Pipe Flanges
A pipe flange is disc, collar or ring that attaches to pipe with the purpose of providing increased support for strength, blocking off a pipeline or implementing the attachment of more items. Pipe flanges are usually welded or screwed to the pipe end and are connected with bolts. A gasket is inserted between the two mating flanges to provide a tighter seal. Pipe flanges are either custom with dimensions provided by the customer or they are manufactured according to published specifications. Several organizations and associations have published specifications that provide dimensional information as well as pressure specifications at different temperatures. Nufit Piping Solutions manufactures custom flanges and stocks 6 basic types of pipe flanges. Although, these are the 6 most common types of pipe flanges, Nufit Piping Solutions is a custom flange manufacturer as well and is able to create just about any type of flange necessary for your requirements.
SLIP-ON PIPE FLANGES
Slip-on
pipe flanges actually slip over the pipe. These pipe flanges are typically
machined with an inside diameter of the pipe flange slightly larger than the
outside diameter of the pipe. This allows the flange to slide over the pipe but
to still have a somewhat snug fit. Slip-on pipe flanges are secured to the pipe
with a fillet weld at the top and the bottom of the slip-on pipe flanges. These
pipe flanges are also further categorized as a ring or a hub. Ring pipe flanges
and hub pipe flanges are both considered slip on pipe flanges because they both
slip over the pipe. Slip on Pipe flanges with a hub have published
specifications that range from 1/2″ thru 96″. Slip on pipe flanges that consist
of a flat ring have published specifications that range from 1/2″ to 144″. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Slip-On pipe flanges in all material grades,
specifications and sizes.
WELD
NECK PIPE FLANGES
Weld
neck pipe flanges attach to the pipe by welding the pipe to the neck of the
pipe flange. This allows for the transfer of stress from the weld neck pipe
flanges to the pipe itself. This also reduces high stress concentration at the
base of the hub of the weld neck pipe flanges. Weld neck pipe flanges are often
used for high pressure applications. The inside diameter of a weld neck pipe
flange is machined to match the inside diameter of the pipe. Weld Neck Pipe
flanges with a hub have published specifications that range from 1/2″ to 96″. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Weld Neck pipe flanges in all material grades,
specifications and sizes.
BLIND
PIPE FLANGES
Blind
pipe flanges are pipe flanges used to seal the end of a piping system or
pressure vessel openings to prevent flow. Blind pipe flanges are commonly used
for pressure testing the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or vessel. Blind
pipe flanges also allow easy access to the pipe in the event that work must be
done inside the line. Blind pipe flanges are often used for high pressure
applications. Slip on Pipe flanges with a hub have published specifications
that range from 1/2″ to 96″. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Blind pipe flanges
in all material grades, specifications and sizes.
LAP
JOINT PIPE FLANGES
Lap
Joint Pipe Flanges slide over the pipe and are most commonly used with Stub End
Fittings. A pipe is typically welded to the Stub End and the Lap Joint pipe
flange is free to rotate around the stub end. The benefit of this is that there
will not be any issues with bolt hole alignment. Lap Joint pipe flanges are
often used for applications that require frequent dismantling. Slip on Pipe
flanges with a hub have published specifications that range from 1/2″ to 24″.
Sizes above 24″ are produced as lap joints to slip on dimensions. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Lap Joint pipe flanges in all material grades, specifications
and sizes.
THREADED
PIPE FLANGES
Threaded
pipe flanges are similar to slip-on pipe flanges except the bore of threaded
pipe flange has tapered threads. Threaded pipe flanges are used with pipes that
have external threads. The benefit of these pipe flanges is that it can be
attached without welding. Threaded pipe flanges are often used for small
diameter, high pressure requirements. Slip on Pipe flanges with a hub have
published specifications that range from 1/2″ to 24″. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Threaded pipe flanges in all material grades, specifications and sizes.
SOCKET-WELD
PIPE FLANGES
Socket-weld
pipe flanges are typically used on smaller sizes of high pressure pipes. These
pipe flanges are attached by inserting the pipe into the socket end and
applying fillet weld around the top. This allows for a smooth bore and better
flow of the fluid or gas inside of the pipe. Slip on Pipe flanges with a hub
have published specifications that range from 1/2″ to 24″. Nufit Piping Solutions provides Socket Weld pipe flanges in all material grades, specifications
and sizes.
