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Blind Flanges

A blind flange is a type of pipe flange that closes the end of a pipe or vessel to prevent fluid flow. It has two main types - raised face and flat face - and is installed using bolts. Blind flanges are used to seal ends during maintenance or when branches are not needed. They must match the pipe material and meet standards to ensure safety under pressure at various temperatures. Selection involves checking rating charts to find a flange that can withstand the system's expected pressure and temperature conditions.

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133 views

Blind Flanges

A blind flange is a type of pipe flange that closes the end of a pipe or vessel to prevent fluid flow. It has two main types - raised face and flat face - and is installed using bolts. Blind flanges are used to seal ends during maintenance or when branches are not needed. They must match the pipe material and meet standards to ensure safety under pressure at various temperatures. Selection involves checking rating charts to find a flange that can withstand the system's expected pressure and temperature conditions.

Uploaded by

zoha
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BLIND FLANGES

A blind flange is a type of pipe flange that closes the end of a pipe, valve, or pressure vessel. It is solid
and lacks bore, making it a "blind" or non-flowing component.

 Purpose: Blind flanges are used to seal the end of a pipe or vessel, preventing the flow of
fluids or gases. They are commonly used during maintenance, inspection, or when a branch
connection isn't required.

 Types: There are two main types of blind flanges:


o raised face (RF) and
o flat face (FF).

RF blind flanges have a raised surface around the sealing area, while FF blind flanges
have a flat surface.
Flat face (FF) flanges are like the RF flanges, but they do not have the raised area like the
RF flange. Instead, the whole surface is flat. That means that the gasket used with the FF
flange has full contact with the whole surface where two flanges are mated . The sealing
surface of a blind flange (either RF or FF) is aligned with a gasket to ensure a tight seal
and prevent leakage.

 Bolt Holes and Installation: Blind flanges have bolt holes around the perimeter to allow
them to be securely fastened to the flange of the pipe or vessel they are closing. When
installing a blind flange, it is crucial to ensure proper alignment and gasket placement to
achieve an effective seal. Bolts must be tightened evenly to prevent uneven pressure
distribution.

 Construction: Blind flanges are typically made from the same materials as pipes and fittings
in the system, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or other suitable materials based
on the application and process conditions. Material selection for blind flanges is crucial,
especially in corrosive environments, to ensure resistance to chemical reactions and rusting.
Blind flanges can be customized for specific applications, such as accommodating special
gaskets, facing finishes, or pressure ratings.

 Applications: oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, power generation etc.

 Isolation and Inspection: Blind flanges are used for isolating sections of a piping system for
maintenance, repairs, or inspection without needing to shut down the entire system.

 Piping Codes and Standards: Blind flanges must adhere to industry standards and codes
(e.g., ASME B16.5) for design, manufacturing, and installation to ensure safety and
reliability.

ASME rates the pressure of a class based on the material of construction and the design
temperature and API specifies allowable materials and gives it a specific pressure rating.

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 Gasket Selection: The type of gasket used with a blind flange depends on the operating
conditions, fluid characteristics, and pressure requirements.

 Bolt Tightening Sequence: Proper bolt tightening sequence is essential to distribute the load
evenly and ensure a uniform seal.

 Safety Considerations: Blind flanges play a role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the
piping system, preventing leaks that could lead to hazardous situations.

 Maintenance and Replacement: Regular inspection, maintenance, and potential replacement


of blind flanges are important to ensure the ongoing integrity of the piping system.

FLANGE PRESSURE RATING


 Flange rating indicates maximum pressure a flange can bear at increasing temperatures.
 -Stronger flanges have higher ratings; material affects pressure-temperature performance.
 Article explains ANSI flange pressure ratings and selection process.
 An ANSI flange refers to a type of flange that adheres to the standards set by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the design, dimensions, and materials used in flange
connections.

Understanding ANSI Flange Pressure Ratings:

 ANSI/ASME B16.5 defines ratings: 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500.
 The flange rating chart shows the maximum pressure for flanges of classes
150/300/400/600/900/1500
 Terms like "pressure rating," "class," "#," "Lb," are interchangeable.
 Example: Different rated flanges vary in size, weight, robustness.

 Pressure Rating Examples:


o Class 150 withstands 140 psi at 600°F.
o Class 300 (same bore) endures 570 psi at 600°F.
o Class 2500 handles 4730 psi at 600°F.

 Selecting Proper Flange Rating:


1. Check rating table based on material (carbon, alloy, stainless steel).
2. Identify max temperature in system.
3. Choose a rating based on expected pressure at that temperature.

 Flange Rating Selection


When selecting a flange rating, it is important to consider the pressure and temperature conditions of
the application. The flange rating chart provides information on the maximum pressure that flanges of
different classes can withstand at various temperatures.

Flange Rating Charts for Common Materials:


The following tables provide information about the pressure ratings of flanges at different
temperatures. The tables show the maximum pressure that flanges of different classes can withstand.
The pressure ratings can be in units such as psi, bars, or pounds per square inch. Here I have used Psi
for sample. The tables also specify the temperature range for which the pressure ratings are
applicable. The tables are categorized based on the material of the flange, such as carbon steel,
stainless steel, or alloy steel.
 Carbon Steel Flange Rating Chart:
o Lists pressure ratings (psi) for classes 150/300/400/600/900/1500/2500 at various
temperatures (°F).
o Shows pressure changes with temperature.

Temperature (°F) Class 150 Class 300 Class 600 Class 900 Class 1500 Class 2500

< 100 285 740 1480 2220 3705 6170

600 140 570 1135 1705 2840 4730

 Alloy Steel Flange Rating Chart:


o Presents pressure ratings (psi) for classes 150/300/400/600/900/1500/2500 at different
temperatures (°F).
o Illustrates pressure variations with temperature.

Temperature (°F) Class 150 Class 300 Class 600 Class 900 Class 1500 Class 2500

< 100 265 695 1390 2085 3470 5785

600 140 605 1210 1815 3025 5040

 Stainless Steel Flange Rating Chart:


o Offers pressure ratings (psi) for classes 150/300/400/600/900/1500/2500 at varying
temperatures (°F).
o Depicts pressure adjustments across temperature ranges.

Temperature Class Class Class Class Class Class


(°F) 150 300 600 900 1500 2500

< 100 275 720 1440 2160 3600 6000

600 140 450 900 1355 2255 3760

 The flange pressure rating should be based on the material of the flange itself, not the material
of the pipe.

 Conclusion:
o ANSI flange pressure ratings are vital for proper piping system performance.
o Material, temperature, and pressure influence flange rating choice.
o Charts facilitate selection of suitable flange ratings for different materials and
conditions.

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