Part 1. 6 Main Flange Types
Slip on Flange(SO)
Slip on Flange belongs to the flat welding flange. This flange takes a fillet weld connection and has a short neck, which has an edge on rigidity. However, because of its short-neck appearance, this flange type is more prone to bumps during transportation.
Weld Neck Flange (WN)
Weld Neck Flange has a long neck that is butt welded to a pipe. It is also known as a tapered hub flange or high-hub flange. This flange has the advantages of durable connection, high structural integrity, improved flow characteristics, corrosion resistance, and high-pressure capability. The disadvantages of Weld Neck Flange are its gigantic size, heavy weight, and hard installation and position.
Socket Weld Flange (SW)
With a Socket Weld Flange, you can insert a pipe into its socket (a recessed area) and secure the pipe with a fillet weld located on the outside of the flange hub. This flange is commonly used in high-temperature and high-pressure systems because of its high strength and leak resistance. However, it’s expensive to use a welding machine to connect the Socket Weld Flange to the pipe. Meanwhile, its welding and installation process is complicated.
Threaded Flange (TH)
Threaded Flange differs from other flange types because it is a non-welded flange. The connection between Threaded Flange and a pipe is through a screw thread. Considering its connection method, this flange type is unsuitable in environments where the operating temperature is extremely too high or too low, otherwise, it will lead to leak problems. But if you favor easier installation and disassembly, you can choose Threaded Flanges.
Lap Joint Flange (LJ)
Lap Joint Flange is a two-component assembly consisting of a stub end and a flange ring. It’s also known as a Stub End Flange, Loose Flange, and Backing Flange. The merits of this flange type are flexible alignment, corrosion resistance, ease of assembly and disassembly, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the Lap Joint Flange is less suitable for high-pressure applications.
Blind Flange (BF)
What is a Blind Flange? It is a closure plate flange used to block off the end of a pipe. A Blind Flange is a solid flat, circular steel component without holes, so there is no flow through this flange type.
Part 2. 6 Common Flange Materials
You have a range of flanges to choose based on their materials. Different materials have their own pros and cons. Some of them have the characteristics of high pressure, corrosion resistance, while others have more advantages in price. We offer you 6 common flange materials with their own notable features.
Carbon Steel
It is the most common material for flanges. Carbon steel’s strength varies from its carbon content.
Stainless Steel
If you favor excellent corrosion and rust resistance, high strength, and durability, the SST flange is you best choice. But correspondingly, the price of stainless steel flange will be very high.
Alloy Steel
It has specific alloy composition compared to carbon steel. It is good for harsh environments, but short for availability.
Cast Iron
This kind of material in ideal for medium pressure and temperature. However, cast iron flange is prone to corrosion and rust.
Aluminum
Aluminum flange is superior for its lightweight and outstanding corrosion resistance. But it is the last choice in high-temperature applications.
Brass
Brass flange has its own aesthetic appeal than other materials. Nonetheless, its softness and high cost make it unfit for particular situations.
Part 3. Benefits and Applications of Flanges
A flange is beneficial to create a accessible and secure connection between pipes, valves in a piping system. Flange provides a reliable seal against leaks. You can follow the content below to check the applications of flanges.
Pressure Testing
Power Generation
Chemical Processing
Water and Sewer System
Industrial Manufacturing
