ASME B16.

5
Leak
At temperatures above 200C (400F) for Class 150 and above 400C (750F) for other class
designations, flanged joints may develop leakage problems unless care is taken to avoid imposing
severe external loads, severe thermal gradients, or both.
Hydrostatic Testing
Flanged joints and flanged fittings may be subjected to system hydrostatic tests at a pressure of 1.5
times the 38C (100F) rating rounded off to the next higher 1 bar (25 psi) increment. Testing at any
higher pressure is the responsibility of the user, taking into account the requirements of the applicable
code or regulation.
a. The pressure class ratings covered by ASME B16.5 are: 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500
b. The standard finish for raised face flanges per ASME B16.5 is: 125 to 250 / inch
c. Socket weld and threaded flanges
temperatures if thermal
cycles are involved: 50 5000F

are not recommended for service beyond the following

d. Low strength bolting is: 30 KSI yield strength

e. Ring joint sidewall surfaces (gasket groove) must not exceed roughness. - 63 / in
f. The three basic parts to a flanged joint are: Flanges, bolts, gaskets
g. The maximum temperature for hydro testing a fitting is: 1250F
.
4.2 Identification Markings
4.2.1 Name. The manufacturers name or trademark shall be applied.
5.4 GasketsRing joint gasket materials shall conform to ASME B16.20. Materials for other gaskets are
described in Annex C. The user is responsible for selection of gasket materials which will withstand the
expected bolt loading without injurious crushing, and which are suitable for the service conditions.
Particular attention should be given to gasket selection if a system hydrostatic test approaches or
exceeds the test pressure specified in para. 2.6.
8 PRESSURE TESTING
8.1 Flange Test
Flanges are not required to be pressure tested.
8.2 Flanged Fitting Test
8.2.1 Shell Pressure Test. Each flanged fitting shall be given a shell pressure test.
8.2.2 Test Conditions. The shell pressure test for flanged fittings shall be at a pressure no less than
1.5 times the 38C (100F) pressure rating rounded off to the next higher 1 bar (25 psi) increment.
8.2.3 Test Fluid. The pressure test shall be made using water, which may contain a corrosion inhibitor
or kerosene as the test fluid. Other suitable test fluids may be used provided their viscosity is no
greater than that of water. The test fluid temperature shall not exceed 50C (125F).
8.2.4 Test Duration. The test duration shall be as follows.

8.2.5 Acceptance. No visible leakage is permitted through the pressure boundary wall.

Flanged fitting wall thickness

Rated working pressure

Fitting Local Areas. Local areas having less than minimum wall thickness are acceptable provided
that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The area of sub-minimum thickness can be enclosed by a circle whose diameter is no greater than
0.35 dtm, where d is the tabulated fitting inside diameter and tm is the minimum wall thickness as
shown in the tables listed in para. 6.1.1.
(b) Measured thickness is not less than 0.75 tm.
(c) Enclosure circles are separated from each other by an edge-to-edge distance of more than 1.75
dtm.