Flanges and types of flanges

A flange is a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification. Flanges are usually welded or screwed. Flanged joints are made by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them to provide a seal.

Types of Flanges
The most used flange types in petro and chemical industry are:

• Welding neck flange
• Slip on flange
• Socket weld flange
• Lap joint flange
• Threaded flange
• Blind flange

Most used flange types in petro and chemical industry. All types except the lap joint flange are provided with a raised flange face.
Special flanges
Except the most used standard flanges, there are still a number of special flanges such as:

• Orifice flanges
• Long welding neck flanges
• Weldoflange/Nipoflange
• Expander flange
• Reducing flange
• Special flanges