4-4, 4-5, 4-6

ASME B16.5-2003

Interpretation: 4-4 Subject: Implementation of the Standard, Flange Face Finish Date Issued: July 21, 1998 File: B16-097-015 Question (1): Is there a mandatory date for the implementation of ASME B16.5-1996? Reply (1): No. Implementation may be required by reference in a code, specification, sales contract, or public law. Question (2): May a flange not meeting the flange facing finish requirements of ASME B16.51996 but meeting those of an earlier edition be supplied as being in accordance with the 1996 edition? Reply (2): Yes, provided that the flange face finish is supplied by arrangement with the purchaser. (See para. 6.4.4.) Question (3): According to ASME B16.5-1996, para. 6.4.4.3, may a flange with less than 45 grooves per inch or more than 55 grooves per inch meet the flange facing finish requirements as long as the resultant surface finish has a 125 to 250 in. average roughness? Reply (3): Yes. Interpretation: 4-5 Subject: Welding Neck Flanges Date Issued: June 18, 1999 File: B16-99-004 Question (1): Does ASME B16.5-1996 cover welding neck flanges that have the overall length through hub dimension y greater than the specified values (e.g., long weld neck)? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does para. 6.7.4 of ASME B16.5-1996 allow the conformance designation B16 to be applied to long weld neck flanges having overall length through hub dimensions greater than specified values? Reply (2): No. This paragraph applies to only end preparations. Interpretation: 4-6 Subject: Blind Flange Material Date Issued: October 15, 2001 File: B16-98-013 Question (1): Does ASME B16.5-1996 allow blind flange made from a plate material listed in Table 1A to be designated as a forging material in Table lA? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does ASME B16.5-1996 permit blind flanges to be of a plate material as listed in Table IA for all pressure classes covered in ASME B16.5-1996 (150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500)? Reply (2): Yes.
I-3