FLANGES

4.3.1 Introduction Flanges are normally used to connect sections of pipe, valves, vessels or other fittings by forming a seal with either a ring or flat type gasket. They are assembled with stud bolts, which when tightened, force the two flange faces towards each other on the gasket to form a pressure tight seal. Flanges in the oil industry are classified according to their construction, pressure rating and diameter. The two classifications of flanges are: 1. ASA (ANSI) American Nation Standards Institute. 2. API American Petroleum Institute 4.3.2 API

Classification of Flanges

There are three common types of API flanges: API 2000,3000,5000 and there are two high pressure series, API 10,000 and 15,000. The number of the series indicated corresponds to the maximum working pressure expressed in psi at a temperature of l00F. This maximum working pressure is affected by temperature The maximum working pressure of the flange will be reduced by a factor of 1.8% for each 50F increase in temperature above 100F to a maximum of 450F. The following table gives the maximum working pressure as a function of temperature.

4.3.3

Pressure Ratings
And Working Pressures

4.3.3.1 Test

The hydrostatic test pressure is equal to twice the maximum working pressures for flanges of diameter below or equal to 14 inches. The test pressure is equal to 1.5 times the maximum working pressure for flanges of diameter equal to or

greater than 16 inches.

4.3.3.2 ASA

Flanges

With the exception of the ASA 150 series, the number corresponds to the maximum working pressure of the flange in psi at a temperature of 85OF for carbon steel flanges. To obtain the working pressure of the flange at temperature from 20 to + 100F, the number is multiplied by 2.4. For example: ASA 300 Max WP = 2.4 x 300 = 720psi ASA 900 Max WP = 2.24 x 900 =2160psi The following table gives the working pressures of all flanges in this classification. The hydrostatic test pressure is equal to 1.5 times the working pressure at 100F.

4.3.4 Flange

Physical Characteristics

To avoid any confusion when describing or ordering flanges, the following information should be given: 1. Type ASA or API; 2. Description of connection: a) Weld neck flange b) Slip on welding flange

c) Threaded flange d) Blind flange. 3. Nominal diameter; 4. Number in ASA or API classification; 5. Type of face and gasket; 6. Bore if necessary; 7. Type of steel used for manufacture.

4.3.5 Flange

Make-Up

To ensure that the flange will form a good seal, care should be taken when making them up. The studs should first be made hand tight with the faces of the flanges parallel to each other. The studs should then be gradually tightened in the sequence shown in the diagram below. 4.3.6 Line

Pipe

Line pipe is required by the oil and gas industry to convey oil, gas, water, chemicals, etc. in its operations. The API with cooperation of the American Gas Association has developed specifications meeting the needs of the oil and gas industry for steel and wrought-iron line pipe and published these in API standards 5L and 5LX. These provide standard dimensions, strengths and performance properties and the required thread gauging practice to ensure complete interchangeability.

There are many different flange standards to be found worldwide. To allow easy functionality and inter-changeability, these are designed to have standardised dimensions. Common world standards include ASA/ANSI (USA), PN/DIN (European), BS10 (British/Australian), and JIS/KIS (Japanese/Korean). In most cases these are not interchangeable (eg an ANSI flange will not mate against a JIS flange). Further many of the flanges in each standard are divided into "pressure classes", allowing flanges to be capable of taking different pressure ratings. Again these are not generally interchangeable (eg an ANSI 150# will not mate with an ANSI 300#). These "pressure classes" also have differing pressure and temperature ratings for different materials. The flange faces are made to standardized dimensions and are typically "flat face", "raised face", "tongue and groove", or "ring joint" styles, although other obscure styles are possible. Flange designs are available as "welding neck", "slip-on", "boss", "lap joint", "socket weld", "threaded", and also "blind".

[ANSI/ASME Pipe flanges that are made to standards called out by ASME/ANSI B16.5 or ASME/ANSI B16.47 are typically made from forged materials and have machined surfaces. They are typically in "Pressure Classes" such as 150#, 300#, 600#, 900# 1500#; however, ASME B16.47 still recognizes the 75# or "Class 75" flange for certain low pressure and low temperature applications. The gasket type and bolt type are generally specified by the standard(s); however, sometimes the standards refer to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (B&PVC) for details (see ASME Code Section VIII Division 1 - Appendix 2 ). These flanges are recognized by ASME Pipe Codes such as ASME B31.1 Power Piping, and ASME B31.3 Process Piping. Materials for flanges are usually under ASME designation: SA-105 (Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping Applications) , SA-266 (Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessel Components) or SA-182 (Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy-Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service).