Flanges

Agenda

Flange Introduction

Flange Size

Flange Ratings

Flange Facings

Flange Types

Bolts and Gaskets

Dimensioning
Flange Introduction

Flanges are ring-shaped devices that when mated

and bolted together connect two parts of a piping
system.

Flanged joints are used as an alternative to
welding or threading.

They are used primarily where a connecting or
dismantling joint is needed.

This is the principle method for connecting a
piping system to equipment nozzles.
 Flange Introduction

ANATOMY OF A FLANGE:
Bore
Beveled End (BE)
Hub
Flange Ring

Face Bolt Hole

Weld Neck Flange
Flange Introduction

Flanges are always referred to by:

− Size (NPS)
− Rating
− Facing
− Type
− Sometimes the bore (inside diameter) if applicable
Example:
4” 150# RF WN Std. Bore
Four inch one hundred fifty pound, Raised Face, Weld
Neck Standard Bore
Flange Size

The size component of the flange call-out

references the nominal pipe size (NPS) of the
piping system
− A 4” flange connects to 4” pipe (or fitting).

In some cases a flange can be a reducing
connection and will have 2 sizes.
− A 4”x3” reducing flange connects 4” pipe to 3”
pipe. (the flange ring properties are of the larger size)
Flange Ratings

Flanges are rated for the pressure/temperature conditions
of operation.
Note: The ‘#’ symbol is pronounced as “pound”.

Forged Steel Flanges come in the following ratings:
− 150# − 900#
− 300# − 1500#
− 400# − 2500#
− 600#

Cast Iron Flanges come in the following ratings :
− 25# − 250#
− 125# − 800#
Flange Ratings

The ratings are selected according to the

pressure/temperature of the service of the piping
system and the material.

A 150# forged steel flange is rated to perform at
around 150 lbs. psig at 500°F

The Pressure/Temperature relationship is
important:
− If the temperature rises, the allowable pressure decreases
− If the temperature decreases, the allowable pressure
increases
Flange Ratings

Rating Compatibility
− Equal size/rating combinations always match, i.e.
4” 150# = 4” 150#
− Sometimes different size/rating combinations can
match i.e. 4” 125# = 4” 150#
Flange Ratings

The following properties

must be equal for the
mating to be considered
compatible:
− OD of flange ring
− Bolt Circle
− Bolt Hole Diameter
− Number of Bolt Holes
− Facings should match
(later)
Code

ASME B16.5 defines the standard dimensions for

flanges up to 24”

Allowable Pressure/Temperature tables are also
published in this code.
Allowable Pressure vs. Flange Rating

7,000
Allowable Pressure (psig)

2500
6,000 1500
5,000 900
600
4,000 400
3,000 300
150
2,000
1,000
0
100

200

300

400

500

600

650
700

750

800

850

900

950
1000
Temperature
Allowable Pressure vs. Material 600# Rating

1600 CS
Allowable Pressure (psig)

1400 2 1/4% CR
SS
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
100

300

500

650

750

850

950

10 50

11 50

12 50

13 50

14 50
Temperature
Flange Facings

Facing refers to the preparation given to the

mating surface of a flange, nozzle or valve.

It is important to consider the compatibility of the
mating surfaces of connecting items.
− It is best that they are equal.
− There are very few cases when unequal facing
types are acceptable.
Flange Facings

The most commonly used facings in the petro-

chemical piping industry are:
− Flat Face (FF)
− Raised Face (RF)
− Ring-Type Joint (RJ or RTJ)

Others (not commonly used)
− Small Tongue and Groove
− Large Tongue and Groove
− Small Male and Female
− Large Male and Female
Flange Facings

Flat Face (FF)

Smooth across entire face

Flange Facings

Flat Face (FF)

− Forged steel flanges in 150# and 300# are
available in Flat Face for the purpose of
mating with Cast Iron 125# or 250# Flat
Face Flanges
− Sometimes valves and equipment may be
cast iron. Use Flat Face Flanges at these
connections.
Flange Facings

Avoid Mating RF to FF
Danger of
125# FF Cracking the
Cast Iron Cast Iron
Flange
150# RF
Forged Steel

Steel RF flange mated to Cast Iron

FF flange is susceptible to
cracking when bolts are tightened.
Flange Facings

Raised Face (RF)

Gasket surface raised

(Actually; bolting area milled back)
Flange Facings

Raised Face (RF)

− The most common type used in our industry
− 150# and 300# have 1/16” raised face
(normally included in dimension charts)

− 400# and above have 1/4” raised face

(normally NOT included in dimension charts)

− Check dimensional charts to determine if

the raised face is included in length and
thickness dimensions
Flange Facings

Ring-Type Joint (RJ or RTJ)

Surfaces don’t mate – A ring

gasket compresses into grooves
Flange Facings

Ring-Type Joint (RJ or RTJ)

− Uses round metallic ring compressed into
groves of flange face to form seal.
− Metallic, donut shaped, ring can be oval or
octagonal in design.
− Usually used in higher pressure services.
− Most expensive, efficient type of face.
− Requires more space to dismantle.
Flange Types

The type of flange indicates the connection

method to the piping system or the special
purpose of the flange.
− Weld Neck − Reducing
− Threaded − Blind
− Socket Weld − Orifice
− Slip-On
− Lap Joint
Flange Types

Weld Neck Threaded Socket Weld

Slip-On Lap-Joint Blind

Flange Types

Weld Neck Flange

− This is the best-designed flange due to its inherent
structural value.
− The tapered transition is extremely beneficial under
conditions of repeated bending caused by line expansion
and contraction.
− Weld Neck flanges are bored to match the ID of the
adjoining pipe.
Flange Types

Weld Neck Flange – Drawing Symbols

Ortho Single Line

(12” and Smaller)
Isometric
Ortho – Double Line
(14” and Larger)
Flange Types

Threaded Flange
− Can be assembled without welding
− Well suited for low pressure services at atmospheric
temperatures
− Not suited for conditions involving temperature or bending
stresses.
− A seal weld is sometimes applied around the threaded
joint to reduce the possibility of leakage.
Flange Types

Threaded Flange – Drawing Symbols

Ortho Single Line

Isometric
Flange Types

Socket Weld Flange

− Usually used on small diameter piping (1/2” – 4”).
− Attached to piping like SW fittings – pipe inserted into
socket and welded
− Used for high pressure piping systems
Flange Types

Socket Weld Flange – Drawing Symbols

Ortho Single Line

Isometric
Flange Types

Slip-On Flange
− Cheaper initially than the WN flange.
− Higher installation (welding) costs offsets low initial cost
− Attached to piping by inserting pipe into flange prior to
welding and applying 2 fillet welds.
− Life span is about 1/3 that of the WN Flange.
Flange Types

Slip On Flange – Drawing Symbols

Ortho Single Line

(12” and Smaller)
Isometric
Ortho – Double Line
(14” and Larger)
Flange Types

Lap-Joint
− Does not have to be the same
material as the piping (cheaper)
− Easily aligned
− Requires a Stub End
− Stub Ends are fittings used in
place of welded flanges where
rotating back-up flanges are
desired.
− Types A – B – C and CS
− Sometimes the piping is flared
to form the mating surface.
Flange Types

Lap Joint Flange – Drawing Symbols LJ

LJ

Ortho Single Line

(12” and Smaller)
Isometric
Ortho – Double Line
(14” and Larger)
Flange Types

Reducing
− Designed for use in changing diameters in a piping system.
− A reducing flange consists of a flange with one specified
diameter having a bore of a different and smaller, diameter.
− Except for the bore and hub dimensions, the flange will have
dimensions of the larger pipe size
Flange Types

Blind Flange
− Capping or terminating the end of a piping system.
− Has same thickness, bolting pattern and facing of mating
flange.
− Because it is bolted, it provides easy access to vessel or
piping system
− Also used for future extension of a pipe system
Flange Types

Blind Flange – Drawing Symbols

Ortho Single Line

(12” and Smaller)
Isometric
Ortho – Double Line
(14” and Larger)
Flange Types

Orifice Flange
Orifice Plate

− In combination with an Orifice ½” NPT Tap

Plate, used for measuring the

Gasket
rate of flow of the commodity
through the piping system. JACK SCREW
(ONE PER FLANGE)

− The flange thickness is

greater to allow for taps
(holes) drilled through to the
inside of the piping system.
− Additional set of bolts called
Jack Screws to assist in
spreading the flange
assembly.
Bolts

Pressure rating of the

flange determines the
size, spacing, and number
of bolts required

There are two types of
bolts: Stud and Machine
− Stud bolts are threaded
throughout their length
− Machine bolts have a
head on one end and
threads on the other
Bolts

Bolt holes always straddle

the major axis’s; N-S, E-W
or U-D, Horiz.

360°/Number of bolts =
Angular increments

360 / 8 = 45
Bolts

Bolt Length is determined by the following

components:
− Flange 1 Thickness (including face)
− Gasket Thickness
− Flange 2 Thickness (including face)
− Nut height (x2)
− Bolt extension (1.5 – 3 threads)
− Wafer items and extra gaskets as required.
− Round up to next highest ¼”
Bolts
Bolts Material:
 Commonly used machine bolts are made from carbon steel:
– Applicable code is ASTM A-307 grade A
– Temperature range of -200 F to 5000 F (-290 C to 2600 C)
 Stud bolts are used when the pipe design temperature exceeds
the temperature range of machine bolts.
 Common stud bolts types used are made from ally steel
Applicable codes are:
– ASTM A 193 grade B7
– Temperature range of -500 F to 10000 F (-460 C to 538 C)
(or)
– ASTM A 193 grade B16
– Temperature range of -200 F to 11000 F (-290 C to 5930 C)
Bolts

 Stud bolts are generally used in the oil and gas industry
 Specific equipment, like compressors, turbines, etc., may have
a machined surface connection in place of a flange connection,
with tap holes
 In this case tap screws are used to connect the pipe flange to
the equipment
Gaskets

Gaskets are made of softer material than the

mating surfaces and when compressed between
the mating surfaces form a leak-proof seal.

Three major types of Gaskets are:
− Full Face (Used With Flat Face Flanges)
− Flat Ring (Used With Raised Face Flanges)
− Metal Ring (Used With Ring-Type Joint Flanges)
Gaskets

Full Face gaskets cover the entire OD of the

flange. They are usually 1/16” thick.

Flat Ring gaskets have spiral ridges that match
the grooving on the face of the raised face flange.
They are usually 1/8” thick.

Metal Ring gaskets match the shape of the grove
in the ring-type joint flange; oval or octagonal. The
thickness after compression varies by size and
rating – see chart.
Dimensioning

Flanges are always dimensioned to the Face of

Flange

A ‘tick’ mark indicates which side of the dimension
line the gasket falls on.

By observing the ‘tick’ mark you can determine if
the dimension includes or excludes the gasket
Considering Flanges in Pipe Spacing

You need to calculate for

each flange/pipe
combination to determine
the minimum clearance.

Work out both
combinations and use the
larger calculation rounded
to the next highest inch.

Add insulation when
necessary

Consider thermal
expansion.
Practice

1 2 3
6”x4”

8”x6”

3” 300# (No Insulation)

8” 150# (2” Insulation)

Practice

1. 6” 150# RF WN Flg = 3.5”

1 2. 6” x 4” Reducer = 5.5”
6”x4” 3. 4” 300# RF WN Flg = 3.375”
-------------------------------------------
12.375”

1’-0 3/8”
Practice

1. 8” 90°LR ELL = 12”

2 2. 8” x 6” Reducer = 6”
3. 6” 300# RF WN Flg = 3.875”
-------------------------------------------
8”x6” 21.875”

1’-9 7/8”
Practice
1. ½ OD 3” pipe = 1.75 3
2. Clearance = 1.0
3” 300# (No Insulation)
3. ½ 8” 150# Flg = 6.75
---------------------------------
9.5” – Round up to 10”

1. ½ OD 8” pipe = 4.3125
2. Insulation = 2.0
3. Clearance = 1.0
4. ½ 3” 300# Flg = 4.1250 8” 150# (2” Insulation)
------------------------------------
11.4375” – Round up to 12”
1’-0”
Questions