
Steel
flanges are used for joining and strengthening the network of pipes in a
house, office, hotel, or any other structure. They are also extensively used
in underground and overground pipelines and pumping stations. Flanges are
usually attached to the conduits by means of bolts, weld, or adhesives.
Different types of flanges are used for diversified industrial applications.
Threaded, Weld-Neck, Blind, Slip On, Din, PN, Drilling, and Socket Welding,
constitute the primary kinds of flanges that are used across various
industries these days. Each of these flanges has been described below:
1)
Threaded Flanges:
Threaded flanges are special kind of flanges in which welding is not
necessary. These flanges are considered ideal for high pressure
applications. They are among the most demanded flanges in the industry.
Threaded flanges are so named because they possess a swirl pattern which
helps in coupling them with the external threaded pattern on pipes. Threaded
flanges come in various dimensions.
2)
Weld-Neck Flanges:
Weld-neck flanges can be easily recognized by their long tapered hub due to
which they have also got their name. This pivot or hub which resembles the
shape of a neck, provides sturdy grip when it fits inside the pipe. These
flanges are used in multiple industrial applications, including high
pressure applications. Weld-neck flanges are also considered good for the
regions having very high of low temperatures.
3)
Blind Flanges:
Blind flange is a unique variety of flange, which do not have a bore. They
are sometimes also referred as bore-less flanges. These flanges primarily
work as a device for closing the end of pipes and tubes. They also
facilitate safe and easy inspection of pipelines, once they are sealed
through it. Nowadays, blind flanges are fabricated in various dimensions and
grades to suit the requirement of various industries.
4)
Slip On Flanges:
Slip on flanges refer to that variety of flanges, which possess a bore that
is somewhat more in diameter than the corresponding outer diameter of the
matching pipe. Once the pipe get fitted inside the flange, both interior and
exterior welding is done to make an airtight seal. Slip on flanges are
relatively easier to install. These flanges are, however, commonly not used
in high pressure applications.
5)
Din Flanges:
DIN flanges are one of the commonly used flanges in various industries.
These flanges are widely used in industries like construction, engineering,
petrochemicals, power generation, and so. Corrosion resistance, abrasion
resistance, and extreme temperature tolerance, are some of the primary
traits of these flanges. DIN flanges also offer a high level of
customization in comparison to any other flange.
6)
PN Flanges:
PN flanges are also very efficient in operation. They are primarily used in
industries like cement, petrochemicals, construction, fertilizers, etc. The
main attributes of these flanges include their high efficiency, dimensional
accuracy, corrosion resistance, durability, and perfect finish. PN flanges
are usually fabricated from carbon steel, which provides them longevity.
7)
Socket Welding Flanges:
Socket welding or socket weld flanges are moderately similar to the slip-on
flanges in appearance. The basic difference between these two flanges is of
the inner boar's diameter. Unlike the slip on flange, the counter boar's
diameter of the socket weld flange is somewhat more in comparison to the
matching pipe's outer diameter. These flanges are also preferred for high
pressure and temperature applications.
8) Drilling Flanges:
Also sometimes called adapter flanges, drilling flanges can make necessary
modifications in an independent screwed casing head to make it suitable to
get accommodated in a flanged blow out preventor (BOP). These flanges are
widely demanded in industries like ship building, petrochemicals, power
generation, and so. Nowadays, these flanges can be found in various designs
and dimensions.