The welding neck flange
Among the most widely used flanges are Welding Neck flanges (WN). As usual, the characteristics of this flange are very specific, differing from others in their use and application. The WN flange is very durable and has good sealing ability, and is used very frequently in high-pressure piping systems.
The welding neck flange: What is it, and what is it used for?
Among the different types of flanges that there are, we find the Welding Neck flange, a flange very commonly used to seal pipes in the petrochemical industry.
Characteristics of welding neck flanges
These flanges are distinguished by a long, conical neck, the end of which is welded to the pipe. The internal diameter of the pipe is equal to that of the flange, which provides a generally constant sectional flow without interruptions or turbulence in the gases/liquids circulating in the pipe. Welding neck flanges provide high structural strength along with stress distribution.
Another factor to consider is that attention must be paid to the joint between the neck and the tube it is welded to, in order to avoid turbulence in high-speed flows.
¿What are welding neck flanges used for?
They are mainly used for activities involving high pressure and extreme conditions (cold or heat), flammable or corrosive substances, etc., and, above all, in environments where leaks must be minimal or almost non-existent. They are used to minimize the number of welds on small parts whilehelping to counteract corrosion of the joint itself.
They are often used in steam lines, in pipelines of oil, natural gas or refined hydrocarbons, and in firefighting networks, petrochemical facilities, etc.
What kind of materials are to manufacture them?
The materials used for this type of flange are quite varied, but will always depend on the environmental conditions andstress they will have to withstand.
- Carbon steel
- Alloy steel
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Nickel alloys
- Etc.
For moderate temperatures, carbon flanges are usually used. If, on the other hand, they are going to withstand muchmore extreme conditions of temperature or pressure, alloy steel is used. Finally, for flanges that need to be resistant to corrosive gases or liquids, alloys with metals such as nickel, chrome or molybdenum are ideal.
Types of single flange gasket faces
When talking about flanges for pipes we must also consider the different standard-manufactured faces for flange junctions that we have to choose from. The most common types in the industry are:
- FF – Flat Face
- RF – Raised Face
- MFF – Male/Female Face
- TGF – Tonge and Groove Face
- RJF – Ring Joint Face
- LJF – Lap Joint Face
*Dimensions and materials given by ASME B16, ASME B16.47 and MSS SP-44 standards.
Ulma Advanced Forged Solutions weld neck flanges
At ULMA Advanced Forged Solutions, we offer a wide variety of forged flanges. In our catalog you will see parts in a huge range of sizes (from 1/2 to 102 inches), different pressure ranges and many different alloys.
We know that each engineering project has very specific characteristics. Therefore, in addition to our wide variety of parts, we also design, engineer and produce custom-made flanges based on the needs of each client.
All ULMA Advanced Forged Solutions flanges conform to the standards set out in the API (American Petroleum Institute), ASME B16, ASME B16.47 and/or MSS SP-44 standards, so that their characteristics are guaranteed and replacement is made easier when they reach end of life.