Which type of flange is the most commonly used?

The most commonly used type of flange is the raised face flange. This design features a flat surface with a raised area around the bolt holes, allowing for a better seal when connecting pipes or equipment. The raised surface comes into contact with the gasket, creating increased pressure distribution, which significantly improves the leak-tightness of the joint.

Raised face flanges are especially effective in high-pressure systems, as they can handle fluctuations in pressure and temperature better than other types. This design is widely favored in various plumbing applications, including mechanical systems and waterworks, due to its ability to maintain integrity under different operating conditions.

In contrast, while flat face flanges offer a good seal, they are more suited for low-pressure applications. Blind face flanges are typically used to seal off a pipe or a vessel and do not have a central opening, and socket weld flanges provide a different method of connection preferred for specific contexts. Overall, the versatility, reliability, and superior performance under a range of conditions make raised face flanges the most utilized choice in plumbing systems.