What are Long Weld Neck Flanges?
Depending on the application, a Long Weld Neck Flange can be used in a variety of industries. Generally, they are used for connecting components in a piping system. These flanges are made of forged stainless steel or carbon steel. These flanges are suitable for high-pressure applications and can be used for both corrosive and volatile fluids.
They are available in several material grades including Alloy 20, Bronze, Copper Nickel, Duplex Stainless Steel and Super Duplex Steel. Typically, these flanges are manufactured to suit the needs of the customer and their specifications. During manufacturing, the flange is checked for dimensional accuracy, design tolerances, and the presence of open structure defects. A dimensional inspection is performed to ensure that the flange is manufactured according to the ASME Specification.
Applications of Long Weld Neck Flanges
A Long Weld Neck Flange is manufactured with an extended neck and tapered hub. This design allows the flange to fit into a pipe network without the need for welding or scratching the seam. The design also prevents the formation of “turbulence” within the pipe, which can damage the flange and cause erosion. The flange is manufactured to fit the inside diameter of the pipe, as well as provide a strong connection.
A Long Weld Neck Flange also has a longer, tapered hub, which gradually increases the thickness of the pipe from weld to flange face. This design reduces the stress on the flange and the neck of the pipe, which can be particularly useful for applications where high-pressure and pressure differentials are present. The increased neck height also improves the bearing capacity of the flange.
Different Types of Long Weld Neck Flanges
Typical flanges are available in common barrel sizes, such as nine inches, twelve inches, and sixteen inches. However, the flanges can be ordered at any length. To determine the correct length, a customer will need to consider the size of the weld, the pressure class, and the flange’s hub. These factors will determine the number of bolt holes and the overall length of the flange. A longer total length will result in a higher pressure class. The length of the flange will also be affected by the thickness of the flange.
A long weld neck flange can be made with a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, and forged carbon steel. These flanges are commonly used in petrochemical, oil, gas, and power generation industries. The flanges are also used in refineries and apartment buildings. Because of their durability, these flanges are often used in critical applications. They can withstand a large number of changes in temperature and pressure.
Characteristics of Long Weld Neck Flanges
Regardless of the material used, all of the long weld neck flanges are manufactured to be strong, flexible, and easy to install. They are also ideal for on-site installation. In addition, they are designed for easy alignment with the piping network. The flange is manufactured with an integrated self-reinforcing flange connection.
During manufacturing, the flanges are checked for dimensional accuracy, design tolerances, the presence of open structure defects, and surface porosity. They are then radiographically inspected to ensure that any leaks are detected. A visual inspection is also performed. This can identify any open structure defects, surface porosity, and any possible leaks in a piping system.
