Socket Weld Flange

Socket Weld Flange

Durable And High-pressure Piping Solution

Socket weld flanges offer durable, high-pressure piping connections with excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for oil, gas, and chemical systems.

Socket Weld Flange

Durable And High-pressure Piping Solution

Socket weld flanges offer durable, high-pressure piping connections with excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for oil, gas, and chemical systems.

Socket Weld Flange
High-Pressure Flange
ASME B16.5 Flange
Corrosion-Resistant Flange
RF Type

Features a small raised portion around the flange bore, acting as a seat for the gasket to promote effective sealing.

RTJ Type

Designed with a precision-machined groove on the raised face, enabling the placement of a gasket ring for superior sealing performance.

Socket Weld vs. Slip-On

A socket weld flange closely resembles a slip-on flange but is distinguished by a shoulder inside the bore, ensuring stronger and more reliable pipe positioning.

Socket Weld Flange is a forged fitting with a socket to insert the pipe, welded for a strong, leak-proof connection. Compliant with ASME B16.5, it uses carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloys for durability. As of August 19, 2025, it remains a preferred choice.

The High-Pressure Flange features a recessed area for pipe insertion, welded around the socket, offering pressure ratings up to 3000 PSI for Class 1500. Available in sizes from 1/2” to 4”, it suits high-pressure and high-temperature systems.

Socket Weld Flange undergoes ultrasonic and hydrostatic testing for reliability. Coated with galvanizing or FBE, it resists corrosion and operates from -20°C to 600°C, making it ideal for oil and gas and chemical processing as of August 2025.

Compared to slip-on flanges, Socket Weld Flange provides superior strength and fatigue resistance for high-pressure applications. Proper welding techniques ensure a secure joint, with a service life of 20–40 years.

Socket Weld Flange addresses challenges like leaks and pressure loss in industrial piping, offering a robust solution for oil, gas, and chemical systems as of August 19, 2025.

Socket Weld Flange

What is a socket weld flange?

Socket weld flanges have a socket in which a pipe is inserted; the pipe is secured by one fillet weld located on the exterior of the flange hub.

A significant disadvantage with this type of flange is that it is not considered a high-integrity joint because the weld is difficult to prove; thus socket weld flanges are only suitable for low to medium classes (≤ ASME 600). Due to their lower integrity and unsuitability for use at higher pressures, socket weld flanges almost always have flat or raised faces.

The advantage of socket weld flanges is their simple design, they are well suited for small pipe size applications e.g. 2 inches (5cm) and below, and for non-critical applications e.g. non-hazardous systems; they are not suitable for highly erosive or corrosive systems.

Socket weld flange datasheets

For larger nominal sizes, it is safe to assume that a socket weld flange would be made to order for your application, due to the fact that larger pipe size assemblies will typically call for a slip on or weld neck connection.

Socket Weld Flange
ANSI Class Specifications for Raised Face Socket Flanges
Class Raised Face
ANSI 150 Socket, ANSI Class 150 (in)
ANSI 300 Socket, ANSI Class 300 (in)
ANSI 400 Socket, ANSI Class 400 (in)
ANSI 600 Socket, ANSI Class 600 (in)
ANSI 900 Socket, ANSI Class 900 (in)
ANSI 1500 Socket, ANSI Class 1500 (in)
ANSI 2500 Socket, ANSI Class 2500 (in)
SS304 Socket weld flange

SS304 Socket weld flange

Features of

Socket weld flanges

  1. Socket weld flanges can replace threaded flanges, reducing the risk of leakage.
  2. Welding occurs externally to the pipe, preventing penetration of the pipe bore.
  3. Socket weld flanges eliminate internal pockets, reduce the risk of warpage due to welding heat, and minimize damage to the flange face caused by the weld spatter.
  4. It offers the same internal pressure capacity as slip-on flanges while improving fatigue resistance.
FAQ

A Socket Weld Flange is a forged fitting with a socket for pipe insertion, welded for a strong, leak-proof connection per ASME B16.5.

The Socket Weld Flange secures the pipe in its socket and is fillet welded, providing a robust joint for high-pressure systems as of August 19, 2025.

Socket Weld Flange is made from carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, offering high strength and corrosion resistance.

A Socket Weld Flange is needed for high-pressure and high-temperature systems in oil and gas or chemical processing.

Install a Socket Weld Flange by inserting the pipe into the socket, aligning it, and fillet welding around the outer edge for a secure joint.

The Socket Weld Flange uses a socket and fillet weld for higher pressure strength, while the Slip-On Flange is welded on both sides with lower pressure capacity.

A Socket Weld Flange lasts 20–40 years with proper welding, corrosion protection, and maintenance as of August 2025.

Socket Weld Flange is used in oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing, power generation, and refineries for high-pressure connections.

Yes, Socket Weld Flange handles pressures up to 3000 PSI, making it suitable for high-pressure industrial systems.

Maintain Socket Weld Flange with regular weld inspections, corrosion checks, and reapplication of protective coatings for long-term reliability.

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Explore Socket Weld Flange with targeted long-tail keywords for specifications, applications, and welding solutions as of August 2025.

Standards and Specifications
  • • Socket Weld Flange specifications
  • • ASME B16.5 socket weld flange
  • • High-pressure flange dimensions
  • • Industrial flange standards
Applications
  • • Socket Weld Flange for oil pipelines
  • • Chemical processing flanges
  • • Power generation piping
  • • Refinery flange solutions
Material and Properties
  • • Stainless steel socket weld flange
  • • Carbon steel flange strength
  • • Alloy flange corrosion resistance
  • • High-pressure piping materials
Installation and Testing
  • • Socket Weld Flange installation guide
  • • Flange welding techniques
  • • Ultrasonic flange testing
  • • High-pressure pipe connections

Note: Socket Weld Flange meets ASME and DIN standards, ensuring reliable performance. Contact suppliers for specs.

Flange Face Types

Flange Face
Raised Face (RF)

The most common type, featuring a raised sealing surface that concentrates the bolting force on a smaller area.

Lip Height: 1/16" for 150#-600#, 1/4" for 900# and higher
Flat Face (FF)

Has a flat sealing surface, commonly used with cast iron flanges and for low-pressure applications.

Application: Cast iron flanges, pumps, and valves
Ring Joint (RTJ)

Features a groove for metal ring gaskets (oval or octagonal), providing metal-to-metal sealing.

Material: 316 stainless steel rings for corrosive applications
Tongue & Groove (T&G)

Features matching tongue and groove surfaces, providing self-alignment and confined gasket area.

Benefit: High-pressure applications with good gasket compression

Flange faces have to be smooth enough to ensure a tight, leak-free seal for bolted flanges.

Flange Face Types
Flange Face Type Flange Face Type Flange Face Type
Type A: flat face Type D: groove face Type G: O Ring recess
Type B: raised face Type E: spigot Type H: O Ring groove
Type C: tongue face Type F: recess
Flange Face

Standards & Materials

International Standards
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges NPS 1/2 - 24
ASTM A105 Forged Carbon Steel
ASTM A350 LF2 Low-Temperature Service
ASTM A182 High-Temperature Service
ASTM A694 High-Pressure Transmission
DIN EN 1092-1 European Standard PN 2.5-400
Common Materials
Carbon Steel

Most commonly used, forged with machined surfaces

Stainless Steel

Corrosion resistant, grades 304, 316, etc.

Alloy Steel

High-temperature and high-pressure applications

Other Materials

Cast iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, plastic

Material Grades for Piping System Components (ASTM Standards)
Material Category Fittings (ASTM Grade) Flanges (ASTM Grade) Valves (ASTM Grade) Bolts & Nuts (ASTM Grade)
Carbon Steel A234 Gr WPA A105 A216 Gr WCB A193 Gr B7
A194 Gr 2H
A234 Gr WPB A105 A216 Gr WCB
A234 Gr WPC A105 A216 Gr WCB
Carbon Steel Alloy
(High-Temperature)
A234 Gr WP1 A182 Gr F1 A217 Gr WC1 A193 Gr B7
A194 Gr 2H
A234 Gr WP11 A182 Gr F11 A217 Gr WC6
A234 Gr WP12 A182 Gr F12 A217 Gr WC6
A234 Gr WP22 A182 Gr F22 A217 Gr WC9
A234 Gr WP5 A182 Gr F5 A217 Gr C5
A234 Gr WP9 A182 Gr F9 A217 Gr C12
Carbon Steel Alloy
(Low-Temperature)
A420 Gr WPL6 A350 Gr LF2 A352 Gr LCB A320 Gr L7
A194 Gr 7
A420 Gr WPL3 A350 Gr LF3 A352 Gr LC3
Austenitic Stainless Steel A403 Gr WP304 A182 Gr F304 A182 Gr F304 A193 Gr B8
A194 Gr 8
A403 Gr WP316 A182 Gr F316 A182 Gr F316
A403 Gr WP321 A182 Gr F321 A182 Gr F321
A403 Gr WP347 A182 Gr F347 A182 Gr F347

ASTM standards define the specific manufacturing process of the material and determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges, through percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel, etc., and are indicated by "Grade".

The usual materials of flanges include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and plastic. The choice of the material largely depends on the purpose of the flange. For example, stainless steel is more durable and is necessary for heavy use. On the other hand, plastic is more feasible for use in the home because of its reasonable price and easy installation. The materials used for flanges are under the designation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Flange materials acc. to ASTM

The most common materials for pipe flanges (forged grades) are: ASTM A105 (carbon steel high temperature to match A53/A106/API 5L pipes), A350 Grades LF1/2/3 (carbon steel low temperature to match A333 pipes), A694 Grades F42 to F80 (high yield carbon steel to match API 5L pipe grades), ASTM A182 Grades F5 to F91 (alloy steel flanges to match A335 pipes), A182 Grade F304/316 (stainless steel flanges to match A312 SS pipes), A182 Gr. F44/F51/F53/F55 (duplex and super duplex to match A790/A928 pipes) and various nickel alloy grades (Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy, Monel).

The material qualities for these flanges are defined in the ASTM standards.

Flange By Material

Pressure Classes

Metal flanges are classified from 150 to 2500 # rating for different pressure applications.

150#
300#
600#
900#
1500#
2500#
Socket Weld Flange
Incoloy 825 Flange

Incoloy 825 Flange

Industries Using

Socket Weld Flange Applications

The basic application of the Socket Weld Flange to connect pumps, pipes, valves, and other equipment, often using butt welds, to make a pipework system.

  • Oil and Gas Industry
  • Chemical Industry
  • Power Generation
  • Water Treatment
  • Construction Industry

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