In industries where piping systems play a vital role, knowing the differences between Series A and Series B flanges is essential. These components act as important links in pipes, but their variances sometimes need to be noticed. This blog explores the basic disparities between Series A and Series B flanges, highlighting their specific uses and significance in engineering projects. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or new to the field, understanding these differences can enhance your knowledge of piping systems and assist you in making well-informed decisions.
Series A vs B flanges – What’s the Difference
Characteristics:
ASME B16 47 Series A flanges are much heavier, thicker, and more robust than Series B flanges with the same pressure rating and size. Hence, series A flanges can easily withstand extra external loading than Series B flanges.
Required Fasteners:
The fastener quality requirement for ASME B16.47 Series A flanges is less than for series A. Class 150 series A flange needs 28 bolts with sizes of 1-1/4-inch diameter to install. The total number of fasteners for ASME B16.47 Series B flanges is higher than for series A. For class 150 Series B flange needs 44 bolts with a diameter of 3/ 4 inches diameter to install. The smaller bolt circle width affects the movement of the flange after installation.
Types:
Series A and Series B standards encompass blind flanges and weld neck flanges in raised face type (RF). However, Series A additionally incorporates ring-type joint (RTJ) flanges with various classes, ranging from Class 300 to Class 900.
Cost:
The cost of ASME B16.47 Series A flanges is more than ASME B16.47 Series B flanges.
Use:
Series A flanges are perfect for many piping end users for the new pipeline or connections. Series B flanges are perfect for refurbishment or replacement work and also for non-critical piping applications. In industry, Series A flanges are suitable for all complex applications, but Series B flanges are only suitable for easy applications.
Weight of Flange:
ASME B16.47 Series A flanges are heavier, and hence they can so exert more extra weight on piping supports. The weight of ASME B16.47 Series B flanges is comparatively less and, therefore, cannot sustain in high load.
Pressure class 75:
This unique pressure class is available in ASME B16.47 Series B flanges but not available in ASME B16.47 Series A flanges.
Dimensions:
The dimension of Series A flanges is larger because the bolt circle diameter, flange outer diameter, bolt diameter, flange thickness, etc., are larger. But Series A flanges are compact in dimension as compared to series A flanges.
Alternative designations:
In the beginning, ASME B16.47 Series A carbon steel flanges were identified as MSS SP 44 flanges, and ASME B16.47 Series B flanges were recognized as API 605 flanges.
How do the Series A and Series B flanges differences?
Usually, ASME B16.47 Series A flanges in the same size and pressure level are much larger, heavier and tougher than Series B flanges so they can handle more external load than Series B form. The ASME B16.47 Series B flanges need too much but fewer fasteners (bolts & nuts) than the Series A flanges and have a wider diameter of the bolt loop than the Series A.
Upon mounting the smaller diameter of the bolt circle results in less flange motion. ASME B16.47 Series A flanges are more costly from a business standpoint than ASME B16.47 Series B flanges. Any customers or piping suppliers may choose Series A flanges for the new pipeline or machinery. Even if you do any retrofitting, repair work or non-critical piping design, the Series B flanges are more widely utilized.
Typically, the greater width of the bolt loop produces less flange shift during mounting. All Series A and B describe raised face form welded neck flanges and blind flanges. Moreover, within this layout, Series A explains flanges of the ring type joint (RTJ) from Class 300 to Class 900 whereas Series B does not.
Regular welded cover, slide on, blind flanges etc. Flanges for sizes up to 24 “nominal tubing are secured by regular B16.5. B16.47 type A or B for weld-neck and blind flanges are given in sizes 26” and greater. The Series A flanges are bigger, broader and more costly while the Series B flanges have more bolt holes and are less expensive than the Series A flanges. Both the sequence API605 and B have the same flanges.
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