Different Types of Flanges You Should Know About
When you’re looking for flanges, you’re going to want to ensure you’re getting the right ones. There are several different types of flanges, which can be categorized into standard and special types. We will just go over the standard types of flanges for now, since these are the most popular.
Standard Types of Flanges
These are the most commonly-used flanges for piping applications and are likely to the ones you’re looking for.
Welding Neck Flange
Welding neck flanges have a long tapered hub, which can get welded with a pipe. These flanges are most commonly used in high-pressure applications, as well as situations where there is high/low temperature, and where an unrestricted flow is needed.
Long Welding Neck Flange
Long welding neck flanges feature a tapered hub that extends and behaves similarly to a boring extension. These are usually used on vessels, columns, and barrels. It can also come in heavy barrel and equal barrel options.
Slip-On Flange
Also called hubbed flanges, slip-on flanges are slim and compact. They connect to pipes or fittings using two fillet welds, one being internally and another external to the flange’s cavity. There is a larger bore on these flanges than the exterior diameter of a connecting pipe.
Threaded Flange
A threaded flange will join pipes by screwing a pipe onto one of these flanges. There are usually no seam welds for these. Also, they range in size, going up to 4” with several pressure ratings. They are usually used for small pipes that have low pressure and low temperature.
Socket Weld Flange
A socket weld flange connects to a pipe using just one fillet weld that was executed on the external of a flange. These are used for piping that has high-pressure, does not carry very corrosive fluids, and is small.
Lap Joint Flange
A lap joint flange has a flat face and will be used with a stub end. These look similar to slip-on flanges. What differs is that the radius crossing the flange face and bore matches what is needed for the flanged part of the stub end.
Blind Flange
A blind flange lacks a central hole, which is why it’s called blind. These are used to seal up pipes, valves, and pressure vessels, so that fluid flow is blocked. These are built tough to withstand immense pressure-induced mechanical stress.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know about the different types of flanges, you can confidently get the right one for your needs. Sumitec Int’l has a wide range of industrial flanges to choose from, so browse our products. Feel free to ask us any questions if you are still unsure about which flange to get.