Socket Weld Flanges - Everything You Need To Know About

What Is Socket Weld Flanges?

Socket Weld Flanges are a type of coupler that is used for joining two pieces of metal piping. Socket weld flanges are also known as counter bore flanges. The flange has an opening in the middle to connect it to another pipe or device, and there will be bolts on the outer rim which allows you to tighten the connection so as not to leak any fluid. Socket weld flanges can be used for many applications, including plumbing and gas lines.

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The Purpose of Socket Weld Flanges

The main purpose of this style of flange is to provide a barrier between two pieces of piping when they meet - this prevents one from being able to push inside the other,. and is typically used in situations where you want to ensure a tight seal.

Socket Weld Flanges are ideal for both low pressure applications as well as high - they have the ability to withstand much higher pressures than other styles of flange, making them suitable for nearly any application that requires an airtight connection between pieces of piping or tubing. This makes them particularly useful for situations where gases or fluids are being transferred - they will provide a barrier between the two items, ensuring that there is no leakage.

Socket Weld Flanges have notches cut into their faces to make them easy to install with accompanying gaskets and O-rings, allowing you to secure your connection even further by increasing pressure.

Socket Weld Flanges Working Process

A socket weld flange is designed to join two pieces of piping together using a threaded connection. To do this, the pipe has several ridges cut into it and then beveled at an angle. The other piece of piping that will attach to the first one also has ridges on it as well but they are perpendicular to those found on the first piece of piping. When they are attached, a gasket is placed between them and then tightened down with bolts to attach both pieces together as one unit. The ridges on each piece of flange allow for this tightening process which creates an incredibly tight seal that will not leak in any way shape or form.

Perfect Way to Install A Socket Weld/Counter Bore Flange

Socket weld fittings are incredibly easy to install and use. First of all, the flange itself works with a number of different piping options so it can be used for almost any application. The bolts that are used tighten down on both sides which makes installation very fast as well since you don't have to work around one side or another. This also means that there is no need to use a large number of bolts which helps make the process even easier still.

Applications:

Socket weld flanges can be used to create connections in a number of different systems, including water treatment and oil refining equipment - they provide an airtight connection between two pieces of piping or tubing so that fluids do not leak out into the rest of your system. Due to their ability to withstand high pressures, they are also an ideal choice for gas piping.

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Various Types Of Socket Weld/Counter Bore Flanges

There are two types of flanges: weld neck flange (also called socket welding neck flanges) and slip on flange. Both have a similar purpose but they work very differently from each other.

Advantages:

Socket Weld Neck Flanges are advantageous in a number of ways. The first is that they provide an excellent seal, especially when compared with slip on flanges and threaded flange connections. They also allow for easy installation because the gasket can be installed quickly before welding begins.

Another great advantage to Socket Weld Neck Flanges is their quick, easy and incredibly cost effective installation.

Is a Slip On Flange a Socket Weld/Counter Bore Flanges?

A Slip On Flange is not actually the same as Socket Weld Fittings - it refers to any kind of pipe fitting that allows two pieces of tubing / piping to connect without needing welding or brazing in order to do so.

Slip On Flanges are not as strong or resistant to pressure, and should be used for lower-pressure applications only - they can easily become detached from the main line if overused.

Socket Weld Fittings actually refer specifically to those flange types which require welding in order to attach them properly onto your system.

Modern Flange Design Bulletin 502 covers flange design for Integral (Weld neck and full pen welds), Loose (Lap Joint and SlipOn), and Optional (Butt weld to ring, etc). 502 does not address socket weld type flanges. What about the Code? I do not have access right now...I guess I need to get a copy. It has been about 8-10 years since I worked with the Code.

Also, B16.5 only shows socked weld designs through 3.0". I have a flange connection within some fluid handling equipment that needs to be compact style socked weld style...sizes up to 16".

I could just analyze it as a hubless ring flange...but my gut tells me that the lesser engagement of the pipe within the flange relative to a slip on flange will result in more load on pipe where it enters the socket.

Of course I could always to a quick FEA of a 3" B16.5 hubless slip on vs. a 3" B16.5 socket weld with the same pipe diameter...and that would tell me if my gut is right.

Any guidance? (Please note, Code compliance is NOT required...I think it is just good design practice to use it for determining design stess limits, safety factors, etc....) Knowing which "The Code" you are referring to might help. But if you don't need to comply with "The Code" then why bother?

Sec VIII has flange design rules you can check the design against.

Why the restriction? Why not just use a standard slip on?

Is there sufficient accessibility to make an internal groove weld on a 6"?

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