Standard ASME B 16.5 (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) sets for the requirements for marking flanges. In this Couth post, as experts on this topic, we will explain everything you need to know about flange marking to you.
What is a flange?
Flanges are ring-, disc, or collar-shaped parts connected to one end of a pipe and whose role is to join this part to another. This is the case with other pipes, valves, or similar objects with bolts that provide security and stability for the linked parts.
Flanges are important not only because they easily join parts, comfortably and safely, but also because if you need to separate them, you can remove the section you need. This particularity brings great versatility and flexibility to installations and proves how important they are.
Flange types
Made with stainless steel, flanges can be cast or forged. There are different designs on the market. Some of the most common ones are:
- Sliding flanges
- Figure-eight flanges
- Electric insulation flanges
- Threaded flanges
- Necked flanges for welding
- Blind flanges
Marking flanges: how to read their identification
Marking flanges is an essential part of making them, since this provides both identification and important information about the part.
There are seven relevant elements that flange marks must have, in no particular order, but they must always be present on the part.
The way you read the mark that the flange must have is:
- Manufacturer identification or logo.
- Type of designated material according to the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) including thermal treatment.
- Face type
- The standardised type used to manufacture the flange.
- Nominal thickness of the pipe it will be welded to, for flanges that are: W.N or S.W.
- The pressure range, as well as the nominal diameter of the flange.
- The number identifying the manufacturer batch or series.
These elements are important because they allow you to verify the suitability of the part before using it. You must not forget that this means that you can guarantee that each flange will fulfil the role it was called for, meaning that the material, dimensions, and pressure level match what you need for the final construction.
Flange marking technology
Another point to highlight is that, besides how it important it is for flanges to have the right identification, the mark must be made in such a way that it is long-lasting, with precise and very clear legibility. In this regard, Couth has the greatest experience in marking systems for different industries with equipment that guarantees quality, precise marking, just like the material and the part require.
