ASME B16.5 in Engineering

ASME B16.5 in Engineering – Pipe Flange & Flanged Fittings

ASME B16.5 is crucial for governing the design, manufacture, and installation of steel flanges and flanged fittings. In this article, we will explore why this standard is important and how it shapes engineering practices in various industries. Through a detailed examination of its specifications and impact, you will gain a deeper understanding of ASME B16.5‘s role in ensuring the integrity of piping systems.

What Are ASME B16.5 Scope and Limitation?

Understanding what the standard covers and what its limitations are is important for applying it correctly in piping systems. This subtopic explores what the standard includes and what it does not, providing clarity on its scope and boundaries.

1. Pressure-Temperature Ratings

ASME B16.5 covers pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, tolerances, marking, testing, and methods of designating openings for pipe flanges and flanged fittings.

2. Flanges

This standard includes 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. Requirements are provided in both metric and U.S. Customary units.

3. Flanged Fittings

ASME B16.5 also covers 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.

4. Additional Inclusions

Flange Bolting, Gaskets, and Joints: the standard also includes requirements and recommendations regarding flange bolting, gaskets, and joints to ensure proper assembly and performance of the piping system.

5. Limitations

This standard is limited to flanges and flanged fittings made from cast or forged materials, as well as blind flanges and certain reducing flanges made from cast, forged, or plate materials.

How Many Updates of ASME B16.5?

There are 5 latest update from ASME B16.5:

1. ASME B16.5 – 2020 Edition, 2020

This edition covers pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, tolerances, marking, testing, and methods of designating openings for pipe flanges and flanged fittings. It includes specifications for various flange rating class designations and flanged fittings in both metric and U.S. Customary units. The standard is limited to flanges and flanged fittings made from cast or forged materials, as well as blind flanges and certain reducing flanges made from cast, forged, or plate materials.

2. ASME B16.5 – 2017 Edition, November 20, 2017

This edition represents a subsequent update to the standard, likely incorporating revisions and improvements based on industry feedback and advancements in technology and engineering practices.

3. ASME B16.5 – 2013 Edition, April 29, 2013

Another update to the standard, this edition likely introduced further refinements and clarifications to ensure consistency and accuracy in specifying pipe flanges and flanged fittings.

4. ASME B16.5 – 2009 Edition, June 30, 2009

This edition of the standard continued the tradition of periodic updates to incorporate any necessary changes or enhancements in the field of piping systems.

5. ASME B16.5 – 2003 Edition, 2003

This edition represents an earlier version of the standard, indicating that updates and revisions have been ongoing over the years to address evolving industry requirements and practices.

The 2020 version of the pipe flange specification is mandatory

The old version of the pipe flange AI is no longer recognized, so what should be done?
Many friends’ first reaction is:
After so many years of updates to the pipe flange, can we still change all the dimensions just by changing the standard number?
Just update a standard number, it’s very simple.

Major modifications to ASME pipe flanges 2020 edition

The public’s impression of the updated version of the original pipe flange is correct. The size is not modified, only the standard number is changed, and the impact is minimal.
The 2020 version of the pipe flange is facing size modifications, which is really frustrating.
Too many modifications to the flange size in the metric version!
Previously, the metric version was not strictly converted according to the imperial system * 25.4. This time, we made a bold move and made the metric version according to the size of * 25.4.
For example, the original flange sealing surface heights were 2mm and 7mm, but now the sealing surface heights are 1.5mm and 6.4mm.

VCAD's ASME flange updated to 2020 version

The ASME VIII I-2023 version has been updated. Starting from June this year (half year transition period), all pipe flanges will gradually use the 2020 version without any excuses for delay. All sizes can only be updated according to the new specifications.

The VCAD2023 version has been updated to the 2020 version of ASME pipe flanges. Stay tuned.