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.

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.

Materials for Flanges

Pipe flanges are manufactured in all the different materials like stainless steel, cast iron,
aluminum, 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 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

A - Ø192.1 | OD - Ø168.3 | L - Ø22.4 | ID - Ø154.1 | G - Ø215.9 | K - Ø241.3 | D - Ø279.4 | B

- 25.4 | H - 88.9 | RF Height - 1.6
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
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. This standard is applicable to the bolting technicians, and their supervisors, the
responsible engineers, who disassemble, assemble and tighten the bolted connections of
whatever shape of critical service pressurized systems.
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.

There are still a number of special flanges such as...

Orifice flange
Long Weld Neck flange

Expander flange

Nipo flange

Reducing flange
 Pad flange
You will find more about this special in the Menu Flanges

Pressure Classes of Flanges

Forged steel flanges 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.
Pressure Rating Designation
The Pressure Rating for flanges will be given in Classes.
Class, followed by a dimensionless number, is the designation for pressure-temperature ratings
as follows... Class 150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500.
Different names are used to indicate a Pressure Class. For example... 150 Lb, 150 Lbs, 150# or
Class 150, all are means the same.
But there is only one correct indication, and that is Pressure Class, according to ASME B16.5.
(The pressure rating is a dimensionless number).

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 has 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...

Class 150▸ 12 x 25.4

Class 300▸ 16 x 28.6

Class 400▸ 16 x 34.9

Class 600▸ 20 x 34.9

Class 900▸ 20 x 38.1

Class 1500▸ 16 x 54

Class 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 ASTM, and two other tables
with flange pressure-temperature ratings for those ASTM materials ASME B16.5.

ASTM Group 2-1.1 Materials

Nominal
Forgings Castings Plates
Designation

A216 A515
C-Si A105(1)
Gr.WCB (1) Gr.70 (1)

A350 A516
C Mn Si
Gr.LF2 (1) Gr.70 (1), (2)

A350 A537
C Mn Si V
Gr.LF6 Cl 1 (3) Cl.1 (4)

A350
3.1/2Ni
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 Castings Plates
Designation

A182 A240
16Cr 12Ni 2Mo
Gr.F316L Gr.316L
 A182
18Cr 13Ni 3Mo
Gr.F317L

A182 A240
18Cr 8Ni
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
-29 °C

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

Pressure-Temperature Ratings for ASTM Group 2-2.3 Materials

Working pressure by Classes, BAR
Temp
150 300 400 600 900 1500 2500
-29 °C

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

Types of Flanges
As already described before, the most used flange types 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 a detailed image.
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.

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.Another flange

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