Stainless steel flanges are commonly used in various industries for their reliable connection method. The most frequently employed types include weld neck flanges, sliding flanges, blind flanges, socket welding flanges, and threaded flanges. These flanges allow for easy disassembly and separation, facilitating repair and regular maintenance.
ASME B16.5 is the prevailing specification for stainless steel flanges. It specifically applies to flanges and flange fittings made of cast or forged materials. In addition, it covers blind flanges and certain reducing flanges, which can be made of cast, forged, or sheet material. This standard also encompasses the requirements and recommendations for flanged bolted connections, flanged gaskets, and flanged joints.
In summary, the commonly used flanges in various industries include weld neck, sliding, blind, socket welding, and threaded flanges. These flanges offer convenient disassembly for repair and maintenance. The widely accepted specification for stainless steel flanges is ASME B16.5, which covers a range of flange types and materials. It also provides guidelines for bolted connections, gaskets, and joints associated with flanges.
Steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings standard:
- StandardIn the realm of steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings, ASME B16.5 sets forth the industry standard specification. This essential document provides guidelines for manufacturing and testing these critical components for use in piping systems. By adhering to ASME B16.5, engineers and manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the necessary quality and safety standards required for reliable performance in demanding applications. Because of its importance to the industry, many professionals in this field rely on ASME B16.5 as the go-to resource for all things related to steel pipe flanges and fittings.
- SpecificationThe range of sizes covered by ASME B16.5 pipe flanges and flanged fittings is from 1/2" nominal to 24" nominal. This means that there is a wide selection of sizes available to suit different pipe needs. Whether you require a small diameter flange or a larger one, you can find what you need within this range of sizes. So, if you're in the market for pipe flanges and fittings, you can rest assured that you'll be able to find what you need within the ASME B16.5 range.
- Pressure gradesFlanges made of steel pipes can be obtained in a range of grades, starting from 150# and going up to 2500#. The available options include 150#, 300#, 400#, 600#, 900#, 1500#, and 2500#. These various grades offer different levels of strength and pressure ratings for the flanges, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. So, whether you require a flange with lower pressure rating or a higher one, you can find the appropriate grade to suit your specific needs.

ANSI Flange and ASME B16.5 flange are alternative names for steel pipe flanges commonly used in various industries. These flanges are versatile and find application in industrial, commercial, and institutional settings. They come in different sizes, pressure classes, and styles. ASME B16.5 pipe flanges and flanged fittings cover a wide range of nominal sizes from 1/2" to 24". The available grades for steel pipe flanges range from 150 to 2500#. ASME B16.5 includes pressure classes such as 150#, 300#, 600#, 900#, and 1500# for nominal sizes up to 10". For sizes between 12" to 24", the pressure class is 2500#. It is important to specify the pipe table for certain types of flanges, like weld neck flanges and socket weld flanges, to ensure proper alignment with the pipe holes. By doing so, the holes on the flanges match the corresponding holes on the pipes.
Six Most Commonly Used Steel Pipe Flanges
- Weld Neck Flange (WN)
The butt weld flange is designed for easy connection to piping or equipment that requires flanged joints. This type of flange is capable of handling high pressure and temperature applications. It is especially useful in pressure vessels and other applications that require manhole access. The weld neck design provides additional strength to the connection and ensures a secure fit. When using weld-weld flanges, it is important to specify a pipe table for the hole. This type of flange is a widely used choice for many industrial applications due to its reliability and durability.
- Slip on Flange (SO)
A slip-on flange is a type of flange that is designed to slide over the end of a pipe. This allows for easy positioning before welding, which is ideal for a variety of applications. When using a slip-on flange, both the inside and outside of the pipe are welded onto the flange itself. The pipe is typically inserted all the way into the slip-on flange, with the gap between the two components being equal to the thickness of the pipe wall. This ensures a secure and tight fit that is both durable and reliable, making it a popular choice for many different industries.
- Socket Weld Flange (SW)
A socket welding flange is a special type of welding flange that consists of two parts - the socket part and the welding part. The socket is designed to accommodate the end of the pipe, which is inserted into the flanged ring step, while the welding part is used to connect the pipe or equipment through welding. Typically used in high-pressure pipeline and equipment connections, this kind of flange provides a secure and reliable joining solution.
- Lap Joint Flange (LJ)
This type of flange consists of a short end and a flange. The flange itself is not welded, but the short end is inserted/slid over the flange and welded to the pipe. This arrangement facilitates flange alignment where misalignment can be an issue. In lap flanges, the flange itself is not in contact with the fluid. The stub end is the part that is welded to the pipe and comes into contact with the fluid.
- Threaded Flange (TH)
Threaded flanges are also called threaded flanges or threaded flanges. This type of flange is used where welding cannot be performed. Threaded flanges are most commonly used in low-pressure applications and smaller piping (up to 4" nominal).
- Blind Flange (BL)
Blind flanges are solid flanges with no holes or tapped holes and are used to close off the ends of pipes, fittings, valves, or equipment. Dead-leg flanges are also used in pressure test equipment. Blind flanges are available in raised and flat faces.
What Is the Process of Pipeline Products Fabrication?
Before the pipeline project starts, the required products, such as pipes, elbows, tees, reducers, crosses, elbows, flanges, spools, and valves, are collected in the fabrication workshop according to the design. Once all the materials required are available, piping is usually the main component of fabrication and should first be cut to the appropriate length for the dimensions required by the design. After this, the operator can smooth the pipe end surfaces and bevels with a grinder if required. The pipe is then moved to an assembly station to connect with other components such as reducers, elbows, tees, bends, and flanges.
Advantages of Prefabricated Piping?
Pipe spools are combinations of pipe components that are prefabricated in a pipe shop for on-site installation. They are usually flanged to facilitate connection to other short pipes. The prefabricated welded stainless steel pipe flange is a modular product that can be prefabricated in the factory, and the prefabricated welded stainless steel pipe flange can be directly installed on the pipeline. There is no need for additional processing and adjustment, which can greatly reduce the difficulty and risk of installation, and save installation time and labor costs.
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings General
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard covers pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, tolerances, marking, testing, and methods of designating openings for pipe flanges and flanged fittings. Included are:
(1) Flanges with rating class designations 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, and 1500 in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 and flanges with rating class designation 2500 in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 12, with requirements given in both metric and U.S. Customary units with a diameter of bolts and flange bolt holes expressed in inch units;
(2) Flanged fittings with rating class designation 150 and 300 in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24, with requirements given in both metric and U.S. Customary units with a diameter of bolts and flange bolt holes expressed in inch units;
(3) Flanged fittings with rating class designation 400, 600, 900, and 1500 in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 and flanged fittings with rating class designation 2500 in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 12 that are acknowledged in Non-Mandatory Appendix E in which only U.S. Customary units are provided.
Hot Tags: steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings, China steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings manufacturers, suppliers





