Las bridas son componentes esenciales en los sistemas de tuberías., serving as mechanical connectors for joining pipes, valvulas, zapatillas, y otros equipos. Proporcionan una seguridad, leak-proof connection while allowing for easy disassembly, inspección, y mantenimiento. Flanges are used in industries such as oil and gas, procesamiento químico, tratamiento de agua, generación de energía, construcción naval, and HVAC systems. To ensure proper application and performance, flanges are classified into several types based on their structure, método de conexión, clasificación de presión, and application environment. This article provides a detailed classification of commonly used flanges, offering insight into their features, ventajas, and typical uses.

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1. Classification by Connection Method

Brida de cuello soldado

A weld neck flange features a long tapered hub that is welded to the pipe. This design transfers stress to the pipe, reducing the concentration at the base of the flange. Weld neck flanges are suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature applications where strength and durability are critical.

Ventajas:

• Excellent strength and fatigue resistance

• Smooth bore transition reduces turbulence

• Ideal for repeated bending and temperature cycles

Aplicaciones: Oleoductos y gasoductos, plantas quimicas, high-pressure steam lines.

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Brida deslizante

Slip-on flanges are slipped over the pipe and welded on both the inside and outside. They are easier to align than weld neck flanges and are widely used in low- to medium-pressure systems.

Ventajas:

• Simple installation and alignment

• Lower initial cost than weld neck flanges

• Suitable for applications with limited space

Aplicaciones: Sistemas de tratamiento de agua., HVAC piping, low-pressure industrial lines.

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Brida de soldadura

This flange has a socket where the pipe is inserted before being fillet welded at the outside. Socket weld flanges are used for smaller diameter, tubería de alta presión.

Ventajas:

• Smooth bore flow path

• Adecuado para alta presión, small-size pipelines

• Good fatigue strength

Aplicaciones: Sistemas hidráulicos, chemical process piping, high-pressure gas distribution.

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Brida roscada

Threaded flanges have internal threads that match the pipe threads, allowing connection without welding. They are ideal for low-pressure, non-critical applications.

Ventajas:

• No requiere soldadura

• Suitable for flammable environments where welding is hazardous

• Easy to install and remove

Aplicaciones: Sistemas de protección contra incendios, líneas de servicios públicos, compressed air piping.

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Brida articular

Las bridas de junta traslapada se utilizan con un extremo muñón., allowing the flange to rotate freely for easy bolt alignment. They are often used in systems requiring frequent disassembly.

Ventajas:

• Fácil alineación durante la instalación

• Reusable in different piping assemblies

• Ideal for systems subject to frequent maintenance

Aplicaciones: Procesamiento de alimentos, plantas farmaceuticas, corrosive environments where flanges can be made from a less expensive material and the stub end from a corrosion-resistant alloy.

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Brida ciega

A blind flange has no bore and is used to seal off the end of a piping system or pressure vessel opening.

Ventajas:

• Allows access for inspection and cleaning

• Can be installed or removed without disturbing the piping system

• Available in high-pressure ratings

Aplicaciones: Pressure vessel closures, pipeline isolation points, maintenance access ports.

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2. Classification by Face Type

cara levantada (RF)

The most common flange facing type, the raised face has a small raised area for gasket seating, improving the sealing capability.

Aplicaciones: Petróleo y gas, procesamiento químico, sistemas de agua.

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Cara plana (FF)

The gasket surface is in the same plane as the bolt circle face. Commonly used with cast iron equipment.

Aplicaciones: Tratamiento de agua, aplicaciones de baja presión, non-metallic piping.

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Junta tipo anillo (RTJ)

Uses a metal ring gasket to achieve a high-integrity seal for high-pressure, aplicaciones de alta temperatura.

Aplicaciones: Refinery equipment, high-pressure steam lines, plataformas petroleras marinas.

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Lengua y ranura (t&GRAMO)

A male (tongue) flange fits into a female (groove) brida, providing precise gasket positioning.

Aplicaciones: Specialty chemical processing, high-integrity sealing systems.

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3. Classification by Pressure Rating

ASME Pressure Classes

• Clase 150

• Clase 300

• Clase 600

• Clase 900

• Clase 1500

• Clase 2500

The higher the class, the thicker and stronger the flange to withstand higher pressures.

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EN / DIN PN Ratings

PN 6, PN 10, PN 16, PN 25, PN 40, PN 63, PN 100, PN 160.
PN stands for nominal pressure in bars at a reference temperature.

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JIS Pressure Ratings

5k, 10k, 16k, 20k, 30k.
Commonly used in Japanese and some Asian market applications.

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4. Classification by Manufacturing Method

Bridas forjadas

Produced by forging steel billets, offering superior mechanical properties and grain structure.

Aplicaciones: Tuberías de alta presión, offshore structures, plantas de energía.

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Cast Flanges

Manufactured by casting molten metal into molds. More economical for complex shapes but may have lower mechanical strength than forged flanges.

Aplicaciones: Water systems, low-pressure chemical processing.

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Bridas de placa

Cut from plate material and machined to specifications. Economical but generally limited to lower pressure ratings.

Aplicaciones: Low-pressure piping, ventilation systems.

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5. Special Purpose Flanges

Bridas de orificio

Designed for use with orifice meters to measure flow rate in pipelines. Includes tapped holes for pressure measurement.

Aplicaciones: Flow measurement in oil, gas, and water pipelines.

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Bridas ciegas para gafas

Consist of a connected pair of metal discs, one solid and one with an opening, used to isolate a section of pipe.

Aplicaciones: Maintenance operations, system isolation in refineries and chemical plants.

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Bridas reductoras

Allow connection between pipes of different diameters without the need for a separate reducer fitting.

Aplicaciones: Space-constrained piping layouts, retrofit projects.

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Importance of Choosing the Right Flange Type

The correct flange classification ensures safety, compatibilidad, and performance in the intended application. Mismatched flange types can lead to leaks, pressure loss, or mechanical failures. Selecting the correct flange also simplifies maintenance and ensures compliance with applicable standards.

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Standards Governing Flanges

Flanges must conform to international standards to ensure quality and interchangeability. Los estándares comunes incluyen:

• ASME B16.5 (Bridas de tubería y accesorios bridados)

• ASME B16.47 (Bridas de acero de gran diámetro)

• EN 1092-1 (European Standard for Steel Flanges)

• JIS B2220 (Japanese Industrial Standard for Flanges)

A los fabricantes les gusta Sasaflange produce flanges in compliance with these standards to guarantee performance in diverse applications.

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Conclusión

Flanges are critical components in any piping system, and understanding their classification helps in selecting the right product for specific operational requirements. Whether based on connection type, tipo de cara, clasificación de presión, manufacturing method, or special function, each flange type serves a unique purpose.

By aligning flange selection with industry standards and application needs, engineers and procurement teams can ensure long-term reliability, seguridad, and cost-effectiveness in their piping systems. Partnering with experienced manufacturers like Sasaflange ensures that flanges are produced to precise specifications, ready to perform in even the most demanding environments.