INTERNATIONAL

PRACTICE

HISTORY BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

IP 3-16-1

Page 1 of 4
Rev. 2

June 2000

BACKGROUND HISTORY DOCUMENTATION

FOR CORRESPONDING PARAGRAPHS OF IP 3-16-1 (REV. 2)
I

[H]

1.1

Scope revised (Rev. 0) to limit design of flanged joints to piping flanges only. Also eliminated requirement to
follow Owner's Piping Materials Spec. as applicable since this is site specific and better handled via GII or
other Project Basis documentation.

[H]

1.2

Clarified valve bonnets are not within the scope of this IP.

[H]

2.1

Substituted IP 18-10-1, Additional Requirements for Materials, to cover material impact requirements
previously covered by IP 18-6-1 (withdrawn 3/98). IP 18-1-1, ASME B16.34 (valves), and ASTM A307 &
A453/453M deleted (Rev. 0) from Table 1. Added sentence to allow Owner's Engineer to authorize the use of
equivalent or more stringent provisions of other applicable recognized codes or standards (coincident with
withdrawal of IP 18-1-1, Permissible Substitutes for USA Spec Materials).

[H]

3.1

Modified definition of Hydrogen Service (Rev. 0) to cover any fluid service with H2 partial pressure
exceeding 90 psia and design temperature of 450F or greater to reflect a more consistent definition of
Hydrogen service with BP 18-3-4 in assuring H2 service flanges are not insulated (see Par. 4.4 Table).

[H]

3.2

Definition for Combustible Liquids made consistent with other IPs (e.g. IP 3-12-1).

[H]

3.3

Definition for Flammable Liquids made consistent with other IPs (e.g. IP 3-12-1).

[H]

3.4

Definition for Combustible Materials made consistent with other IPs (e.g. IP 3-12-1).

[H]

4.1

Organization of Table 2 and 3 for flange facing and gaskets revised (Rev. 0) so that flexible graphite based
gaskets included in the main gasket selection Table 2 and modified Table 3 to cover asbestos based gaskets if
used.

S,R

[H]

4.2

Specific design requirements were withdrawn (Rev. 0) for Electrically Insulated flanges, and instead, these
joints are to be reviewed by the Owner's Engineer consistent with the availability of commercially acceptable
designs. Also revised locations where insulated flanges are required.

[H]

4.4

Clarified requirements for hot service insulation of flanges to apply where insulated flanges specified Added
Note 1 (Rev. 0) concerning possible corrosion under insulation for temperatures below 300F.

S,R

[H]

4.5

Establishes the need to thermally isolate flanges which have low melting point material used as gaskets and
are in HC service. Depending on the proximity to a fire source, thermally insulated leak bands with drains
piped to a safe location may be needed.

S,R

[H]

4.6

Establishes the temperature breakpoint at which differential thermal expansion between the valve body and
bolts becomes significant enough to either cause gasket load relaxation and possible leakage, or overstressing
of the bolts.

[H]

4.8

Owner Approval required for the proposed use of any proprietary flanged piping connections or clamps, which
need to be evaluated for the specific application and business incentive justifications relative to conventional
flanges.

[H]

5.1

Note (2) of Table stipulates flange face finish requirements for flange materials not specifically covered by
ASME B16.5 where dimensions are intended to be per this standard. Otherwise flange face finish
requirements are undefined for flange materials not covered by B16.5. Note: ASME B16.5 (as of 1996)
specifies 125 to 250 RMS flange face finish raised face flanges which considered an acceptable finish range
for commodity piping flanges.

[H]

5.2

Added paragraph (Rev. 0) to require 1/8 +/- 0.03 in. ring groove corner radius for ring joint class 900 or
higher flanges if either solid austenitic stainless or low alloy with austenitic SS weld overlay in elevated
temperature service consistent with ring groove cracking of RJ flanges in high pressure hydrogen service.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-16-1

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

Page 2 of 4
Rev. 2

HISTORY BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

June 2000

[H]

5.3

Adopted EXES 3-16-1-1A wording for dual certified SS flanges, except clarified pressure-temperature rating
basis for above 1000F to "B16.5 Annex D using ASME B31.3 allowable stresses for L-grades".

[H]

5.5

Added limitation (Rev 0) for slip-on flanges not to be used for Class 400 or higher flanges unless
approved by the Owner's Engineer because of inner ring requirements for spiral wound gaskets which not
workable for slip-on flanges greater than Class 300.
Also declined proposed addition to require 3 mm vent hole for slip-on flanges in hydrogen service.
Hydrogen buildup between flange and pipe is not considered to be a mechanical concern for either pipe or
flange. Requirement would be difficult to manage as well. Also dismissed proposal to provide vent hole for all
flanges to monitor leakage during hydrotesting since above Code requirements.

[H]

6.1

Clarified gasket selection to be per Table 2 for fluid services compatible with flexible graphite and other
services not covered by Table 2 to be approved by Owner's Engineer. And where permitted by local
authorities, asbestos based gaskets may be used with the Owner's approval per Table 3.
Flange Facing / Gasket Selection Table 2 and applicable notes have been restructured (Rev. 0) to show
alternative flexible graphite RFG, CMGC, GMGC, SW and DJ gasket selections instead of asbestos based
gaskets. Note 5 added to preclude the use of graphite based gaskets for sea water and other services where
galvanic attack possible. Note 9 (also Note 7 Table 3) added to require bolt load assessment for SW gaskets
used for Class 150 flanges...unless sealing performance demonstrated by past experience or test. Note 10
revises inner ring requirements for SW flexible graphite filled gaskets consistent with inner buckling experience
associated with two recent Exxon projects. Note 11 (also Note 9 of Table 3) increases upper design pressure
limit to 2700 psig (from 2000 psig) for SW gaskets with inner and outer rings below 750F consistent with their
use on Class 1500 flanges for recent Hydrocracker projects.
Table 3 provides service limits for Asbestos Based Gaskets where Permitted as alternative to preferred
Table 2 gaskets. Service limits are consistent with previous BP 3-16-1 (Rev 11) Table 2.
Also withdrew recommended addition (Rev 0) from Exxon Biomedical Sciences which stated "the use of
asbestos based gaskets as covered by Table 3 is discouraged if an acceptable substitute identified by Table 2
is available to minimize the impact of local requirements instituted for the monitoring and control of asbestos
containing materials and their disposal". It was agreed that this wording was inappropriate for IPs, and
instead better covered under site specific coordination procedures and/or industrial hygiene requirements. The
wording adopted for Par. 6.1 also makes it clear that LOCAL and Owner requirements must be satisfied with
use of asbestos gaskets.

[H]

6.2

Table for gasket designs / standards revised (Rev. 0) to include both Corrugated Metal flexible Graphite
Covered (CMGC) and Grooved Metal profile flexible Graphite Covered (GMGC) type gaskets. Notes to this
table have been elevated to separate Paragraphs 6.3 through 6.6 to generally describe the gasket types
involved without reference to manufacturer product names.

[H]

6.9

Revised wording to require the same material for the inner retaining ring, if specified, for spiral wound gaskets
as the spirals unless otherwise specified.

[H]

6.10

Changed (Rev. 0) Corrosion Allowance no greater than 0.05 in. to 1/16 in. for Paragraphs 6.8, 6.9 and 6.1 for
consistency to minimum CA typically specified for CS components.

[H]

7.1

Deleted A307 CS Bolts (Note 6) and A453 Grade 660 Bolts (Note 2) from the Bolting Table (Rev. 0) since rarely
used. Added A193 Grade B5 bolts to Table for 1100 to 1200F design metal temperatures, and clarified that
B8M Class 1 bolts can not be used above Class 300 without supporting design calculations. Also updated
material grades to reflect the Class 1 designation for Grade B8M and Class 2 for strain hardened Grade B8
austenitic SS bolts.

[H]

7.2

Added paragraph (Rev. 0) to require ferritic bolting for ferritic flanges unless otherwise approved by the Owner.

[H]

7.4

Added paragraph (Rev. 0) to require Owner approval of bolting, including use of protective coatings, for highly
corrosive services.

[H]

7.6

Revised to permit use of AISI 4140 material for hardened washers and to require 125 microinch surface finish.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

HISTORY BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

IP 3-16-1

Page 3 of 4
Rev. 2

June 2000

Notes:
(1)
Each paragraph to identify the Purpose Code(s) of the corresponding paragraph number of the applicable International Practice (IP)
(2)
The symbol [H] is used to denote all History Background Paragraphs, which are for INFORMATION ONLY.

RATIONALE FOR ELIMINATION / CONSOLIDATION OF CONTENT FROM

PRIOR REVISION (6/96, REV. 0)
I

old

1.4

Deleted old Par. 1.4 since references to BPs no longer required with complete conversion to IPs.

old

2.2

Deleted old Par. 2.2 since compliance to all applicable local rules and regulations is understood to be within the
scope of usual project coordination requirements.

old

5.6

Deleted old Par. 5.6 since threaded flanges no longer in common usage.

old

5.10

Deleted old Par. 5.10 stipulating API 590 for operating line blanks for ASME B16.5 flanges because this is
adequately covered with inclusion of API 590 (now ASME B16.48) in Par. 2.1, Table 1.

Note:

Identified paragraph numbers refer to previous revision of subject IP as indicated.

RATIONALE FOR ELIMINATION / CONSOLIDATION OF CONTENT FROM BP 316-1 (REV. 11, 12/90)
R

old

3.1

Table Note 3 requiring calculations to confirm the suitability of large diameter flanged joints under
bending loads, was relocated to IP 3-7-1 since it effects the piping flexibility design rather than the specified
flanges.

old

3.3

Paragraph on compatibility of flanged joints at valve-to-piping connections was deleted since ANSI B16.5
and B16.34 flange ratings are compatible. This originally required for special class B16.34 valves (butt
welding-ends only) where lower rating possible relative to piping flanges specified for same line. However, this
does not impact the piping flange design wording to allow threaded steel flanges for steel piping (typically
needed for galvanized lines) up to NPS 6 for air or water service 250F or less.

old

3.8

Deleted paragraph since ANSI B16.5 flange face finish now covered by Par. 5.1 Table (Note 2).

old

4.3

Deleted this paragraph prohibiting single layer corrugated metal gaskets for valve bonnets, since covered
by valve IPs.

old

4.4

Paragraph deleted since permissible use of carbon steel Double Jacketed gaskets redundant with Par. 6.8
of this IP.

old

5.3

Paragraph on effective bolt lengths has been deleted since covered by ANSI B16.5.

old

6.1

Paragraph covering test blank thickness requirements and hence entire Section deleted. It will be relocated
to IP 3-19-1 as appropriate.

old

7.1

Paragraph deleted since flange impact requirements covered by IP 18-6-1 referenced by Table 1.

old

Paragraphs and hence entire Section 7 on Impact Testing deleted. Impact testing of L7 bolts now covered by
Par. 7.1 Bolting Table (Note 3).
In addition, relevant portions of Par. 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, and 3.7 covering fittings have been relocated to IP 3-10-1 (Rev. 0).
Note:

7.2

Identified paragraph numbers refer to previous revision of subject IP as indicated.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-16-1

HISTORY BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

Page 4 of 4
Rev. 2

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

June 2000

PARAGRAPH NUMBER CHANGES FROM BP 3-16-1 (REV. 11) TO IP 3-16-1 (REV. 0)

BP 3-16-1 (Rev. 11)
Old Paragraph Nos.
1.1-1.3

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4-3.7
3.8
3.9-3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16 a
3.16 b
3.16 c-e

New Paragraph on IP = BP
New Paragraph on Local Requirements
New Definition Paragraphs
Flange Requirements Moved to Section 5
Relocated Insulated Flange Requirements
Deleted, Covered by B16.5 / B16.34
Fittings Moved to IP 3-10-1, Al Flanges 5.9
Face Finish Moved to 5.1 Table Note 2

5.9
5.4-5.8
4.7
4.2
4.3
7.3
4.4 - 4.6
4.8
5.2
4.8
5.10
6.1 - 6.2

4.1-4.2
4.3
4.4

New Paragraph on Proprietary Flanges

New Paragraph on Dual Certified SS Pipe
New Paragraph on Proprietary Flanges
New Paragraph on Line Blanks
Deleted...Covered by IP 3-12-1
Deleted...Incorporated into 6.8
New Paragraphs, from Old Table 3 Notes

6.3 - 6.6
6.7 - 6.10
7.1
7.2
7.4
7.5

4.5-4.8
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4-5.5
6.1
7.1
7.2

New Paragraph on Ferritic Bolting

New on Bolting for Highly Corrosive Serv
Deleted.... Covered by ANSI B16.5

7.6-7.7
Deleted....To be covered by IP 3-19-1
Deleted....Covered by IP 18-6-1
Now Included in 7.1 Table (Note 3)

Total Paragraphs = 36

+
+
+
+
+

Comments

1.1-1.3
1.4
2.1
2.2
3.1 - 3.4
5.1
4.1

2.1

Difference Includes:

IP 3-16-1 (Rev. 0)
New Paragraph Nos.

Total Paragraphs = 45

20 Added Paragraphs
2 New General IP Paragraphs
4 New Service Definition Para's
4 Subs from Old 3.16 to Full Para's
4 Notes from Old Table 3 to full Para's
6 New Technical Paragraphs

11 Deleted Paragraphs
- 2 Paragraphs Covered by Industry Codes
- 3 Relocated Fitting Para's to IP 3-10-1
- 6 Other Relocated /Combined Para's

Notes:
(1)
Each paragraph to identify the Purpose Code(s) of the corresponding paragraph number of the applicable International Practice (IP).
(2)
The symbol [H] is used to denote all History Background Paragraphs which are for INFORMATION ONLY.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.