Contrary to all the flange types seen above, blind flanges do not have a center hole, and are used to blind or seal a pipeline, a valve/pressure vessel and block the flow of the fluid.Blind flanges have to withstand remarkable mechanical stress due to the system pressure and the required bolting forces.
Blind flanges allow easy access to the pipeline, as they can be easily unbolted to let the operator execute activities inside the terminal end of the pipe (this is also the reason why the blind flange type is used as manhole for pressure vessels, at times).
It is maybe interesting to observe that, while this flanges type is easier to manufacture, they are sold at a premium average cost per kilogram compared to the other flange types.
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A blind flange is used to seal the end of a pipeline, valve, or pressure vessel, effectively blocking fluid flow and preventing leaks.
Yes, blind flanges can be easily unbolted to provide access for maintenance, inspection, or cleaning inside the terminal end of the pipe or pressure vessel.
Although easier to manufacture, blind flanges are sold at a premium due to their high mechanical strength and the specific requirements for bolting forces and pressure resistance.