SAE Blind Flange
SAE Blind Flanges are designed following the SAE J518 / ISO6162 standards. These are installed in hydraulic applications for the main purpose of blocking a passive pipe or nozzle in the system. SAE Blind Flanges are suited for high-pressure applications in the 3000 and 6000 series. These flanges are available in sizes ranging between 3/8 to 5 inches. Alternatively, they are known as Code 61 and Code 62 designed to work with 3000 PSI and 6000 PSI. Unlike other flange types, an SAE Blind Flange has no opening in the middle and they are made from mainly stainless steel or steel materials.
1. What is an SAE Blind Flange ?
Flanges are generally designed to ensure the smooth passage of the liquid process in an application. Specifically, they serve as connecting devices for pipes, hoses, and other hydraulic tools. Of the various types of flanges, the SAE Blind Flange is distinct. They are designed to block the passage of liquid or other fluids in a hydraulic system. Also, the flange stands out from others as they have no boring hole in the center which is common to many flange types. Perhaps, this explains the main reason for the name of the flange. Asides from this structural design, the flange is recognized by others.
The SAE Blind Flange is mostly installed to seal the ends of a nozzle. This can also be done using a cap, however, the blind flange is preferred because it has opened for bolts to ensure easy installation and disassembly. The blind flange gives a perfect sealing due to the several bolt holes and the availability of sealing faces such as o-ring face and flat face.
2. What are SAE Blind Flanges made of?
SAE Blind Flanges are made of various materials, but they are mainly from Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel materials. Carbon steel is steel materials with the inclusion of carbon. The maximum carbon content in the steel varies up to 0.22%. Carbon steel is used for the production of various materials including the Blind Flanges. Carbon steel is beneficial as it leads to the production of strong and hard materials and products.
Stainless steel (SS316 and SS316L) are variants of stainless steel. SS316 contains elements such as carbon (C), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Chromium (Cr), Nitrogen (N), Nickel (Ni), and Molybdenum (Mo). The addition of molybdenum to the mixture gives the material a higher level of corrosion resistance and excellent welding features. The SAE Blind flanges come with SS316L material which contains lower carbon material.
These materials explained above are used for blind flanges due to their excellent features and strength.
3. What are the benefits of SAE Blind Flanges?
SAE Blind Flanges are widely known and used due to their various benefits. The SAE Blind Flange is designed to withstand a high level of working pressure. The highest pressure the Blind Flange can withstand is 6000PSI and this is a whole lot. More so, SAE Blind Flanges have a unique design and aim which is to obstruct the flow of the liquid process in an application. In the case where there are unused pipes that may cause leakages, the blind flange is installed to secure the opening against leakages or wastage of fluids.
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Another advantage of the SAE Blind flange is its easy installation and disassembly process. The design of the flange gives the operator easy access to unknot and tighten the bolts each time.
4. What is the installation process for the SAE Blind Flange?
As stated earlier, the installation process of the Blind Flange is very easy, however, it has to be followed strictly to avoid leakages or other problems during usage of the hydraulic application. Please refer to the steps below for the installation process of the flange:
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Step 1
The first step is inspecting the flange surface. Dirt and other contaminants are a major source of the inefficiency of the flange, therefore, you have to ensure these elements are removed.
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Step 2
Arrange the flange in the specified position, thereafter, insert the O-ring into the female groove.
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Step 3
Position the cap screws and washer onto the seal and place the bolts in the right holes.
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Step 4
Tighten the bolts using your hand and the right torque value to prevent over-tightening.