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Socket Weld Fittings Types and Applications

We are already aware of the four connecting types for the pipe fittings: Slip on flanges, Threaded flanges, Socket Weld (counter bore), and Butt Weld Neck. In terms of the steel pipe fittings that you would use for your pipeline projects, you will find two of them to be quite popular: butt weld fittings and socket weld fittings.

Since both of them seem to have their share of advantages and disadvantages, you may be confused about which one is the best for your particular purpose.

To learn more about socket weld fittings, read on below.

Meaning of socket weld pipe fittings

A socket weld flange fitting is a pipe attachment detail with a socket and counter bore. In this case, you can insert the pipe into a recessed area of flange or fitting. To join the valves or pipes to the other sections of the pipe, seal welds of fillet type together. In several cases, socket weld fittings are a good choice. The benefits of high leakage integrity and great structural strength would be quite an essential factor that needs to be taken into consideration when designing your pipeline project.

Socket Weld Fittings Types and Applications

Usage of socket weld fittings

Socket weld fittings are termed to be used for low to medium pressure in confined spaces, and could easily be used in a diverse range of industrial processes.

Applied in the places where pipework has been deemed to be permanent. In addition, they have also been designed in a manner that provides characteristics of good flow.

Used in conjunction with ASME pipe and for to change to different dimensions.

Socket weld pipe fittings like reducers, tees, elbows, etc can be used at pipelines for conveying expensive, flammable, or toxic materials where there would be no scope of leakage.

Manufactured under ASTM standards and also according to ASME B16.5 /16.11

Types of Socket weld pipe fittings

Like the butt weld fittings, based on material types, socket weld fittings also include a variety of materials as stainless steel pipe fittings, alloy steel flanges, and carbon steel flanges. Based on the applications, it includes flanges, couplings, reducers, reducing tee, socket weld inserts, and socket weld elbows, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Socket Weld

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of the socket weld:

Advantages

The pipe often does not need to be end finished properly for the preparation of an insert weld.

Temporary tack welding usually doesn’t need alignment. It is because the principle in fitting would help to make sure that it has a proper alignment.

The socket weld insert will not be able to penetrate the bore of the pipe.

Costs of construction are sometimes lower than butt-welded joints. Due to the elimination of special machines, it lacks the exact fit-up bevel requirements.

Disadvantages

The welder must make sure that the expansion gap between the pipe and the shoulder of the socket must be of a certain distance, often approaching 1.6mm.

The expansion gap and internal crevices in the socket weld system may promote corrosion with certain media. It would be because of this reason that they have been deemed to be less suitable for corrosive or radioactive applications.

These types of fittings would also be unacceptable for Ultra High Hydrostatic Pressure in food industries. The reason could be the addition to not allow full penetration. It would also leave gaps and crevices that would then become difficult to clean.

Differences between butt weld and socket weld fittings

In the case of socket weld fittings, the referred standard is ASME B16.11. You can insert a pipe in a recessed area of the fitting. You can square cut both the pipe and fitting and do not require any beveled end or preparation other than cleaning the outside. It will ease out the welding processes and installation.

When we talk about butt weld fittings, as pet standard ASME B16.9, the ends being welded onto the pipe end, the thickness would be the same as those of pipes. In this case, the end of the fittings could be beveled to match the application.

Application and installation of socket weld fittings

The socket weld usually has less strength resistance in comparison to butt weld fittings. So, SW fittings are used mainly for the smaller pipeline with diameters NPS 3 or less when available.

In the case of SW fittings, you can find it quite easy to install. Since it often requires around 1/6 inch of the gap at the bottom of the gap to allow the socket access, it also allows thermal expansion. However, the gap could lead to the problems of overstressing that will crack the fillet weld of the fitting. In addition, socket weld has also been found to be problematic in corrosive fluid service as a result of crevice corrosion. The media of the application must be considered.

Conclusion

Socket weld or SW fittings could help you in many ways, and in this blog, we have tried to cover almost all aspects that could help you get a better basic understanding. If you have any inquiries regarding  socket weld fittings and socket weld flanges, contact us today!

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Importance of ASTM Standards For You

The use of flanges has grown significantly over time, prominently due to the development of new infrastructures and their need to export gases and liquids. Usually, flanges and piping are crucial for developing these export pathways, and refineries come with high volume requirements for industrial flanges.

Something often regarded as one of the essential steps during the process is finding a reliable and trustworthy contractor. Some contractors and subcontractors try to cut corners when it comes to making more money, leading to unnecessary replacements and costly repairs at the end of your project launch.

It has become essential to interview suppliers and contractors and find out if they follow the standards set by ASTM or not. Make sure they follow the protocols and standards properly and work accordingly with relevant products per the ASTM guidelines. If this happens, there is little to worry about your project work because you will be putting your capital and equipment in capable hands.

At TEXAS FLANGE, we provide high-quality ANSI, API, and AWWA pipe flanges in carbon steel as per ASTM standards. These pipe flanges are available in carbon and various alloy steels with sizes available from 1/2″ to 166″.

Meaning of ASTM Standards

The American Society for Testing and Materials is known as ASTM and is one of the leading forces in the certification and development of products. ASTM, being a reputable American organization, has international recognition and includes best practices to determine whether a material grade and product is worthy of investment and use in common applications.

ASTM has garnered its recognition as a global leader for the delivery and development of voluntary consensus standards. More than 12000 standards given out by ASTM are used worldwide to improve product quality, strengthen the market trade and access, enhance safety and health, and let the customers know they can count on products. This organization is also serving many industries like construction, metal forming, consumer products, petroleum, etc. The development of standards has been done per the guiding principles of the World Trade Organization. These standards are helpful for companies, individuals, and institutions around the world. Most all government regulators also cite standards in codes, regulations, and laws.

The ASTM standards help improve:

1. Quality of the products which contain referenced material grades

2. Worker safety and health standards

3. Strengthening the market around all trades

4. Sustainability of materials developed

5. Recognition of existing and updated international cross-references between standards

Importance of ASTM Standards

The ASTM standards are also helpful in making these products much safer to use, so there are no related dangers. The standards allow the suppliers to understand that their products are top-notch, and they offer the best quality to their customers.

The suppliers following the ASTM standards can easily guarantee that they offer the best quality products to their customers. For getting approval for ASTM certification, products need to go under rigorous testing to make sure they are reliable under high pressure and stress calculation-tested situations.

These kinds of situations give customers the satisfaction to know that their products comply well with the industry’s standard evaluations.

ASTM at Texas Flange

At Texas Flange, we use only those products which follow the standards set by ASTM. All our products are certified, deemed efficient, and durable. Slip-on, Blind, Threaded, Socket Weld, Lap joint, and Weld Neck flanges are all available at Texas Flange. All of these flanges are designed with specific pressure ranges to provide excellent connectivity, from low stress and volatility applications such as simple structural assemblies to high pressure and temperature services on critical jobs which require extreme safety.

At TEXAS FLANGE, we are here to help you with your needs related to flanges, fittings, and custom steel components. We have been in the business of quality flange manufacturing since 1986, and we are confident in helping you find a solution more quickly, affordably, and with more expertise than the competition. We are committed wholeheartedly to provide our customers with the finest quality flanges and flange fittings in a timely manner.

We are pretty excited to hear from our customers and their new projects each and every day. You can visit our website for more related information and view our gallery for a comprehensive list of our products. We’d love to hear about your project too, so get in touch with us today!