Two of the most commonly used flanges in industrial metalworking are blind flanges and blank flanges. Although they look and appear to be the same, they actually have some distinct differences. In this blog post, we will discuss why it’s important to understand the difference between these two types of flanges so that you can make the best decision for your project.
What is a Blind Flange?
A blind flange is a type of pipe flange that has no opening, or “bore,” in its centre. Instead, it has a solid face that is bolted onto another part of a pipe or other piece of equipment. These types of flanges are most commonly used when there is an unused connection point on a pipeline or piece of equipment that needs to be sealed off temporarily or permanently. They are also used to terminate pipes and other equipment when it needs to be disconnected from the system.
What is a Blank Flange?
A blank flange looks identical to a blind flange but has one major difference; it does have an opening (or bore) in its centre that allows for pressure testing or hydraulic flow through the system. These types of flanges are typically used when there need to be accessed for pressure testing, cleaning, repairs, etc., without having to cut into any piping or other equipment. Because these types of flanges come with an open bore, they are not intended for long-term use in systems where there will be pressure or flow through them, as they could leak over time due to wear and tear on the gasket material between them.
Difference Between Blind Flanges and Blank Flanges
- A blind flange is a type of flange that is used to seal off the end of a piping system.
- A blank flange is a type of flange that does not have a hole in the centre and is used to blank off the end of a piping system.
- Blind flanges are used when a pipe needs to be sealed off, and no fluid or gas needs to pass through the pipe.
- Blank flanges are used when a pipe needs to be blanked off, but there is still fluid or gas passing through the pipe.
- Blind flanges are typically made from forged steel or cast iron.
- Blank flanges can be made from any material that is compatible with the rest of the piping system.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the differences between blind and blank flanges can help ensure that you make the right choice for your project. Blind flanges should be used when capping off an unused connection point on a pipeline or piece of equipment, while blank flanges should only be used temporarily when access is needed inside a pipe or line without having to disconnect it from its other components. By understanding these differences between blind and blank flanges, you can save yourself time and money by making sure you select the right type for your application!
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