What type of flange is ASME?

In addition to being a professional organization that supports engineering practice and related disciplines, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) also looks after ASME equipment regulations and standards.

Since its founding in 1880, ASME has developed into a multifaceted institution. It performs the duties of an engineering society, establishes standards, carries out R&D, supports legislation, provides training and education, and is a nonprofit organization. With 158 nations represented among its members, ASME has a worldwide impact.

ASME’s vast library of more than 600 rules and standards addresses a broad range of topics, including fasteners, elevators, plumbing fixtures, pipelines, power systems, boilers, and pressure vessels, in addition to flanges and fittings.

In addition to creating useful guidelines and standards for uniformity, ASME’s objective is to advance industry best practices that improve cost-effectiveness, safety, and operational efficiency at all usage levels.

Determine based on the parameters of the ASME flange

The first step in using an ASME flange is figuring out its size, which is dependent on the application-specific nominal diameter and pressure rating. ASME flanges have a nominal diameter that corresponds to pressure vessels in the same series. The maximum operating pressure, the operating temperature, and the ASME flange’s material—which may be either stainless steel or low carbon steel—all play a role in determining the nominal pressure rating of the flange. Nominal pressures and maximum working pressures at various temperatures vary between materials.

Apart from the flat and welding neck forms, ASME flanges are available in cast steel, cast iron, loose sleeves, and threaded flanges. Pipe ASME flanges are also subject to national standards, such as the Ministry of Chemical Industry standard and the Sinopec standard. The European system is more prevalent in China. However, the Ministry of Chemical Industry standard adheres to both American and European methods. It’s crucial to remember that although pipes and containers may have the same nominal diameter, their actual measurements may vary. It is thus not possible to interchange ASME flanges made for pipes and vessels with the same nominal diameter.

Select ASME flanges based on actual usage

Examine the ASME flange’s unique application requirements before selecting one. For example, the groove or concave surface of an ASME equipment flange on a vertical vessel should face upward; on a horizontal vessel, it should be positioned on the cylinder. Because it eliminates weld seam rolling and is simple to install on-site, a flat welding neck ASME flange is often appropriate for equipment applications. For pipelines transporting volatile, flammable, or poisonous gases or those experiencing significant temperature and pressure changes, a welding neck ASME flange with a neck is a preferable option because of its higher sealing capabilities and greater resilience to deformation.

High-pressure pipes often use integral ASME flanges, also known as IF in Chinese standards, which are characterized by a raised face (RF). Convex-concave surfaces (MFM) and tongue-and-groove faces (TG) are two good choices because of their improved sealing qualities while working with hazardous chemicals like combustible or explosive compounds.