The design for the SAE system calls for forged flanges to ASTM A 105 with sleeves made from weldable material. In order to reduce costs, various manufacturers have introduced a two piece system shown on pages 24 & 26 where the sleeve and the flange were combined into one piece. Such a system is easily adaptable to both Butt Weld and Socket Weld systems. However, in practice, the two piece system is used mainly for Socket Weld flanges for cost considerations. |