Socket Welding Flange for High Pressure Applications – Carbon, Stainless & Alloy Steel Options

Socket Welding Flange Overview

A socket welding flange is a type of flange designed to fit over the end of a pipe, where it is then welded both at the pipe's end and around its outer surface. Socket welding flanges are commonly available in two variations: with or without a neck. The version with a neck is more rigid, experiences less welding deformation, and offers superior sealing performance. These flanges are ideal for applications with pressures between 1.0 MPa to 10.0 MPa. Additionally, Type B flanges used in containers are also socket-welded for high-sealing applications. During the design process, socket welding flanges can often be treated as integral flanges for strength and durability.

Key Features of Socket Welding Flanges

Socket welding is typically preferred for small pipes with diameters under DN40, as it offers a cost-effective solution. For pipes larger than DN40, butt welding is generally used. The socket welding process involves inserting the pipe into the flange socket and then performing a weld. In contrast, butt welding flanges connect by welding the pipe directly to the mating surface of the flange.

One of the main advantages of socket welding is that it strengthens the connection, making it suitable for high-pressure environments. However, socket welding does come with some limitations. The stress state after welding can be poor, and the process often doesn't allow for complete fusion. This can lead to small gaps, which can be problematic in systems sensitive to crevice corrosion or requiring high cleanliness standards. For these situations, butt welding may be a better option as it can avoid the issues associated with socket welding.

For ultra-high pressure pipelines, even in smaller diameter pipes with thick walls, butt welding is preferred over socket welding due to the latter's limitations.

Technical Specifications

• External Diameter Range: 100 mm to 15,000 mm

• Materials:

• Carbon Steel: ASTM A105, 20#, Q235, 16Mn, ASTM A350 LF1, LF2, CL1/CL2, LF3 CL1/CL2, ASTM A694 F42, F46, F48, F50, F52, F56, F60, F65, F70

• Stainless Steel: ASTM A182 F304, F304L, F316, F316L, 1Cr18Ni9Ti, 0Cr18Ni9Ti, 321, 18-8

• Alloy Steel: ASTM A182 F1, F5a, F9, F11, F12, F22, F91, A182 F12, A182 F11, 16MnR, Cr5Mo, 12Cr1MoV, 15CrMo, 12Cr2Mo1, A335P22, St45.8/Ⅲ

• Delivery Time: 30-60 days

Sealing Types for Socket Welding Flanges

Socket welding flanges are available with various sealing faces, such as:

• Raised Face (RF)

• Concave Convex Face (MFM)

• Tenon Groove Face (TG)

• Ring Joint (RJ)

Applications of Socket Welding Flanges

Socket welding flanges are widely used in industries and applications that require strong, reliable connections, including:

• Boiler pressure vessels

• Petroleum industry

• Chemical processing

• Shipbuilding

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Metallurgical processes

• Mechanical and elbow stamping

Supplier of Socket Welding Flanges

LTZC is a trusted supplier of socket welding flanges. If you are in need of socket welding flanges for your projects, please contact us for the most up-to-date quotations.