Piping guides
Short, practical explanations for engineers, buyers and inspectors.
Types of pipe flanges and where each is used
Weld neck, slip-on, blind, socket weld, threaded, lap joint and plate flanges explained: how each attaches, where it is used and how to choose.
Read →Flange facing types: RF, FF, RTJ and more
Raised face, flat face, ring type joint, tongue and groove and male–female flange facings explained, with surface finish and gasket guidance.
Read →Flange pressure classes (150 to 2500) explained
What ASME B16.5 flange classes 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500 mean, with ambient pressure ratings in bar and psi for carbon steel A105.
Read →Seamless vs welded pipe: ERW, EFW, LSAW and SSAW
Differences between seamless and welded steel pipe — ERW, EFW, LSAW, SSAW — including manufacturing, size ranges, strength, cost and typical specifications.
Read →A105 vs A105N: what is the difference?
ASTM A105 vs A105N carbon steel forgings explained — what normalizing does, mechanical properties, sour service hardness and when projects specify A105N.
Read →Stainless steel 304 vs 316: which should you use?
SS 304 vs SS 316 (and 304L vs 316L) compared — composition, molybdenum, PREN, corrosion resistance, cost and typical applications in piping.
Read →Types of pipe fittings and their uses
Guide to pipe fittings: elbows, tees, reducers, caps, crosses and stub ends in buttweld (ASME B16.9) and forged socket weld/threaded (B16.11) forms.
Read →Last updated 2026-11-02