Flanges are used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment in various industries, providing a secure and leak-proof joint. Different types of flanges are available, each designed for specific applications based on pressure, temperature, and material compatibility. Here are some common types of flanges and their uses:
- Weld Neck Flange: This type of flange has a long tapered hub that provides reinforcement and reduces stress concentration at the joint. Weld neck flanges are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, such as in oil and gas pipelines and petrochemical industries.
- Slip-On Flange: Slip-on flanges have a slightly larger diameter than the pipe, making them easy to slide over the pipe. They are then welded in place on both sides. Slip-on flanges are commonly used in low-pressure and non-critical applications.
- Socket Weld Flange: Socket weld flanges have a socket inside the bore, which allows the pipe to be inserted into the flange for welding. They are primarily used for small-diameter and high-pressure piping systems.
- Blind Flange: Blind flanges are solid plates used to close the end of a pipe or a valve. They are commonly used in applications where a piping system requires periodic isolation or testing.
- Threaded Flange: Threaded flanges have internal threads that match the external threads of the pipe. They are used in low-pressure applications and where welding is not feasible or not desired.
- Lap Joint Flange: Lap joint flanges consist of two parts—the flange and a separate backing flange. The backing flange is typically made of a material different from the main flange. They are used for applications requiring frequent dismantling or where rotational freedom is needed.
- Orifice Flange: Orifice flanges are used in flow measurement applications. They have concentric holes to accommodate an orifice plate, which is used to measure the flow rate of a fluid.
- Expander Flange: Expander flanges are used to increase the pipe size gradually, typically for connecting different pipe sizes together.
- Reducing Flange: Reducing flanges are used to connect pipes of different diameters. They have one end with a larger bore and the other with a smaller bore.
- Spectacle Blind Flange: Spectacle blind flanges are used for pipeline isolation. They consist of a solid plate (blind) and a paddle-like component that can be rotated to either block or allow flow.
These are just a few examples of the many types of flanges available. The selection of the appropriate flange depends on the specific requirements of the application, including pressure, temperature, material compatibility, and ease of installation and maintenance.
