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.
