Socket Weld Flanges Manufacturers, Supplier & Dealer in India

Socket Weld Flanges Specification, Grades, and Material

About Socket Weld Flanges

Socket Weld flanges were firstly developed for use on small-size high-pressure piping. Their static strength is equal to Slip-On-flanges, but their fatigue strength 50 percent greater than double-welded Slip On flanges.
The connection with the pipe is done with one fillet weld, at the outside of the flanges. But before welding, space must be created between flanges or fittings and pipes.
ASME B31.1 1998 127.3 Preparation for Welding Socket Weld Assembly says:
In an assembly of the joint before welding, the pipe or tube shall be put into the socket to the last depth and then withdrawn approximately 1/16″ (1.6 mm) away from contact between the end of the pipes and the shoulder of the socket.
The purpose for the bottoming clearance in an exceedingly Socket Weld is usually to reduce the residual stress at the root of the weld that could occur during the solidification of the weld metals. The picture shows you the X measure for the expansion gap.
The disadvantage of these flanges is right the gap, that must be made. By corrosive products, and mainly in SS pipe systems, the crack between pipe and flanges can give corrosion problems. In some processes, these flanges are not allowed. I am not an expert in this matter, but on the internet, you will find a lot of information about forms of corrosion.
Advantages:
Socket weld flange could replace threaded flange, to minimize the risky of leakage.
No need to beveling before welding.
Welding work outside of the pipe, won’t penetrate the pipe bore
It is suggested for applications where internal welding operations are particularly difficult. This sock welded construction eliminates internal pockets whereas avoiding warpage of welding heat and damage to the flange face caused by weld spatter. it’s constant internal pressure as the sliding on the flange and has a better fatigue life.
Disadvantages:
Socket welded flange needs higher skills for welder, which the welding requires to make sure that the expanding gap between the pipe and shoulder is 1/16 inch.
The growth gap produces the possibilities for crack defects, especially for anti-corrosive pipes as stainless steel pipes, so the cracks between the pipe and flange will cause corrosive problems. So Socket Weld flange will not be compatible with the corrosive or radioactive environment, as this solid buildup at the joint can cause operational and maintenance problems. So that’s why people use but welding more often as the welding completely through the pipe from outside to inside, which makes the connection more strong and anti-corrosive.