4-4, 4-5, 4-6

ASME B16.5-2003

Interpretation: 4-4
Subject: Implementation of the Standard, Flange Face Finish
Date Issued: July 21, 1998
File: B16-097-015
Question (1): Is there a mandatory date for the implementation of ASME B16.5-1996?
Reply (1): No. Implementation may be required by reference in a code, specification, sales
contract, or public law.
Question (2): May a flange not meeting the flange facing finish requirements of ASME B16.51996 but meeting those of an earlier edition be supplied as being in accordance with the 1996
edition?
Reply (2): Yes, provided that the flange face finish is supplied by arrangement with the purchaser.
(See para. 6.4.4.)
Question (3): According to ASME B16.5-1996, para. 6.4.4.3, may a flange with less than 45
grooves per inch or more than 55 grooves per inch meet the flange facing finish requirements as
long as the resultant surface finish has a 125 to 250 in. average roughness?
Reply (3): Yes.
Interpretation: 4-5
Subject: Welding Neck Flanges
Date Issued: June 18, 1999
File: B16-99-004
Question (1): Does ASME B16.5-1996 cover welding neck flanges that have the overall length
through hub dimension y greater than the specified values (e.g., long weld neck)?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does para. 6.7.4 of ASME B16.5-1996 allow the conformance designation B16
to be applied to long weld neck flanges having overall length through hub dimensions greater
than specified values?
Reply (2): No. This paragraph applies to only end preparations.
Interpretation: 4-6
Subject: Blind Flange Material
Date Issued: October 15, 2001
File: B16-98-013
Question (1): Does ASME B16.5-1996 allow blind flange made from a plate material listed in
Table 1A to be designated as a forging material in Table lA?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME B16.5-1996 permit blind flanges to be of a plate material as listed in
Table IA for all pressure classes covered in ASME B16.5-1996 (150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, and
2500)?
Reply (2): Yes.
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