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ASME develops standards for flanges and pipes in the USA, specifying dimensions, materials, strength, and testing. ASME maintains dozens of flange standards for different materials and types of flanges, including specialized standards for high-temperature applications. ASME flanges must meet specific criteria, including dimensions, pressure ratings, gasket type, and bolt pattern. Standards help ensure safe installation and reduce the risk of accidents and system failures.
A flange is a raised ring around the edges of a pipe that is used to improve the strength and stability of plumbing joints. Manufacturers often produce pipes and flanges with consistent properties, which makes it easier for installers to assemble and repair all types of plumbing and pipe systems. One method of ensuring that several flanges can be used together is to look for flanges that have been built to the same set of design and performance standards. In the United States (USA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) develops standards for flanges and pipes that specify the dimensions, materials, strength and testing of these products. A flange that has been constructed to meet all applicable ASME standards is often referred to as an ASME flange.
ASME maintains dozens of flange standards and each refers to flanges made from different materials. For example, an ASME cast iron flange is built to one set of standards, while an ASME steel flange is designed to meet a different set of requirements. This organization also develops standards for flanges in malleable iron, stainless or galvanized steel, and a variety of other metals and alloys. These standards may also be geared towards the design and testing of a particular type of flange, such as the blind flange or flanged connectors used to join more than two pipes.
Plumbers involved in specialized tasks may need to refer to more specialized ASME flange standards. For example, this organization maintains a separate set of standards for flanges used with boiler, power plant, or high temperature applications. These requirements are often much more stringent than those for general purpose ASME flanges.
An ASME flange standard generally covers a great deal of detail about the design and testing of each flange. To qualify as an ASME flange, the flange must meet the specified dimensions and thickness, as well as all applicable pressure ratings. It should include proper identification or marking as required by ASME standards and must include the right type of gasket. The bolt pattern on the flange must match the pattern developed by ASME, and the inner and outer diameter of the connected pipe must also conform.
Standards such as those created by ASME and other organizations help plumbing professionals install these materials effectively. Products that meet standard criteria are less likely to contribute to accidents, such as the explosions and boiler failures that inspired the early ASME standards. With products and flanges designed to work together and tested to meet specific performance specifications, hydraulic systems are more likely to perform as intended, with a reduced risk of failure or malfunction.
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