From the various valves available, flanged and screwed valves are two major types, each with features and applications. Their differences must be noted to allow one to choose the correct required valve. This blog will provide a complete comparison between flanged and threaded valves.

What is a Flanged Valve?

Valves flanged at both ends are designed with a flange. Flanged valves bolted to the piping system. They create a solid connection. This is crucial for high-pressure applications. They come in stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron.

These materials make flanged valves versatile. They can handle various environments and fluid types. They are used in the oil and gas industries. They are also used in water treatment. Chemical processing relies on their robust nature. They are reliable and durable under hostile conditions.

Check out the complete post on threaded ball valve installation 

Flanged Valve Advantages and Limitations

Versatility: Flanged valves are versatile, particularly in their usability, with various diameter conduits and materials like steel, cast iron, and PVC. They are also apt for containing hazardous fluids.

Easy to remove: Flanged valves can easily be removed from the system without removing other components, which is impossible with threaded valves because of space considerations.

Durability and strength: The flanged connection gives more durability and strength to withstand temperatures and pressures.

Cost: Flanged valves can be costlier than other valve types. Gasket replacement and fastener adjustment/ replacement are expensive compared to other valve types.

Size: Flanged connections are tighter and more significant than other connections. This could sometimes be detrimental to applications where space is at a premium.

What is a Screwed Valve?

Threaded valves, known as screwed valves, have threaded ends. These are screwed directly into the pipeline system. This type of connection is easier and faster compared to flanged valves.

Threaded valves are applied in smaller, less demanding applications where ease of installation and cost become paramount. Threaded valves find residential and commercial plumbing applications, small industrial setups, etc.

Threaded Valve Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

Easy Installation: No special tools or equipment are necessary to attach threaded valves, which therefore ensure its suitability for small systems and do-it-yourself applications.

Compact Size: Because of its compact size and lightweight construction, threaded valves can be utilized in many applications where space is limited.

Low-Cost: Threaded valves are way lower in price compared to flanged valves in most cases. Thus, in low-pressure to medium-pressure applications, they can be cost-effective solutions.

Flexibility: Thread connections can be easily disconnected and reconnected, facilitating the ease of making repairs and replacements.

Disadvantages

Possibility of Leak: The threaded connections can work loose over time, becoming a potential leak path, especially if the system frequently goes through temperature changes or other changes.

Maintenance Issues: Installation is more accessible. Threaded valves are much harder to maintain since their threads can be damaged or worn out over time.

Sizes: The threaded valves only come in tiny sizes, which will prove too small for the size requirements of large industries.

Flanged Valves vs Threaded Valves: Differences

Design Difference

Screwed valves are mounted and sealed through threads on the valve. They are used for low—to medium-voltage applications since installing them is easy and inexpensive. Since these valves are small, they use small or medium-sized piping systems, domestic, commercial, or for specific industry uses. This is a wholesale plug valve.

On the other hand, flanged valves have flange connections to seal and hold securely the valve. A flange connection includes simply two parallel flanges. It uses gaskets and fasteners. Such a setup offers better structural support.

It also provides a larger area for sealing. Flange valves are used for larger-diameter conduits. They will suit high-pressure and high-temperature systems used in the oil and gas industries. They are suitable for chemical and heavy industries.

Connection and Installation

These flanged or screwed valves are attached to the piping system by bolted flanges. The attachment of a flanged valve by a bolted connection makes it solid and secure. Thus, they are applicable in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

This highlights the precise effort applied to tighten the seal and line up the flanges. On the contrary, flanged valves are easily maintained and replaced once installed.

In contrast, threaded valves are mounted by screwing the valve onto the threaded ends of pipes. This connection is much faster and easier, needing less manpower, tools, and work. Threaded valves find applications in small systems and applications where ease of installation is required. However, threaded connections can loosen over time. It results in leakage problems and makes maintenance more difficult.

Pressure and Temperature Handling

These flanged valves are intended to operate in very high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The bolted flanged connection provides secure valve mounting in a piping system. It resists very ruthless conditions.

The flanged valves can be used in heavy-duty industrial applications. They work well in the oil and gas industry. They also perform well in chemical processing. Also, they find applications in power generation.

Threaded valves are more appropriate for low-pressure to medium-pressure applications. High pressures and temperatures can ruin the threaded connections. This makes them inappropriate for heavy-duty industrial services.

Performance and Reliability:

Screwed valves depend on thread connections. Most of the sealing performance relies on the quality and fastening power of the threads. There can be leakage or other safety problems related to the seal in case of damage or loose threads. Therefore, when choosing a threaded valve, it is necessary to check the reliability of its quality and manufacturing standards.

On the other hand, flange valves are sealed by an interaction between the flanges, gaskets, and fasteners. Flange valves have a larger sealing surface area. This provides better sealing. They also have more solid structural support.

This leads to more excellent reliability. Flange connections can extend the valve’s lifespan. They also prolong maintenance intervals. This makes inspecting the gasket easier. Replacing the gasket becomes more convenient.

Durability:

This makes flanged valves very strong and easy to maintain. The flanged bolted connection allows the valve to be removed and replaced easily without much hassle. This reduces downtime and all associated operational costs. Flanged valves resist harsh environments and aggressive conditions, ensuring reliability over time.

Threaded valves have relatively easy mounting but feature maintenance challenges. For instance, the threaded connections can loosen, especially with temperature changes. In systems with significant vibrations, there are problems. In addition, they are prone to leakage, which shortens the maintenance cycles. Thread damage or wearing might complicate the repairs.

Applications

Flanged valves are used in heavy industrial processes for robust performance. They withstand high pressures and temperatures effectively. Applications include the oil and gas industry, chemical processing, and water treatment. These valves are also used in fluid handling systems with high flow rates.

Threaded valves suit small applications where installation ease and cost are crucial. They are found in residential and commercial plumbing systems and smaller industrial setups. Threaded valves work perfectly in applications with moderate pressure and temperature requirements.

Technology Developments and Future Trends

The development of technology allows parallel growth in industries associated with valve manufacturing. New materials and advanced designs have revolutionized flanged and threaded valves. Precision manufacturing technology enhances the sealing capacity and structural strength of threaded valves.

 High-strength materials improve the durability of threaded valves. Remote monitoring technology boosts safety and reliability. Intelligent sensors make threaded valves suitable for more applications. Advanced sealing materials prolong the service life of flanged valves. Coating technologies reduce maintenance frequency for flanged valves. New flange connection methods increase the competitiveness of flange valves. Automated installation tools lower installation costs and maintenance efforts.

Conclusion of Flanged Valves Vs. Threaded Valves

Both flanged and threaded valves come under any fluid handling system, having pros and cons. Flanged valves are designed to work under high pressure and temperature. They have applications in heavy-duty industrial industries. Threaded valves offer a cost-effective and easy method of installation.

They work nicely in small, everyday applications. These applications have only moderate pressure and temperature. Knowing the difference between flanged and threaded valves is essential. It lets you know which kind of valve to use in your application. Could you please contact us if you have any further requirements?