SW Flange (Socket Weld Flange) contain a shoulder on the inside of the flange that acts as a guide to set the depth at which the pipe is welded to the flange. They are fabricated by inserting the pipe end into the flange until it bottoms out against the shoulder, and then retracting the pipe 1/8 in before welding it in place. This practice was originally employed to reduce cracking due to thermal stresses in stainless steel superheaters, but over the years has become standard practice for the installation of all socket weld flanges (SW Flange).

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