Blind
Flanges
A
popular category of pipe flange is the blind flange. A blind flange is
used to close ends of piping systems. It is a kind of round plate with
no center hold but with all the proper bolt holes. This blind flange is
available in various sizes and materials and is used to provide positive
closer on the ends of pipes, valves or equipment nozzles. This flange
helps in easy access to a line once it has been sealed. The blind flange
is sometimes custom made or machined to accept a nominal sized pipe to
which reduction is being made. This reduction can be a threaded
reduction or welded reduction.
Buying Tips Certain factors that buyers should consider
before buying blind flanges are as follows:
- Size
- Type
- End Type
- Style
- Length
- O.D.
- Pressure Rating
- Thickness
- Mass
- Materials (tested for corrosion resistant)
- Tested and verified for durability, accuracy and precision
etc.
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Materials used:
Some materials used in the manufacturing of blind flanges are as
follows:
- Stainless Steel
- Nickel Alloy
- Titanium
- Carbon Steel
- Cast Iron
- Brass
- Bronze
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Polypropylene
- Silicone
- PVC etc.
Features of blind flanges:
Some important features of blind flanges are as follows:
- Blind flanges are sometimes supplied with NPT fittings which
allow pressure test connections to be fitted.
- They are used to blank off the ends of pipe.
- They are also used to blank off the ends of valves and pressure
vessel opening.
- Considering factors like internal pressure and bolt loading,
blind flanges, especially in the larger sizes, are the most highly
stressed of all types of flanges.
- Since the maximum stresses in a blind flange are bending stresses
at the center, they can safely be allowed to be higher than in other
types of flanges.
- Blind flanges are made to fit standard pipes in all sizes.
