ASME B16.47
One of the most useful standards governing ASME Certified flanges, ASME B16.47 – 2011, applies explicitly to large-diameter steel flanges of NPS 26 through NPS 60 metric/inch. It covers standards, evaluations, requirements, and recommendations for characteristics including:
- Pressure-temperature ratings
- Dimensions
- Materials
- Tolerances
- Marking
- Testing
- Bolting
- Gaskets
These flanges may be crafted of cast, plate, or forged materials in ratings Classes 75, 150, 300, 400, 600, and 900.
The remainder of the ASME B16 series of standards is also useful for flange applications, as are the B31 piping codes and the B&PVC, or Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
ASME Certified Flange Types
With a range of designs, different ASME Certified flanges offer specialized support in covering, closing, and connecting industrial pipe systems. The six most common designs include:
- Slip-on Flanges, which slide on over a pipe with a close fit
- Weld Neck Flanges, which are machined to fit a pipe’s inside diameter and fastened by welding
- Blind Flanges, which seal the ends of pipes and vessel openings
- Lap Joint Flanges, which pair with stub end fittings for easy assembly and disassembly
- Threaded Flanges, which fit threaded pipes for a non-welded finish
- Socket-weld Flanges, which fit pipes socket-style with a top weld for maximum inner flow
Industries and Applications
ASME research, development, and certification sets a high bar for strength, durability, and performance in a wide variety of industries and applications around the world. ASME Certified Flanges are critical in countless systems, such as:
- High volume valves and vessels
- Industrial pumps and manufacturing systems
- Food and beverage processing
- Large scale pipe systems and waterworks
- Heat exchangers and systems
- Nuclear power plants
- Oil and gas drilling
- Petrochemical treatment and processing
