembled, lap joint flanges offer flexibility and are perfect for industries like the food and beverage industry that need regular maintenance or adjustments. The hubs can be adjusted to your specifications and are usually taller than a slip-on design. Higher-pressure class slip-ons are frequently designed with a lap joint height for improved attachment. Customers will occasionally choose a slip-on intended to resemble a lap joint with a machined hub if the hub height is not an issue and a lap joint is not easily accessible. Industrial flanges are used in various industries, such as structural applications and plumbing. Rolled angle rings and lap joint flanges are two parts that are essential to many processes. The main distinction between rolling angle rings and lap joint flanges is that the latter is exclusively offered in a butt-weld arrangement. Conversely, lap joint flanges are available in slip-on and butt-weld varieties. The backing flange on a lap joint flange can rotate, unlike the backing flange on a rolled angle ring.
Contrary to the name, custom flanges are common flange types with many applications and uses across various industries. Our machine shop makes it possible to use AIS and import materials to build products that satisfy various specifications. We also facilitate quick changes to our stock of goods to serve our customers better. Whether you need to reverse engineer a sample or a CAD drawing, we can work with you on prototypes, production quantity manufacturing, and even product warehousing.
Each flange type has a unique role to play. At API International, Inc., we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of fittings, including these essential flange types, to meet the specific needs of various industries. Contact our sales team if you have questions or need a quote. Our dedicated sales team staff are ready to help you find the industrial fittings you need for your project.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Flange Supplier.
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