The dimensional control of piping components is largely dependent on accurate mass estimation during procurement and fabrication. A Flange Weight Calculator is typically used for ASME B16.5 and B16.47 standard to figure out the weight of flanges from Class 150 to Class 2500 made in carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel grades. This is done in projects mainly carried out in the United States where lifting limits and transportation planning are strictly regulated. Besides, the calculations normally take into account the outer diameter, bolt circle, thickness, and bore size which correspond to forging like ASTM A105, A182 F304/F316, and A350 LF2.
Weight estimation is part of the decisions of the mechanical design that are made from the support spacing, nozzle loads, and seismic compliance point of view. The engineers often refer to plate densities, machining allowances, and corrosion margins given by NACE or project specifications when they check the calculated masses. Different types of flange such as slip-on, weld neck, blind, and lap joint have differences in hub geometry and thickness that are more or less the same. The theoretical values can change in the case of large diameter flanges over NPS 24 where the plate-cut segments or rolled rings are used and this is the reason for the allowance conservatives during stress analysis and installation sequencing.
Additionally, material sourcing has an impact on the calculated weights as the plate thickness tolerances and mill practices are not the same everywhere in the world. Working with Steel Plate Suppliers that are supporting projects in Germany may involve a lot of discussion on EN 10025 S355, ASTM A36, or pressure vessel grades like A516 Gr 70 that are supplied in the normalized condition with certified heat numbers. The good match between flange forgings and the mating plates results in less mismatch during assembly, better bolt load distribution, and hardly any rework in the production of the petrochemical, power generation, and offshore industries under the codes of operation that are very strict and the inspection regimes that are at the safety requirements level worldwide.
Weight estimation is part of the decisions of the mechanical design that are made from the support spacing, nozzle loads, and seismic compliance point of view. The engineers often refer to plate densities, machining allowances, and corrosion margins given by NACE or project specifications when they check the calculated masses. Different types of flange such as slip-on, weld neck, blind, and lap joint have differences in hub geometry and thickness that are more or less the same. The theoretical values can change in the case of large diameter flanges over NPS 24 where the plate-cut segments or rolled rings are used and this is the reason for the allowance conservatives during stress analysis and installation sequencing.
Additionally, material sourcing has an impact on the calculated weights as the plate thickness tolerances and mill practices are not the same everywhere in the world. Working with Steel Plate Suppliers that are supporting projects in Germany may involve a lot of discussion on EN 10025 S355, ASTM A36, or pressure vessel grades like A516 Gr 70 that are supplied in the normalized condition with certified heat numbers. The good match between flange forgings and the mating plates results in less mismatch during assembly, better bolt load distribution, and hardly any rework in the production of the petrochemical, power generation, and offshore industries under the codes of operation that are very strict and the inspection regimes that are at the safety requirements level worldwide.