ASME flanges are the commonly used flanges in the United States. While you can use other types of flanges when working on pipes in the U.S., ASME flanges are the most common and considered the standard in the industry.
Common Types of ASME Flanges
ASME standards call for machined surfaces and are usually comprised of forged materials. Each flange is further categorized by pressure class, ranging from 150-2500 for B16.5 flanges. For flanges that are B16.47, the pressure classes range from 75-900.
ASME B16.5 Flanges
- 150
- 300
- 400
- 600
- 900
- 1500
- 2500
ASME B16.47
- 75
- 150
- 300
- 400
- 600
- 900
Custom Flanges
Custom flanges can be made by the manufacturing company for those who want a special flow pressure for the flange. This is common by many commercial companies and orders must be places well in advance. This is because there is a very high demand for parts for commercial companies. This includes flanges, valves, fitted pipes and other parts needed for machines. Many companies are regularly inundated with large orders. At the beginning of each year, it is important to map out how many custom flanges will be needed for various projects happening throughout the year to gauge budget and the calendar.
Budget and Custom Parts
You want to sit down and have a clear, concise idea of the projects you are managing for the year. This allows you to draw up proposals and budgets before any project gets off the ground and ensures you have enough money and man power to see the various projects through. Talk to your management about budgets for the entire year before moving forward with a project to ensure you have allotted the money accordingly. Custom flanges cost more money because they are individualized, unique work. Beyond that, many of the custom flanges are made in the United States, which can also cost more to produce. Lastly, custom flanges take longer to complete because they are unique work. It’s important to remind the project manager of all of these things when choosing to go with custom flanges.
Keep in mind that management often changes their mind and may even come up with money needed in order to see a project through. Creating a strong relationship with the same company when buying parts allows you to have people you can rely on for new parts in a timely manner.
ASME flanges are the most common and considered the standard in the industry. They are the most common and considered the standard in the industry. For more details, visit the company Sumitec, Int’l, Inc.
