What do you need to know about socket welds?
Fittings Guide. A Socket Weld is a pipe attachment detail in which a pipe is inserted into a recessed area of a Valve, fitting or flange. In contrast to buttweld fittings, Socket Weld fittings are mainly used for small pipe diameters (Small Bore Piping); generally for piping whose nominal diameter is NPS 2 or smaller.
What kind of flange is socket weld inlcuding?
Socket welded flange inlcuding RF type and RTJ type, which like other types of welding flanges (slip on, weld neck or blind flange). RF socket weld flange has a small portion surrounding the flange bore that protrudes from the face.
How big of a gap do you need for socket weld?
Socket weld is easy to install. But it requires approx. 1/16″ of gap at the bottom of the pipe to socket into, to allow thermal expansion. This gap can lead to over stress problem that cracks the fillet weld of the fitting. Socket weld is troublesome in corrosive fluid service due to crevice corrosion.
Where to place gasket seat on socket weld flange?
RF socket weld flange has a small portion surrounding the flange bore that protrudes from the face. Gasket seat will be placed in this raised area. On the raised face surface there has a groove is RTJ type, which you can place a gasket ring to get better sealing performances.
What are Class 150 socket weld fittings used for?
Bolt two same-size flanges together with a gasket to create an access point within a line. They are also known as Class 150 flanges. They have thick, strong walls to handle heavy duty industrial plumbing and water supply applications, such as water processing, waste water treatment, and irrigation.
How is the fillet weld of a socket inspected?
The fillet weld may be inspected by surface examination, magnetic particle (MP), or liquid penetrant (PT) examination methods. Construction costs are lower than with butt-welded joints due to the lack of exacting fit-up requirements and elimination of special machining for butt weld end preparation.
What are the pressure ratings for Socket welds?
They are available in three pressure ratings: Class 3000, 6000 and 9000. Plugs and Bushings are not identified. The pipe need not be beveled for weld preparation. Temporary tack welding is no needed for alignment, because in principle the fitting ensures proper alignment.