Shop Saddle Weld Flanges
Saddle weld flanges have a curved base that fits the outside of a pipe or tube. The "saddle" base sits over a drilled hole in the line and is welded around its edge to add a new SAE J518 4-bolt flange port. The saddle weld flanges listed here are Code 61, for pipe or for tube. These flanges are ideal for creating durable connections in hydraulic systems, where high pressure and reliability are crucial. Code 61 and Code 62 refer to different pressure ratings, with Code 61 suited for lower pressures and Code 62 for higher pressures.
A saddle weld flange (often searched as a saddle flange or weld-on flange) taps into the side of a pipe or tube to create a new SAE J518 4-bolt flange port. The line is drilled and cleaned, then the flange is set over the hole and welded around its perimeter. Choose the Code 61 style for pipe or for tube. To compare weld styles, see the flange guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a saddle weld flange used for?
A saddle weld flange is used to tap into an existing pipe, or a new pipe assembly, to create a new flange connection port. Unlike butt weld and socket weld flanges, which are welded to the end of a pipe, a saddle weld flange is welded onto the side of the line.
How is a saddle weld flange installed?
Drill the pipe at the location where you need the port, then clean the hole to remove any debris or metal shavings. Place the saddle weld flange over the hole and weld it around its perimeter.
What is the difference between saddle weld, butt weld and socket weld flanges?
A saddle weld flange adds a port on the side of a pipe. A butt weld flange is welded to the end of a pipe: the pipe butts against the end of the flange and the two are welded around the outside beveled perimeter, which gives greater weld penetration and a stronger connection. A socket weld flange lets the pipe slip inside a socket and is welded at the base where the pipe meets the flange; penetration is not as deep as a butt weld, but it is easier to weld.
Should I choose the pipe or the tube version?
Choose the version that matches the line you are welding to. Pipe is sized by nominal pipe size and tube by outside diameter, so a pipe and a tube with the same nominal size do not have the same outside diameter. This page lists Code 61 saddle weld flanges for pipe and Code 61 saddle weld flanges for tube.
What is the difference between Code 61 and Code 62?
Code 61 and Code 62 are SAE J518 4-bolt flange pressure classes. Code 61 is the standard 3,000 psi rated flange and Code 62 is the 6,000 psi rated flange. The overall design is the same, but Code 62 flange head diameters and bolt hole spacing are larger, so the parts are not interchangeable. The saddle weld flanges listed on this page are Code 61.
How does the finished flange port seal?
Like other SAE J518 flange connections, the seal is made by an O-ring compressed between a flanged head and a flat port surface, and the connection is held by four threaded bolts. Mate the saddle weld flange with a Code 61 flange connection of the same size, or close it off with a flange plug or blanking flange.