Definition and Details of Flanges - What is a

Flange?
Flanges General
A flange is a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a
piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification.
Flanges are usually welded or screwed. Flanged joints are made by bolting together two
flanges with a gasket between them to provide a seal.
TYPES OF FLANGES
The most used flange types in Petro and chemical industry are:

 Welding Neck Flange

 Slip On Flange
 Socket Weld Flange
 Lap Joint Flange
 Threaded Flange
 Blind Flange

All types except the Lap Joint flange are provided with a raised flange face.
SPECIAL FLANGES
Except the most used standard flanges, there are still a number of special flanges such
as:

 Orifice Flanges
 Long Welding Neck Flanges
 Weldoflange / Nipoflange
 Expander Flange
 Reducing Flange
Materials for Flanges
Pipe flanges are manufactured in all the different materials like stainless steel, cast iron,
aluminium, brass, bronze, plastic etc. but the most used material is forged carbon steel
and have machined surfaces.
In addition, flanges, like fittings and pipes, for specific purposes sometimes internally
equipped with layers of materials of a completely different quality as the flanges
themselves, which are "lined flanges".
The material of a flange, is basically set during the choice of the pipe, in most cases, a
flange is of the same material as the pipe.
All flanges, discussed on this website fall under the ASME en ASTM standards, unless
otherwise indicated. ASME B16.5 describes dimensions, dimensional tolerances etc.
and ASTM the different material qualities.

Dimensions of Flanges
Each flange according to ASME B16.5 has a number of standard dimensions. If a
draftsman in Japan or a work preparer in Canada or a pipefitter in Australia is speaking
about a Welding Neck flange NPS 6, Class 150, Schedule 40 ASME B16.5, then it goes
over the flange which in the image here below is shown.
If the flange is ordered, the supplier want to know the material quality. For example
ASTM A105 is a forged carbon steel flange, while A182 is a forged stainless steel
flange.
So, in a correct order to a supplier two standards must be specified:
WELDING NECK FLANGE NPS 6, CLASS 150, SCHEDULE 40, ASME B16.5 / ASTM
A105

The flange above has 8 bolt holes, and a welding bevel of 37.5 degrees (red circle). All
given dimensions are in millimeters. The raised face (RF) does not need to be specified,
because according to ASME B16.5, each flange is standard delivered with a raised
face. Only a different design (Ring Type Joint (RTJ), Flat Face (FF) etc.), should be
specified.

Bolted Flange connections

A bolted flange connection is a complex combination of many factors (Flange, Bolts,
Gaskets, Process, Temperature, Pressure, Medium). All these various elements are
interrelated and depend upon one another to achieve a successful result.
The reliability of the flanged joint depends critically upon competent control of the joint
making process.

TYPICAL BOLTED FLANGE CONNECTION

QUOTING FROM JOHN H. BICKFORD'S BOOK, "AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN

AND BEHAVIOR OF BOLTED JOINTS":
That all important clamping force which holds the joint together - and without which
there would be no joint - is not created by a good joint designer, nor by high quality
parts. It is created by the mechanic on the job site, using the tools, procedures, and
working conditions we have provided him with... And further: The final, essential creator
of the force is the mechanic, and the time of creation is during assembly. So it's very
important for us to understand this process.

The industry has recognized the critical nature of installation and assembly for several
years.
In Europe, the emphasis has been on ensuring that joint making is undertaken by
trained and validated technicians and this has led to the publication of a European
Technical standard: TS EN 1591 Part 4 entitled "Flanges and their joints. Design rules
for gasketed circular flange connections. Qualification of personnel competency in the
assembly of bolted joints fitted to equipment subject to the Pressure Equipment
Directive (PED)".
The standard provides a methodology for the training and assessment of technicians
involved in the making and breaking of flange joints and can be viewed as being
analogous to the training required for welders involved with pressure vessel work. Its
publication demonstrates the importance placed upon the competent control of joint
making process in ensuring leak-free performance from the flange.
The gasket is but one of many reasons a bolted flange joint connection can leak.
Even when all the complex inter-related components of a bolted joint flange connection
work in perfect harmony, the single most important factor leading to success or failure of
that bolted flange connection will be attention given to proper installation and assembly
procedures by the person installing the gasket. If done properly, the assembly will
remain leak-free for the target life expectancy.

REMARK(S)
FLANGED CONNECTIONS VERSUS WELDED CONNECTIONS
There are no standards that define whether or not flange connections may be used.
In a newly built factory is customary to minimize flange connections, because only one
weld is needed to connect two pieces of pipe. This saves the costs of two flanges, the
gasket, the Stud Bolts, the second weld, the cost of NDT for the second weld, etc..
Some other disadvantages of flange connections:

 Each flange connection can leak (some people claim that a flange connection is never
100 percent leak proof).
 Flanged pipe systems need much more space (just think of a pipe rack).
 Insulation of flanged pipe systems is more expensive (special flange caps).

Of course, flange connections have great benefits; some examples:

 A new line can contain multiple pipe spools and can be manufactured in a workshop.
 This pipe spools can be assembled in the plant without the need to be welded.
 NDO (X-ray, Hydro test etc.) in the plant is not necessary, because this has been done
in the workshop.
 Blasting and painting in the plant is not necessary, because even this has been done in
a workshop (only paint damages during installation should be repaired).

Definition and Details of Flanges - Pressure

Rating
Pressure Classes of Flanges
Forged steel flanges, according to ASME B16.5, are made in seven
primary Pressure Classes:

150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500

The concept of flange ratings likes clearly. A Class 300 flange can handle more
pressure than a Class 150 flange, because a Class 300 flange are constructed with
more metal and can withstand more pressure. However, there are a number of factors
that can impact the pressure capability of a flange.
The Pressure Class or Rating for flanges will be given in pounds. Different names are
used to indicate a Pressure Class.
For example: 150 Lb or 150 Lbs or 150# or Class 150, all are means the same.

Example of Pressure Rating

Flanges can withstand different pressures at different temperatures. As temperature
increases, the pressure rating of the flange decreases. For example, a Class 150 flange
is rated to approximately 270 PSIG at ambient conditions, 180 PSIG at approximately
400°F, 150 PSIG at approximately 600°F, and 75 PSIG at approximately 800°F.
In other words, when the pressure goes down, the temperature goes up and vice versa.
Additional factors are that flanges can be constructed from different materials, such as
stainless steel, cast and ductile iron, carbon steel etc.. Each material have different
pressure ratings.
Below an example of a flange NPS 12 with the several pressure classes. As you can
see, inner diameter and diameter of the raised face at all the same; but outside
diameter, bolt circle and diameter of bolt holes become larger in each higher pressure
class.
The number and diameters (mm) of the bolt holes are:

CL 150 - 12 x 25.4 CL 300 - 16 x 28.6

CL 400 - 16 x 34.9 CL 600 - 20 x 34.9
CL 900 - 20 x 38.1 CL 1500 - 16 x 54
CL 2500 - 12 x 73
Pressure-Temperature Ratings - Example -
Pressure-temperature ratings are maximum allowable working gage pressures in bar
units at the temperatures in degrees celsius. For intermediate temperatures, linear
interpolation is permitted. Interpolation between class designations is not permitted.
Pressure-temperature ratings apply to flanged joints that conform to the limitations on
bolting and on gaskets, which are made up in accordance with good practice for
alignment and assembly. Use of these ratings for flanged joints not conforming to these
limitations is the responsibility of the user.
The temperature shown for a corresponding pressure rating is the temperature of the
pressure-containing shell of the component. In general, this temperature is the same as
that of the contained fluid. Use of a pressure rating corresponding to a temperature
other than that of the contained fluid is the responsibility of the user, subject to the
requirements of applicable codes and regulations. For any temperature below -29°C,
the rating shall be no greater than the rating shown for -29°C.
As an example, below you will find two tables with material groups acc. to ASTM, and
two other tables
with flange pressure-temperature ratings for those ASTM materials acc. to ASME
B16.5.

ASTM GROUP 2-1.1 MATERIALS

Nominal Designation Forgings Castings Plates

C-Si A105(1) A216 A515

Gr.WCB (1) Gr.70 (1)

C Mn Si A350 ... A516

Gr.LF2 (1) Gr.70 (1), (2)

C Mn Si V A350 ... A537

Gr.LF6 Cl 1 (3) Cl.1 (4)

3.1/2Ni A350 ... ...

Gr.LF3

Notes:

 (1) Upon prolonged exposure to temperatures above 425°C, the carbide phase of steel may
be converted to graphite. Permissible but not recommended for prolonged use above 425°C.
 (2) Do not use over 455°C.
 (3) Do not use over 260°C.
 (4) Do not use over 370°C.
 ASTM GROUP 2-2.3 MATERIALS

Nominal Forgings Cast Plates

Designation

16Cr 12Ni 2Mo A182 ... A240

Gr.F316L Gr.316L

18Cr 13Ni 3Mo A182 ... ...

Gr.F317L

18Cr 8Ni A182 ... A240

Gr.F304L (1) Gr.304L (1)

Note:

 (1) Do not use over 425°C.

PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RATINGS FOR ASTM GROUP 2-1.1 MATERIALS

WORKING PRESSURE BY CLASSES, BAR

TEMP
150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500
°C

-29 TO 38 19.6 51.1 68.1 102.1 153.2 255.3 425.5

50 19.2 50.1 66.8 100.2 150.4 250.6 417.7

100 17.7 46.6 62.1 93.2 139.8 233 388.3

150 15.8 45.1 60.1 90.2 135.2 225.4 375.6

200 13.8 43.8 58.4 87.6 131.4 219 365

250 12.1 41.9 55.9 83.9 125.8 209.7 349.5

300 10.2 39.8 53.1 79.6 119.5 199.1 331.8

325 9.3 38.7 51.6 77.4 116.1 193.6 322.6

350 8.4 37.6 50.1 75.1 112.7 187.8 313

375 7.4 36.4 48.5 72.7 109.1 181.8 303.1

400 6.5 34.7 46.3 69.4 104.2 173.6 289.3

 425 5.5 28.8 38.4 57.5 86.3 143.8 239.7

450 4.6 23 30.7 46 69 115 191.7

475 3.7 17.4 23.2 34.9 52.3 87.2 145.3

500 2.8 11.8 15.7 23.5 35.3 58.8 97.9

538 1.4 5.9 7.9 11.8 17.7 29.5 49.2

TEMP
150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500
°C

PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RATINGS FOR ASTM GROUP 2-2.3 MATERIALS

WORKING PRESSURE BY CLASSES, BAR

TEMP
150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500
°C

-29 TO 38 15.9 41.4 55.2 82.7 124.1 206.8 344.7

50 15.3 40 53.4 80 120.1 200.1 333.5

100 13.3 34.8 46.4 69.6 104.4 173.9 289.9

150 12 31.4 41.9 62.8 94.2 157 261.6

200 11.2 29.2 38.9 58.3 87.5 145.8 243

250 10.5 27.5 36.6 54.9 82.4 137.3 228.9

300 10 26.1 34.8 52.1 78.2 130.3 217.2

325 9.3 25.5 34 51 76.4 127.4 212.3

350 8.4 25.1 33.4 50.1 75.2 125.4 208.9

375 7.4 24.8 33 49.5 74.3 123.8 206.3

400 6.5 24.3 32.4 48.6 72.9 121.5 202.5

425 5.5 23.9 31.8 47.7 71.6 119.3 198.8

450 4.6 23.4 31.2 46.8 70.2 117.1 195.1

TEMP
150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500
°C
 FULL LIST OF ASTM MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Definition and Details of Flanges - List of Material
Specifications

ASME B16.5 - List of ASTM Material Specifications

PRESSURE
MATERIAL NOMINAL
TEMPERATURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES
GROUP DESIGNATION
RATING TABLE

C-Mn-Si 2-1.1 A350 Gr. LF2 ... A516 Gr. 70

C-Mn-Si 2-1.1 ... ... A537 Cl. 1

1.1
C-Mn-Si-V 2-1.1 A350 Gr. LF6 CI. 1 ... ...

3½ Ni 2-1.1 A350 Gr. LF3 ... ...

C-Mn-Si 2-1.2 ... A216 Gr. WCC ...

C-Mn-Si 2-1.2 ... A352 Gr. LCC ...

1.2 C-Mn-Si-V 2-1.2 A350 Gr. LF6 Cl. 2 ... ...

2½Ni 2-1.2 ... A352 Gr. LC2 A203 Gr. B

3½Ni 2-1.2 ... A352 Gr. LC3 A203 Gr. E

C-Si 2-1.3 ... A352 Gr. LCB A515 Gr. 65

C-Mn-Si 2-1.3 ... ... A516 Gr. 65

1.3
2½Ni 2-1.3 ... ... A203 Gr. A

3½Ni 2-1.3 ... ... A203 Gr. D

 C-½Mo 2-1.3 ... A217 Gr. WC1 ...

C-½Mo 2-1.3 ... A352 Gr. LC1 ...

C-Si 2-1.4 ... ... A515 Gr. 60

1.4
C-Mn-Si 2-1.4 A350 Gr. LF1 Cl. 1 ... A516 Gr. 60

C-½Mo 2-1.5 A182 Gr. F1 ... A204 Gr. A

1.5
C-½Mo 2-1.5 ... ... A204 Gr. B

PRESSURE
MATERIAL NOMINAL
TEMPERATURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES
GROUP DESIGNATION
RATING TABLE

½Cr-½Mo 2-1.7 A182 Gr. F2 ... ...

1.7 Ni-½Cr-½Mo 2-1.7 ... A217 Gr. WC4 ...

3/4Ni-3/4Cr-1Mo 2-1.7 ... A217 Gr. WC5 ...

1¼Cr-½Mo 2-1.9 ... A217 Gr. WC6 ...

1.9
1¼Cr-½Mo-Si 2-1.9 A182 Gr. F11 CL.2 ... A387 Gr. 11 Cl. 2

1.10 2¼Cr-1Mo 2-1.10 A182 Gr. F22 Cl. 3 A 217 Gr. WC9 A387 Gr. 22 Cl. 2

1.11 C-½Mo 2-1.11 ... ... A204 Gr. C

1.13 5Cr-½Mo 2-1.13 A182 Gr. F5a A217 Gr. C5 ...

 1.14 9Cr-1M0 2-1.14 A182 Gr. F9 A217 Gr. C12 ...

1.15 9Cr-1M0-V 2-1.15 A182 Gr. F91 A217 Gr. C12A A387 Gr. 91 Cl. 2

1Cr-½Mo 2-1.17 A182 Gr. F12 Cl. 2 ... ...

1.17
5Cr-½Mo 2-1.17 A182 Gr. F5 ... ...

1.18 9Cr-2W-V 2-1.18 A182 Gr. F92 ... ...

18Cr-8Ni 2-2.1 A182 Gr. F304 A351 Gr. CF3 A240 Gr. 304
2.1
18Cr-8Ni 2-2.1 A182 Gr. F304H A351 Gr. CF8 A240 Gr. 304H

16Cr-12Ni-2Mo 2-2.2 A182 Gr. F316 A351 Gr. CF3M A240 Gr. 316

16Cr-12Ni-2Mo 2-2.2 A182 Gr. F316H A351 Gr. CF8M A240 Gr. 316H

2.2
18Cr-13Ni-3Mo 2-2.2 A182 Gr. F317 ... A240 Gr. 317

19Cr-10Ni-3Mo 2-2.2 ... A351 Gr. CG8M ...

PRESSURE
MATERIAL
NOMINAL DESIGNATION TEMPERATURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES
GROUP
RATING TABLE

18Cr-8Ni 2-2.3 A182 Gr. F304L ... A240 Gr. 304L

2.3 16Cr-12Ni-2Mo 2-2.3 A182 Gr. F316L ... A240 Gr. 316L

18Cr-13Ni-3Mo 2-2.3 A182 Gr. F317L ... ...

 18Cr-10Ni-Ti 2-2.4 A182 Gr. F321 ... A240 Gr. 321
2.4
18Cr-10Ni-Ti 2-2.4 A182 Gr. F321H ... A240 Gr. 321H

18Cr-10Ni-Cb 2-2.5 A182 Gr. F347 ... A240 Gr. 347

18Cr-10Ni-Cb 2-2.5 A182 Gr. F347H ... A240 Gr. 347H

2.5
18Cr-10Ni-Cb 2-2.5 A182 Gr. F348 ... A240 Gr. 348

18Cr-10Ni-Cb 2-2.5 A182 Gr. F348H ... A240 Gr. 348H

2.6 23Cr-12Ni 2-2.6 ... ... A240 Gr. 309H

2.7 25Cr-20Ni 2-2.7 A182 Gr. F310 ... A240 Gr. 310H

A240 Gr.
20Cr-18Ni-6Mo 2-2.8 A182 Gr. F44 A 351 Gr. CK3MCuN
S31254

A240 Gr.
22Cr-5Ni-3Mo-N 2-2.8 A182 Gr. F51 ... S31803

A240 Gr.
25Cr-7Ni-4Mo-N 2-2.8 A182 Gr. F53 ... S32750

2.8 24Cr-10Ni-4Mo-V 2-2.8 ... A351 Gr. CE8MN ...

25Cr-5Ni-2Mo-3Cu 2-2.8 ... A995 Gr. CD4MCu ...

A995 Gr.
25Cr-7Ni-3.5Mo-W-Cb 2-2.8 ... CD3MWCuN
...

A240 Gr.
25Cr-7.5Ni-3.5Mo-N-Cu-W 2-2.8 A182 Gr. F55 ... S32760

MATERIAL NOMINAL DESIGNATION PRESSURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES

GROUP TEMPERATURE
RATING TABLE

23Cr-12Ni 2-2.9 ... ... A240 Gr. 309S

2.9
25Cr-12Ni 2-2.9 ... ... A240 Gr. 310S

25Cr-12Ni 2-2.10 ... A351 Gr. CH8 ...

2.1
25Cr-12Ni 2-2.10 ... A351 Gr. CH20 ...

2.11 18Cr-10Ni-Cb 2-2.11 ... A351 Gr. CF8C ...

2.12 25Cr-20Ni 2-2.12 ... A351 Gr. CK20 ...

B462 Gr. B463 Gr.

3.1 35Ni-35Fe-20Cr-Cb 2-3.1
N08020
... N08020

B564 Gr. B162 Gr.

3.2 99.0Ni 2-3.2
N02200
... N02200

B162 Gr.
3.3 99.0Ni-Low C 2-3.3 ... ... N02201

B564 Gr. B127 Gr.

3.4 67Ni-30Cu 2-3.4
N04400
... N04400

B564 Gr. B168 Gr.

3.5 72Ni-15Cr-8Fe 2-3.5
N06600
... N06600

B564 Gr. B409 Gr.

3.6 33Ni-42Fe-21Cr 2-3.6
N08800
... N08800
 B462 Gr. B333 Gr.
65Ni-28Mo-2Fe 2-3.7
N10665
... N10665
3.7
64Ni-29.5Mo-2Cr-2Fe-Mn- B462 Gr. B333 Gr.
W
2-3.7
N10675
... N10675

B462 Gr. B575 Gr.

54Ni-16Mo-15Cr 2-3.8
N10276
... N10276

B564 Gr. B443 Gr.

60Ni-22Cr-9Mo-3.5Cb 2-3.8
N06625
... N06625

B333 Gr.
62Ni-28Mo-5Fe 2-3.8 ... ... N10001

B434 Gr.
70Ni-16Mo-7Cr-5Fe 2-3.8 ... ... N10003
3.8
B575 Gr.
61Ni-16Mo-16Cr 2-3.8 ... ... N06455

B564 Gr. B424 Gr.

42Ni-21.5Cr-3Mo-2.3Cu 2-3.8
N08825
... N08825

B462 Gr. B575 Gr.

55Ni-21Cr-13.5Mo 2-3.8
N06022
... N06022

B462 Gr. B575 Gr.

55Ni-23Cr-16Mo-1.6Cu 2-3.8
N06200
... N06200
 PRESSURE
MATERIAL
NOMINAL DESIGNATION TEMPERATURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES
GROUP
RATING TABLE

B435 Gr.
47Ni-22Cr-9Mo-I8Fe 2-3.9 ... ... N06002
3.9
21Ni-30Fe-22Cr-18Co-3Mo- B435 Gr.
3W
2-3.9 B572 Gr. R30556 ... R30556

B599 Gr.
3.1 25Ni-47Fe-21Cr-5Mo 2-3.10 ... ... N08700

A240 Gr.
3.11 44Fe-25Ni-21Cr-Mo 2-3.11 A479 Gr. N08904 ... N08904

B620 Gr.
26Ni-43Fe-22Cr-5Mo 2-3.12 ... ... N08320

B582 Gr.
3.12 47Ni-22Cr-20Fe-7Mo 2-3.12 ... ... N06985

A351 Gr. B688 Gr.

46Fe-24Ni-21Cr-6Mo-Cu-N 2-3.12 B462 Gr. N08367
CN3MN N08367

3.13 49Ni-25Cr-18Fe-6Mo 2-3.13 ... ... B582 Gr.

 N06975

B625 Gr.
Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-Cu-Low C 2-3.13 B564 Gr. N08031 ... N08031

B582 Gr.
47Ni-22Cr-19Fe-6Mo 2-3.14 ... ... N06007

B582 Gr.
3.14 40Ni-29Cr-15Fe-5Mo 2-3.14 B462 Gr. N06030 ... N06030

B575 Gr.
58Ni-33Cr-8Mo 2-3.14 B462 Gr. N06035 ... N06035

B409 Gr.
3.15 42Ni-42Fe-21Cr 2-3.15 B564 Gr. N08810 ... N08810

B536 Gr.
3.16 35Ni-19Cr-1¼Si 2-3.16 B511 Gr. N08330 ... N08330

3.17 29Ni-20.5Cr-3.5Cu-2.5Mo 2-3.17 ... A351 Gr. CN7M ...

B435 Gr.
3.19 57Ni-22CR-14W-2Mo-La 2-3.19 B564 Gr. N06230 ... N06230

PRESSURE
MATERIAL
NOMINAL DESIGNATION TEMPERATURE FORGINGS CASTINGS PLATES
GROUP
RATING TABLE

GENERAL NOTES:

 For temperature limitations, see notes in ASME B16.5 Tables II-2-1.1 through II-2-3.17 of
Mandatory Appendix II.

 Plate materials are listed only for use as blind flanges and reducing flanges without hubs
(ASME B16.5 see para. 5.1). Additional plate materials listed in ASME B16.34 may also be
used with corresponding B16.34, Standard Class ratings.
NOTE:

 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II materials may also be used, provided the
requirements of the ASME specification are identical to or more stringent than the
corresponding ASTM specification for the Grade, Class, or Type listed.

REMARKS: 150LB - 150LBS - 150# - CLASS 150

 LB is the origin of the Latin word libra (weighing scale), and describes a Roman unit of
mass similar to a pound.
The full expression was librapondo, and "we" have invented acronyms such as:
lb = one pound, lbs = more pounds lbs, # = Abbreviation for pound

Text below is from World Wide Words and copyright © of Michael Quinion

 The form lb is actually an abbreviation of the Latin word libra, which could mean a
pound, itself a shortened form of the full expression, libra pondo, "pound weight". The
second word of this phrase, by the way, is the origin of the English pound.

You will also know Libra as the astrological sign, the seventh sign of the zodiac. In
classical times that name was given to rather an uninspiring constellation, with no
particularly bright stars in it. It was thought to represent scales or a balance, the main
sense of libra in Latin, which is why it is often accompanied by the image of a pair of
scales.
Libra for a pound is first found in English in the late fourteenth century, almost at the
same time as lb started to be used. Strictly speaking again, this was the Roman pound
of 12 ounces, not the more modern one of 16. And just to consolidate my reputation for
careful description, modern metrologists, scientists who study units of measurements,
would prefer that we don't use lbs at all; in scientific work, all units are singular.
Incidentally, another abbreviation for libra became the standard symbol for the British
pound in the monetary sense. In modern times it is usually written £, an ornate form of L
in which a pair of cross-strokes (often just one these days) were the way that a
medieval scribe marked an abbreviation. The link between the two senses of pound,
weight and money, is that in England a thousand years ago a pound in money was
equivalent to the value of a pound of silver.
 Definition and Details of Flanges - Types of
Flanges
Flange types
As already described before, the most used flange types acc. to ASME B16.5 are:
Welding Neck, Slip On, Socket Weld, Lap Joint, Threaded and Blind flange. Below you
will find a short description and definition of each type, completed with an detailed
image.

MOST COMMON FLANGE TYPES

Welding Neck flange

Welding Neck Flanges are easy to recognize at the long tapered hub, that goes
gradually over to the wall thickness from a pipe or fitting.
The long tapered hub provides an important reinforcement for use in several
applications involving high pressure, sub-zero and / or elevated temperatures. The
smooth transition from flange thickness to pipe or fitting wall thickness effected by the
taper is extremely beneficial, under conditions of repeated bending, caused by line
expansion or other variable forces.
These flanges are bored to match the inside diameter of the mating pipe or fitting so
there will be no restriction of product flow. This prevents turbulence at the joint and
reduces erosion. They also provide excellent stress distribution through the tapered hub
and are easily radiographed for flaw detection.
This flange type will be welded to a pipe or fitting with a single full penetration, V weld
(Buttweld).

DETAILS OF WELDING NECK FLANGE

 1. Weld Neck flange 2. Butt Weld
3. Pipe or Fitting

Slip On flange

The calculated strength from a Slip On flange under internal pressure is of the order of
two-thirds that of Welding Neck flanges, and their life under fatigue is about one-third
that of the latter.
The connection with the pipe is done with 2 fillet welds, as well at the outside as also at
the inside of the flange.
The X measure on the image, are approximately:
Wall thickness of pipe + 3 mm.
This space is necessary, to do not damage the flange face, during the welding process.
A disadvantage of the flange is, that principle always firstly a pipe must be welded and
then just a fitting. A combination of flange and elbow or flange and tee is not possible,
because named fittings have not a straight end, that complete slid in the Slip On flange.

DETAILS OF SLIP ON FLANGE

 1. Slip On flange 2. Filled weld outside
3. Filled weld inside 4. Pipe

Socket Weld flange

Socket Weld flanges were initially developed for use on small-size high pressure piping.
Their static strength is equal to Slip On flanges, but their fatigue strength 50% greater
than double-welded Slip On flanges.
The connection with the pipe is done with 1 fillet weld, at the outside of the flange. But
before welding, a space must be created between flange or fitting and pipe.
ASME B31.1 1998 127.3 Preparation for Welding (E) Socket Weld Assembly says:
In assembly of the joint before welding, the pipe or tube shall be inserted into the socket
to the maximum depth and then withdrawn approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) away from
contact between the end of the pipe and the shoulder of the socket.
The purpose for the bottoming clearance in a Socket Weld is usually to reduce the
residual stress at the root of the weld that could occur during solidification of the weld
metal. The image shows you the X measure for the expansion gap.
The disadvantage of this flange is right the gap, that must be made. By corrosive
products, and mainly in stainless steel pipe systems, the crack between pipe and flange
can give corrosion problems. In some processes this flange is also not allowed. I am not
an expert in this matter, but on the internet, you will find a lot of information about forms
of corrosion.
Also for this flange counts, that principle always firstly a pipe must be welded and then
just a fitting.

DETAILS OF SOCKET WELD FLANGE

 1. Socket Weld flange 2. Filled weld 3. Pipe
X = Expansion gap

Lap Joint flange

Lap Joint Flanges have all the same common dimensions as any other flange named on
this page however it does not have a raised face, they used in conjunction with a "Lap
Joint Stub End".
These flanges are nearly identical to a Slip On flange with the exception of a radius at
the intersection of the flange face and the bore to accommodate the flanged portion of
the Stub End.
Their pressure-holding ability is little, if any, better than that of Slip On flanges and the
fatigue life for the assembly is only one tenth that of Welding Neck flanges.
They may be used at all pressures and are available in a full size range. These flanges
slip over the pipe, and are not welded or otherwise fastened to it. Bolting pressure is
transmitted to the gasket by the pressure of the flange against the back of the pipe lap
(Stub End).
Lap Joint flanges have certain special advantages:

 Freedom to swivel around the pipe facilitates the lining up of opposing flange bolt
holes.
 Lack of contact with the fluid in the pipe often permits the use of inexpensive carbon
steel flanges with corrosion resistant pipe.
 In systems which erode or corrode quickly, the flanges may be salvaged for re-use.
 DETAILS OF LAP JOINT FLANGE

1. Lap Joint flange 2. Stub End

3. Butt weld 4. Pipe or Fitting

Stub End
A Stub End always will be used with a Lap Joint flange, as a backing flange.
This flange connections are applied, in low-pressure and non critical applications, and is
a cheap method of flanging.
In a stainless steel pipe system, for example, a carbon steel flange can be applied,
because they are not come in contact with the product in the pipe.
Stub Ends are available in almost all pipe diameters. Dimensions and dimensional
tolerances are defined in the ASME B.16.9 standard. Light-weight corrosion resistant
Stub Ends (fittings) are defined in MSS SP43.

LAP JOINT FLANGE WITH A STUB END

Threaded flange
Threaded Flanges are used for special circumstances with their main advantage being
that they can be attached to the pipe without welding. Sometimes a seal weld is also
used in conjunction with the threaded connection.
Although still available in most sizes and pressure ratings, screwed fittings today are
used almost exclusively in smaller pipe sizes.
A threaded flange or fitting is not suitable for a pipe system with thin wall thickness,
because cutting thread on a pipe is not possible. Thus, thicker wall thickness must be
chosen...what is thicker ?

ASME B31.3 Piping Guide says:

Where steel pipe is threaded and used for steam service above 250 psi or for water
service above 100 psi with water temperatures above 220° F, the pipe shall be
seamless and have a thickness at least equal to schedule 80 of ASME B36.10.

DETAILS OF THREADED FLANGE

1. Threaded flange 2. Thread 3. Pipe or Fitting

Blind flange
Blind Flanges are manufactured without a bore and used to blank off the ends of piping,
Valves and pressure vessel openings.
From the standpoint of internal pressure and bolt loading, blind flanges, particularly in
the larger sizes, are the most highly stressed flange types.
However, most of these stresses are bending types near the center, and since there is
no standard inside diameter, these flanges are suitable for higher pressure temperature
applications.

DETAILS OF BLIND FLANGE

1. Blind flange 2. Stud Bolt 3. Gasket 4. Other flange

 REMARK(S)
A SIMPLE MANNER TO MAKE A 1/16" GAP...

 Have you ever seen a Socket Weld contraction ring ?.

It is a split ring that is engineered and designed to give a pre-measured 1/16" minimum
gap for socket welds. Made from a certified stainless steel, and resists corrosion from
chemicals, radioactive materials and water. Once inserted into the fitting the ring
becomes a permanent part of the joint. It will not rattle or vibrate even under extreme
pressure.
Another manner is the applying of in water-soluble board. Make rings with a hole punch
with outside and inside diameter of the pipe. Insert the ring into the flange or fitting and
after hydrotesting there is no ring anymore.
For both solutions, ask your customer for permission.

HOLD THEM ON ITS PLACE...

 If a Lap Joint flanged connection must be disassembled, for example to replace a

gasket, it is not always possible to do that on the conventional manner. The conventional
manner is the use of a flange spreader or crowbar that pushed off the two flanges.
By Lap Joint flanges that is not possible, because these slide back over the pipe, while
the Stub Ends stay together. To prevent that, often are on 3 places, single millimeters
behind the flange, on the Stub End, short pieces flat steel, will be welded.
There is no general rule how a Lap Joint flange must be hold on its place, and therefore
it can deviate per customer specification.

YOU KNEW THAT...?

 At the smallest sizes, the amount of wall lost during threading actually equals
approximately 55% of the original pipe wall.

BUTT WELDS VS FILLET WELDS

 In systems with relatively high pressures and temperatures, we need to avoid the use of
fillet welds. Butt welds, in such systems must be used. The strength of a butt weld is at
least the strength of the base material. The strength of fillet welds related to the strength
of the butt weld, is about one third.
At higher pressures and temperatures, the expansion and contraction caused fast for
serious cracks in fillet welds and therefore the use of butt welds is essential.
For conduits to critical machinery such as pumps, compressors and turbines, which are
 exposed to vibration (in addition to the expansion and contraction), we should avoid the
use of fillet welds or threaded connections.
Fillet welds have a higher sensitivity to cracks due to stress concentration, while butt
welds are characterized by smooth exchange of tensions.
So, for critical situations, we have to use flanges connected by butt welding like as weld
neck and ring type joint, and avoid using flanges connected by fillet welds like Slip On or
Socket Weld.

Definition and Details of Flanges - Bolt Hole

Orientation

Bolt Holes for Flanges

Just as already circumscribed, ASME B16.5 is also de standard for the number and the
diameter of the bolt holes in a flange. The numbers and diameters diverge per Pressure
Class, but is for every typ of flange in a specific Pressure Class the same. The bolt
holes are be similar divided over the diameter of the bolt circle, and the number is
always an even number (4, 8, 12, 16 etc.).

Bolt Hole Orientation

During the prefab of a flange to for example a elbow, the position of the bolt holes are of
particular importance.
Maybe you have ever seen the following on a drawing:
 All Flange Bolt Holes Straddle the Centerlines
THAT MEANS:
For a vertical flange face (the flange face in the vertical and the line is horizontal) the
bolt holes want to be orientated to straddle the vertical and horizontal centerlines.

Correct vertical flange position...

Incorrect vertical flange position...DO NOT !

For a horizontal flange face (the flange face is horizontal and the line is vertical above or
vertical down) the bolt holes want to be orientated to straddle the Plant North
centerlines. See below on this page, a image of a plant north situation.

Correct horizontal flange position...

Incorrect horizontal flange position...DO NOT !

It is very important, that is not deviated from the standard bolt hole orientation. Only on
explicit request, e.g. of the customer, may be a different orientation be applied. In 99
percent of all cases, where you will see a different orientation, you can assume that it is
a mistake. This centerline rule for flanges, understood and followed by all responsible
equipment manufacturers and piping fabricators.
Plant North
A plant north, is a horizontal reference point, and is derived from an official geographical
reference point. A plant north is applied...see more about plant coordinates in the main
Menu "Docs" Dimensioning from Reference Points.

1 = Official reference point

2 = South West angle of new plant
X = East West distance from new plant to reference point
Y = North South distance from new plant to reference point
Definition and Details of Flanges - Flange Faces
Flange faces
Different types of flange faces are used as the contact surfaces to seat the sealing
gasket material. ASME B16.5 and B16.47 define various types of flange facings,
including the raised face, the large male and female facings which have identical
dimensions to provide a relatively large contact area.

Other flange facings covered by these standards include the large and small tongue-
and-groove facings, and the ring joint facing specifically for ring joint type metal gaskets.

Raised Face (RF)

The Raised Face flange is the most common type used in process plant applications,
and is easily to identify. It is referred to as a raised face because the gasket surfaces
are raised above the bolting circle face. This face type allows the use of a wide
combination of gasket designs, including flat ring sheet types and metallic composites
such as spiral wound and double jacketed types.

The purpose of a RF flange is to concentrate more pressure on a smaller gasket area

and thereby increase the pressure containment capability of the joint. Diameter and
height are in ASME B16.5 defined, by pressure class and diameter. Pressure rating of
the flange determines the height of the raised face.
The typical flange face finish for ASME B16.5 RF flanges is 125 to 250 µin Ra (3 to
6 µm Ra).

Raised Face height

For the height measures H and B of all described dimensions of flanges on this website,
with exception of the Lap Joint flange, it is important to understand and remember the
following:

In pressure classes 150 and 300, the height of raised face is approximately
1.6 mm (1/16 inch). In these two pressure classes, almost all suppliers of flanges, show
in their catalog or brochure, the H and B dimensions including the raised face height.
(Fig. 1)

In pressure classes 400, 600, 900, 1500 & 2500, the height of raised face is
approximately 6.4 mm (1/4 inch). In these pressure classes, most suppliers show the
H and B dimensions excluding the raised face height. (Fig. 2)
Flat Face (FF)
The Flat Face flange has a gasket surface in the same plane as the bolting circle face.
Applications using flat face flanges are frequently those in which the mating flange or
flanged fitting is made from a casting.

Flat face flanges are never to be bolted to a raised face flange. ASME B31.1 says that
when connecting flat face cast iron flanges to carbon steel flanges, the raised face on
the carbon steel flange must be removed, and that a full face gasket is required. This is
to keep the thin, bittle cast iron flange from being sprung into the gap caused by the
raised face of the carbon steel flange.

Ring-Type Joint (RTJ)

The Ring Type Joint flanges are typically used in high pressure (Class 600 and higher
rating) and/or high temperature services above 800°F (427°C). They have grooves cut
into their faces which steel ring gaskets. The flanges seal when tightened bolts
compress the gasket between the flanges into the grooves, deforming (or Coining) the
gasket to make intimate contact inside the grooves, creating a metal to metal seal.

An RTJ flange may have a raised face with a ring groove machined into it. This raised
face does not serve as any part of the sealing means. For RTJ flanges that seal with
ring gaskets, the raised faces of the connected and tightened flanges may contact each
other. In this case the compressed gasket will not bear additional load beyond the bolt
tension, vibration and movement cannot further crush the gasket and lessen the
connecting tension.
Ring Type Joint gaskets
Ring Type Joint gaskets are metallic sealing rings, suitable for high-pressure and high-
temperature applications. They are always applied to special, accompanying flanges
which ensure good, reliable sealing with the correct choice of profiles and material.

Ring Type Joint gaskets are designed to seal by "initial line contact" or wedging action
between the mating flange and the gasket. By applying pressure on the seal interface
through bolt force, the "softer" metal of the gasket flows into the microfine structure of
the harder flange material, and creating a very tight and efficient seal.

Most applied type is style R ring that is manufactured in accordance with ASME B16.20
used with ASME B16.5 flanges, class 150 to 2500. Style "R" ring type joints are
manufactured in both oval and octagonal configurations.

The octagonal cross section has a higher sealing efficiency than the oval and would be
the preferred gasket. However, only the oval cross section can be used in the old type
round bottom groove. The newer flat bottom groove design will accept either the oval or
the octagonal cross section.
The sealing surfaces on the ring joint grooves must be smoothly finished to 63
Microinches and be free of objectionable ridges, tool or chatter marks. They seal by an
initial line contact or a wedging action as the compressive forces are applied. The
hardness of the ring should always be less than the hardness of the flanges.

Style R ring type joints are designed to seal pressure up to 6,250 psi in accordance with
ASME B16.5 pressure ratings and up to 5,000 psi.

Tongue-and-Groove (T&G)
The Tongue and Groove faces of this flanges must be matched. One flange face has a
raised ring (Tongue) machined onto the flange face while the mating flange has a
matching depression (Groove) machined into it's face.

Tongue-and-groove facings are standardized in both large and small types. They differ
from male-and-female in that the inside diameters of the tongue-and-groove do not
extend into the flange base, thus retaining the gasket on its inner and outer diameter.
These are commonly found on pump covers and Valve Bonnets.

Tongue-and-groove joints also have an advantage in that they are self-aligning and act
as a reservoir for the adhesive. The scarf joint keeps the axis of loading in line with the
joint and does not require a major machining operation.

General flange faces such as the RTJ, T&G and the F&M shall never be bolted
together. The reason for this is that the contact surfaces do not match and there is no
gasket that has one type on one side and another type on the other side.
Male-and-Female (M&F)
With this type the flanges also must be matched. One flange face has an area that
extends beyond the normal flange face (Male). The other flange or mating flange has a
matching depression (Female) machined into it's face.

The female face is 3/16-inch deep, the male face is1/4-inch high, and both are smooth
finished. The outer diameter of the female face acts to locate and retain the gasket.
Custom male and female facings are commonly found on the Heat Exchanger shell to
channel and cover flanges.

Advantages and disadvantages of T&G and M&F flange

faces
ADVANTAGES:
Better sealing properties, more precise location and exact compression of sealing
material, utilization of other, more suitable sealing and specialized sealing material (O-
rings).

DISADVANTAGES:
Commercial availability and cost. Normal raised faced is far more common and ready
available both regarding Valves, flanges and sealing material. Another complexity is that
some rigid rules must be applied to the piping design. Do you order Valves to be female
end both sides, or on one side maybe, in which case do you point all male ends in the
flow direction, or what. Same applies to any flanged joint / vessel connection of course.

REMARK(S)
JOIN OR MATCH AN RTJ FLANGE WITH A RF FLANGE

 Several times I have been asked: may I join or match an RTJ flange with a RF flange?.
My answer of course: that is not allowed. Today April 29, 2012, the question was asked
again. I will try to explain why a connection between an RF and RTJ flange is not
acceptable.
 RTJ flanges have grooves in their sealing faces, while RF flanges do not. If you want to
make a connection between the two flanges, you can only apply a flat gasket. This flat
gasket wil be make full contact with de sealing surface of the RF flange, but not with the
sealing surface of the RTJ flange. Due to the groove in the flange RTJ a certain portion
of the gasket is not utilized, and therefore it is not possible to make a properly sealed
flange connection. Further, the RTJ flange will be damage the gasket, especially if a
 spiral wound or metal jacketed gasket is applied.
My advice is: never make an RF-RTJ flange connection. Maybe do you have not direct a
spill, but when an accident happens, the insurance experts know where they can find
you.
Consider injuries or fatalities, a wrong flange connection is't worth it.

Definition and Details of Flanges - Flange Face

Finish
Flange face finish
The ASME B16.5 code requires that the flange face (raised face and flat face) has a
specific roughness to ensure that this surface be compatible with the gasket and
provide a high quality seal.
A serrated finish, either concentric or spiral, is required with 30 to 55 grooves per inch
and a resultant roughness between 125 and 500 micro inches. This allows for various
grades of surface finish to be made available by flange manufactures for the gasket
contact surface of metal flanges.
The picture shows a serrated finish on a Raised Face.

The most used Surfaces

STOCK FINISH
The most widely used of any flange surface finish, because practically, is suitable for all
ordinary service conditions. Under compression, the soft face from a gasket will embed
into this finish, which helps create a seal, and a high level of friction is generated
between the mating surfaces.
The finish for these flanges is generated by a 1.6 mm radius round-nosed tool at a feed
rate of 0.8 mm per revolution up to 12 inch. For sizes 14 inch and larger, the finish is
made with 3.2 mm round-nosed tool at a feed of 1.2 mm per revolution.
SPIRAL SERRATED
This is also a continuous or phonographic spiral groove, but it differs from the stock
finish in that the groove typically is generated using a 90-deg tool which creates a "V"
geometry with 45° angled serration.
CONCENTRIC SERRATED

As the name suggests, this finish is comprised of concentric grooves. A 90° tool is used
and the serrations are spaced evenly across the face.
SMOOTH FINISH
This finish shows no visually apparent tool markings. These finishes are typically utilized
for gaskets with metal facings such as double jacketed, flat steel and corrugated metal.
The smooth surfaces mate to create a seal and depend on the flatness of the opposing
faces to effect a seal. This is typically achieved by having the gasket contact surface
formed by a continuous (sometimes called phonographic) spiral groove generated by a
0.8 mm radius round-nosed tool at a feed rate of 0.3 mm per revolution with a depth of
0.05 mm. This will result in a roughness between Ra 3.2 and 6.3 micrometers (125 -
250 micro inch).
REMARK(S) OF THE AUTHOR...

SMOOTH FINISH

Is it suitable for spiral gasket and non metallic gasket?

For what kind of application is this type?

The above questions are often asked. I try to answer.

Smooth finish flanges are more common for low pressure and/or large diameter
pipelines and primarily intended for use with solid metal or spiral wound gaskets.
Smooth finishes are usually found on machinery or flanged joints other than pipe
flanges. When working with a smooth finish, it is important to consider using a thinner
gasket to lessen the effects of creep and cold flow. It should be noted, however, that
both a thinner gasket and the smooth finish, in and of themselves, require a higher
compressive force (i.e. bolt torque) to achieve the seal.
You may have probably seen this comment:
Machining of gasket faces of flanges to a smooth finish of Ra = 3.2 - 6.3 micrometer
(= 125 - 250 microinches AARH)
AARH stands for Arithmetic Average Roughness Height. It is used to measure the
roughness (rather smoothness) of surfaces. 125 AARH means 125 micro inches will be
the average height of the ups and downs of the surface.
63 AARH is specified for Ring Type Joints.
125-250 AARH (it is called smooth finish) is specified for Spiral Wound Gaskets.
250-500 AARH (it is called stock finish) is specified for soft gaskets such as NON
Asbestos, Graphite sheets, Elastomers etc. If we use smooth finish for soft gaskets
enough "biting effect" will not occur and hence the joint may develop leak.
Sometimes AARH is referred also as RA which stands for Roughness Average and
means the same.