Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting: Scope

GP 03-16-01 Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting October 2008
Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

GP 03-16-01
Scope
1) [I] This Global Practice (GP) covers the design of flanged joints for piping, and the selection of
flanges, flange facings, gaskets and bolting for piping, and equipment flanged nozzles and manways.
2) [I] Orifice flanges, valve bonnets, and elastomeric o-ring gaskets are outside the Scope of this
Practice.
Refining/Chemicals, Downstream
For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0
Imperial Oil
Page 1 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company
Copyright Waiver
ExxonMobil Development Company and ExxonMobil Pipeline Company hereby license the use of ExxonMobil Engineering Practices System (EMEPS) Global Practices (GPs) for
use by any ExxonMobil division, subsidiary, or more-than-50%-owned affiliate. The GPs may be downloaded and modified as necessary for project and affiliate use. Written
permission from ExxonMobil Development Company or ExxonMobil Pipeline Company is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or
affiliate-specific number to distinguish them from the GPs on the EMEPS web site. ExxonMobil operated joint ventures may utilize GPs to create project-specific or location-specific
specifications. It is the responsibility of individual affiliate or joint venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to joint venture related business and not
disclosed or used outside the JV without appropriate EM management approval.
Table of Contents
Table of Tables.................................................................................................................3
1. Required References...............................................................................................4
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices.....................................4
1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute..................................................................4
1.3. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers.......................................4
1.4. ASTM–American Society for Testing and Materials.......................................5
2. Definitions................................................................................................................5
3. Flanged Joints.........................................................................................................5
4. Flanges.....................................................................................................................6
5. Gaskets.....................................................................................................................8
6. Bolting.....................................................................................................................10
Appendix: Acceptable Metric Equivalents for Temperatures..................................15
Record of Change..........................................................................................................16
Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions...........................................................................19
RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Table of Tables
Table 1: Flange Standards.............................................................................................7
Table 2: Bolting Requirements....................................................................................10
Table 3: Flange Facings and Gaskets............................................................................12

1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 03-10-01 Piping Selection and Design Criteria
GP 03-16-03 Leak Bands and Heat/Weather Shields for Flanges and Flangeless
Valves
GP 18-07-01 Welding Procedures
GP 18-10-01 Additional Requirements for Materials
1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute

API RP 941 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in
Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants
1.3. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Unless specific references to the ASME Code are listed, an IHS link to the Introduction is provided to
facilitate access to relevant parts of the Code.
ASME B16.1 Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings (Classes 25, 125, and 250)
ASME B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, and
Jacketed
ASME B16.21 Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges
ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26 Through NPS 60 Metric/Inch
Standard
ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS 24 Metric/Inch
Standard
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME SEC VIII D1 BPVC Section VIII - Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels -
Division 1

1.4. ASTM–American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM A 193/A 193M Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting
Materials for High Temperature or High Pressure Service and Other
Special Purpose Applications
ASTM A 194/A 194M Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts for Bolts for
High Pressure or High Temperature Service, or Both
ASTM A 320/A 320M Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting
Materials for Low-Temperature Service
ASTM F 436 Standard Specification for Hardened Steel Washers
2. Definitions
1) [I] Hydrogen Service, as used herein, is to be consistent with the definition provided in GP 18-10-01.
Equipment is in hydrogen service when the design temperature is greater than the CS curve in API
RP 941 for the given hydrogen partial pressure.
2) [I] Combustible liquids—High flash liquids [flash points 100F (38C) or higher] when handled at
temperatures 15F (8C) below their flash point or lower.
3) [I] Flammable liquids—Low flash liquids [flash point below 100F (38C)]; and high flash liquids
[flash point 100F (38C) or higher] when handled at temperatures above or within 15F (8C) of
their flash point.
4) [I] Flammable materials—Flammable liquids; hydrocarbon vapors; and other vapors such as
hydrogen and carbon disulfide that are readily ignitable when released to atmosphere.
3. Flanged Joints
1) [R] The selection of flanged facings and gaskets shall be per Table 3.
2) [S] [A] [R] Electrically insulated flanged joints require approval by the Owner's Engineer. Insulating
flanged joints are required for:
a) Isolation of all lines heated by electric impedance heating systems.
b) Protection of marine terminal loading stations to electrically isolate on-board (tanker or barge)
piping from the pier piping under any of the following circumstances:
i) At cathodically protected marine terminals
ii) Where loading arms or electrically bonded oil cargo hoses are used
iii) For loading and unloading products classified as flammable liquids
3) [*] [R] When specified, hot service thermal insulation of flanges is permitted where all of the
conditions in the following table are met:

Maximum Fluid Operating Temperature 550F (290C) (1)(2)

Maximum Design Pressure 600 psig (4140 kPa) (2)
Flange Material Carbon Steel, or Low Alloy Steel (to 5% Cr) (3)
Bolting Material Grade B7 or B16 per Section 6, Item (1)
Service Restrictions Not for hydrogen service, highly corrosive fluids
such as concentrated acids, or toxic materials such
as phenol or hydrogen sulfide
Notes:
(1) For temperatures below 300F (149C), consideration shall be given to the possibility of
corrosion under the insulation.
(2) Steam service flanges may be insulated to a maximum fluid operating temperature of
750F (400C) and a maximum design pressure of 650 psig (4480 kPa).
(3) For hydrocarbon services, the flange periphery shall, in addition, be fitted with a leak band.
4) When weather and heat shields are provided on flanges, they shall be per GP 03-16-03.
5) [S] [A] [R] For any flammable material or combustible liquid service where the piping system is
lined with plastic or low melting point [below 700F (370C)] material, flanged joints shall be
designed to prevent leakage when exposed to heat sufficient to destroy or melt the lining material
(lapped over flange faces). External insulation of the flanges may be considered for this purpose
subject to the Owner's Engineer approval and the requirements of Section 3, Item 4 above.
6) [S] [R] For wafer or lug type valve installations in piping systems with a design temperature greater
than 400F (200C), flanges and bolting material shall be selected to have the same nominal
coefficient of thermal expansion as the body material of the valve.
7) [R] Steel flanges mating to flat-faced cast iron flanges shall be flat faced. Full-faced gaskets shall be
used.
8) [S] [A] [R] Proprietary flanged piping connectors, quick opening closures, or clamps shall not be
used without prior approval by the Owner's Engineer. Equipment that is provided with an approved
quick opening closure shall incorporate the following additional design features:
a) A vent valve that is located such that vent operation will be outside of the opening path of the
quick opening closure or its potential failure path.
b) A pressure gauge, easily visible from the location of the quick opening closure and vent valve.
4. Flanges
1) [A] [R] Flanges shall be in accordance with the Standards given in Table 1 and the additional
requirements of this Practice and GP 03-10-01. Flanges of materials other than those listed or flanges
with special dimensions for mating to equipment shall be per ASME B31.3 or ASME SEC VIII D1 as
applicable, and shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.

Table 1: Flange Standards
Flange Material NPS Size Range Applicable Standard
in. mm
1
Carbon Steel /2 through 24 15 through 600 ASME B16.5
Ferritic Alloy Steel
Austenitic Cr-Ni Steel 26 through 60 650 through 1500 ASME B16.47 Series B (1)
31/2 percent Ni Steel
Cast Iron 1 through 48 25 through 1200 ASME B16.1
1
Nickel; Nickel Copper (Monel) /2 through 24 15 through 600 ASME B16.5
Nickel-Chromium-Iron (Inconel)
26 through 60 650 through 1500 ASME B31.3
Hastelloy B-2 and C-276
1
Aluminum Bronze /2 through 24 15 through 600 ASME B31.3 (2)
1
Aluminum Alloy /2 through 24 15 through 600 ASME B31.3, Appendix L (2)
Notes:
(1) Except where ASME B16.47 Series A flanges may be required to accommodate flangeless or lug
type valves or other similar flangeless components, or to mate with existing equipment flanges.
(2) Dimensions including flange face finish per ASME B16.5.
2) [R] For ring joint Class 900 or higher flanges, the ring groove corner radius ("R" dimension of ASME
B16.5) shall be 1/8 0.03 in. (3 0.8 mm) when all of the following apply:
a) Size exceeds NPS 3
b) Design Temperature exceeds 500F (260C)
c) Flange material is either solid austenitic stainless, or low alloy with austenitic stainless weld
overlay
3) [C] The use of dual certified stainless steel flanges is permitted for the specified grade within the
ASME B16.5 pressure-temperature limits as follows:
a) Up to 1000F (540C), the straight grade pressure-temperature limits may be used per ASME
B31.3 Code Cases 8–18 and 8–34.
b) Above 1000F (540C), the pressure-temperature limits shall be calculated in accordance with the
requirements of ASME B16.5, Annex D, using the L grade allowable stresses per ASME B31.3.
c) Dual certified flanges shall be marked per ASME B16.5 but showing both grades (e.g.,
304/304L).
4) [A] [R] The use of lap joint flanges requires approval by the Owner's Engineer and is subject to the
following limitations:
a) They shall not be used where the combined longitudinal stress in the pipe where attached to the
lap-joint stub-end, resulting from pressure, weight, and thermal expansion, exceeds the ASME
B31.3 basic allowable stress at the pipe design temperature.

b) The flange may be of a material different from that of the pipe provided the flanged joint will not
be subject to galvanic corrosion (e.g., carbon steel flanges may be used on lap-joint stub-ended
18Cr 8 Ni pipe in aboveground services).
c) Stub-ends for lap-joint flanges, if fabricated by welding, shall be made with full penetration
welds.
5) [R] The use of slip-on flanges is subject to the following limitations:
a) [A] They shall not be used for Class 400 or higher flanges unless approved by the Owner's
Engineer.
b) They shall not be used at design temperatures above 750F (400C) or where the specified
corrosion allowance exceeds 0.125 in. (3 mm).
c) [A] They shall not be welded directly to welding fittings unless approved by the Owner's
Engineer.
d) [A] They shall not be used in hydrogen service unless properly vented and approved by the
Owner's Engineer.
e) Aluminum alloy slip-on flanges shall not be used.
6) [C] Cast iron flanges are permitted only if furnished as integral flanges on cast iron piping or
equipment.
7) [R] Threaded flanges on cast iron or ductile iron pipe shall be of steel.
8) [R] Aluminum alloy flanges shall be either wrought or forged forms. Castings shall not be used.
5. Gaskets
1) [A] [R] Gasket selection shall be per Table 3 for fluid services compatible with flexible graphite. The
use of non-asbestos sheet gaskets and non-asbestos gasket filler materials for services not compatible
with flexible graphite shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.
2) [S] [A] Asbestos-based gaskets may be used where permitted by local authorities and with the
approval by the Owner's Engineer for applications where the use of alternative non-asbestos gaskets
is not applicable.
3) [R] Gasket designs shall be per the following Standards and the additional requirements of this
Practice.
Gasket Type Standards

Compressed Asbestos Fiber (CAF) sheet ASME B16.21
Reinforced Flexible Graphite (RFG) sheet Dimensions per ASME B16.21
Corrugated Metal Flexible Graphite Covered (CMGC) Dimensions per ASME B16.21
Grooved Metal Flexible Graphite Covered (GMGC) Manufacturer's Standards
Double Jacketed (DJ) ASME B16.20
Spiral Wound (SW) ASME B16.20
Ring Joint (RJ) ASME B16.20

4) [*] [R] The asbestos content for Compressed Asbestos Fiber (CAF) gaskets shall be a minimum of 70
percent (by weight). The binder shall be NBR polymer (ASTM D 2000 Type B Class F) unless
specified otherwise. The grade of asbestos and binders or impregnants used shall be suitable for the
service fluids and temperature. Gasket shall contain an anti-stick release agent or be graphited on both
sides, and shall have a minimum tensile strength across the grain of 4000 psi (27.6 MPa).
5) [A] [R] The design of Reinforced Flexible Graphite (RFG) and Corrugated Metal flexible Graphite
Covered (CMGC) gaskets shall be in accordance with Manufacturer standards subject to the Owner's
Engineer approval and the dimensions of ASME B16.21. The flexible graphite covering for these
gaskets shall contain a minimum of 95 percent pure carbon and have a nominal density of 70 lb/ft 3
(1120 kg/m3).
6) [*] [A] [R] Where metal foil reinforcement is specified for Reinforced Flexible Graphite (RFG), it
shall be series 300 austenitic stainless steel. The use of nonmetallic reinforcement shall be per the
manufacturer's standard and approved by the Owner's Engineer.
7) [*] [R] Metal reinforcement for Corrugated Metal Graphite Covered (CMGC) gaskets and Grooved
Metal Graphite Covered (GMGC) gaskets shall be Series 300 austenitic stainless steel unless other
materials are specified for the process service.
8) [R] The design of Grooved Metal Graphite Covered (GMGC) gaskets shall be in accordance with
Manufacturer standards, and as follows:
a) [*] GMGC gaskets shall be supplied with an outer centering ring, loosely attached to the core
gasket ring, unless specified otherwise.
b) [A] The use of two piece welded cores shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer. When used,
welding shall comply with GP 18-07-01. All welds shall be radiographed.
c) The thickness of the core shall be maintained across the weld section and confirmed by
measurement on the centerline and on each side of the weld.
d) The flexible graphite covering for this gasket type shall contain a minimum of 95 percent pure
carbon with a nominal density of 45–70 lb/ft3 (700–1120 kg/ m3).
9) [R] An inner retaining ring shall be provided for spiral wound (SW) gaskets except as follows:
a) Where threaded or slip on flanges are used.
b) In applications where the inner ring may project into the pipe bore. For example, certain LWN
flanges.
c) [*] [A] Where other means to prevent inward buckling of the spiral windings are provided and
approved by the Owner's Engineer.
10) [R] Double jacketed (DJ) gaskets of materials other than carbon steel shall be used if the corrosion
allowance is greater than 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) or if the piping is other than carbon steel. The jacket
material selected shall be based on a corrosion rate of less than 0.01 in./yr. (0.25 mm/a) in service.
11) [*] [R] The metal windings (and inner retaining ring where required) of spiral wound (SW) gaskets
shall be 300 series stainless steel unless other materials are specified for the process service. For
operating temperatures below −50F (−45C), the outer centering ring shall also be 300 series
stainless steel.
12) [C] Soft iron or low carbon content steel oval ring-joint (RJ) gaskets, with hardness limits per ASME
B16.20, are satisfactory for carbon steel piping with a maximum corrosion allowance of 1/16 in.
(1.5 mm).

13) [A] [R] Oval Ring-joint (RJ) gaskets of materials other than soft iron or low carbon content steel shall
be used if the corrosion allowance is greater than 1/16 in. (1.5 mm), or if the piping is other than carbon
steel. The ring material selected shall be based on a corrosion rate of less than 0.01 in./yr (0.25
mm/a). The hardness of the ring shall be lower than that of the flange. Where this is not possible, as
in the case of some alloys, the material selection shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.
14) [*] [R] Ring joint gaskets shall be of "oval" cross section unless otherwise specified by the Owner's
Engineer.
6. Bolting
1) [R] Bolting shall be selected per Table 2.
Table 2: Bolting Requirements
Design Metal Flange Bolts Nuts

Temperature Rating
Deg F Deg C Class Type ASTM Std. Grade ASTM Std. Grade
-40 to 800 -40 to 427 Any Stud ASTM A B7(7) ASTM A 2H (1)
193/A 193M 194/A 194M
800 to 1100 427 to 593 Any Stud ASTM A B16 ASTM A 4, 7 (1)
193/A 193M 194/A 194M
1100 to 1200 593 to 650 Any Stud ASTM A B5 ASTM A 3(1)
193/A 193M 194/A 194M
1100 to 1500 593 to 815 300 Stud ASTM A B8M ASTM A 8M
193/A 193M Class 1 (2) 194/A 194M
-150 to -20 -101 to -29 Any Stud ASTM A L7 (3) (8) ASTM A 4(1)(6)(3), 7
320/A 320M 194/A 194M
-325 to 1000 -198 to 537 Any Stud ASTM A B8 ASTM A 8
320/A 320M (4) Class 2 (5) (8) 194/A 194M
Notes for Table 2:
(1) Nuts larger than 1/2 in. (12 mm) shall not be machined from bar stock.
(2) Class 1 (low yield) bolts shall not be used for Class 400 or higher flanges nor for flanged joints
using metallic gaskets unless supported by appropriate design calculations per ASME B31.3, Par.
309.2.1.
(3) Test temperature for impact testing of all L7 bolts and Grade 4 nuts, per ASTM A 320/A 320M,
shall be −150F (−101C).

Notes for Table 2:
(4) ASTM A 193/A 193M Grade B8 Class 2 bolts with ASTM A 194/A 194M Grade 8 nuts may be
used as an alternate. The ASTM A 193/A 193M B8 Class 2 bolts will be marked with the
marking listed in the relevant table (Table 5 of the 2001 edition) and not the grade.
(5) Grade B8 bolts shall be strain hardened (i.e., Class 2 of designated ASTM material standard).
(6) Grade 4 nuts may be used above -50F (-46C) without impact testing.
(7) Grade B7 bolts with a diameter of 2.5 inches or less are appropriate for temperatures ranging
from -55F (-48C ) to 800F (427C).
(8) Diameter limitations apply as specified by ASME B31.3 and ASME B16.5.
2) [A] [R] Ferritic bolting shall be used for all ferritic flanges per the design temperature limits specified
by Section 6, Item (1), unless otherwise approved by the Owner's Engineer.
3) [A] [R] For austenitic stainless steel flanges, the bolting material selection shall be limited to the
following:
Bolting Material Flange Design Temperature
Ferritic Steel (Grade B7) Above -40F up to 1000F (-40C to 537C)

Ferritic Steel (Grade B16) Above -20F up to 1100F (-29C to 593C)
Austenitic Stainless (Grade B8 Class 2) Below -20F (-29C)
Bolting material and design for temperatures outside these limits shall be approved by the Owner's
Engineer.
4) [A] [R] Bolting, including the use of protective coatings, for highly corrosive services such as
concentrated acids shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.
5) [R] Stud bolts shall be threaded full length with continuous threads.
6) [R] Bolts 11/2 in. (38 mm) and larger shall be fitted with hardened washers conforming to ASTM F
436 under each nut. Washers fabricated from AISI 4140 material are acceptable. Surface finish shall
be 125 microinch (3.2 micrometers) Ra or smoother on both sides.
7) [*] [R] For bolt diameters 11/2 in. (38 mm) and larger, or when specified, bolt lengths shall be one nut
thickness larger than normally required to accommodate the use of bolt-on type stud tensioners.
8) [S] The use of cadmium coated bolts is not permitted.

Table 3: Flange Facings and Gaskets
Service Fluid Flange Design Conditions Flange Gasket Type

Facing
ASME Temperature
Rating Class Range, Deg F (1)
Hydrocarbon (3) 150 (2) and -50 to 750 RF RFG, CMGC(4),

300 GMGC, or SW (9)
Above 750 to 975 RF SW, DJ, or GMGC
400 and 600 -50 to 975 RF SW or GMGC
Above 975 RJ RJ
900 -50 to 800 RF SW or GMGC
Above 800 RJ RJ
1500 and -50 to 800 RF GMGC
2500
Any RJ RJ (10)
Hydrogen (4) 150 (2) and -50 to 750 RF CMGC(4), GMGC, or
300 SW (9)
and Helium
Above 750 to 900 RF SW, DJ, or GMGC
400 and 600 -50 to 900 RF SW, or GMGC
Above 900 RJ RJ
900 -50 to 800 RF SW, or GMGC
Above 800 RJ RJ
1500 and -50 to 800 RF GMGC
2500
Any RJ RJ (10)
Steam and 150 and 300 750 and below RF CMGC(4)(11) GMGC, or
Steam Condensate SW (9)
Above 750 to 975 RF SW or DJ
400, 600, and 975 and below RF SW
900
Above 975 RJ RJ
1500 Any RJ RJ (10)
Air or other 150 and 300 600 and below RF RFG(4), CMGC(4),
GMGC, or SW (9)
Oxidizing Media
Above 600 to 750 RF CMGC(4), GMGC or
SW

Service Fluid Flange Design Conditions Flange Gasket Type

Facing
ASME Temperature
Rating Class Range, Deg F (1)
Water (5) including 150 or lower Any FF RFG

Boiler Feed 150 and 300 Any RF CMGC(4), GMGC, or
SW (9)
400, 600, 900 Any RF SW
1500 Any RJ RJ (10)
Fluid 150 and 300 750 and below RF CMGC(4),GMGC or
SW
Catalyst (6)
Toxic Materials (7) 150 and 300 750 and below RF CMGC(4), GMGC, or
SW (9)
Refrigerant (8) and 150 and 300 -250 and above RF CMGC(4) or GMGC
Refrigerated 900 and -400 and above RF SW (9) (12)
below
Hydrocarbons
Legend for Gasket Types:
RFG Nominal 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) thick Reinforced Flexible Graphite Sheet gasket
CMGC Nominal 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) thick Corrugated Metal Graphite Covered gasket
GMGC Grooved Metal Graphite Covered gasket
SW Spiral Wound (flexible graphite filled) gasket
DJ Corrugated Double Jacketed (flexible graphite filled) gasket
RJ Ring Joint gasket
Notes to Table 3:
(1) [A] Gasket design temperature shall be the same as the flange design temperature. The
Owner's Engineer shall be consulted for temperatures beyond the range specified.
(2) Includes Vacuum.
(3) Liquid, vapor, or gas, except when in refrigerant service.
(4) [A] The use of CMGC and RFG gaskets in class 300 shall be approved by the Owner's
Engineer.
(5) Excludes seawater or other aqueous solution salts where possible electrochemical reactions
between the graphite and metallic flange (or gasket) components can lead to galvanic
corrosion.

Notes to Table 3:
(6) In suspension in any medium, unless medium is toxic.

(7) Includes materials such as acids, caustics, phenol, chorine, hydrogen sulfide contained in
solutions or mixtures. Mineral acids, such as sulfuric and nitric acids, not compatible with
graphite are excluded.
(8) Includes propane, ethylene, ammonia, freon, Nitrogen, LNG.
(9) Use of SW gaskets for Class 150 flanges requires review of applied bolt loads for proper
seating of the gasket. A review of applied bolt load is not required where acceptable flange
sealing performance has been demonstrated by past experience or test.
(10) Raised face flanges (RF) and spiral wound (SW) flexible graphite filled gaskets with inner and
outer rings are acceptable up to 800F (427C) where the design pressure is below 2700 psig
(18600 kPa).
(11) Use of CMGC gaskets for steam services is limited to Class 150.
(12) [A] Use of spiral wound (SW) gaskets for aluminum alloy flanges requires approval by the
Owner's Engineer.

Appendix: Acceptable Metric Equivalents for Temperatures

F C
1200 650
1000 540
975 525
900 480
875 470
750 400
600 315
-50 -45
-250 -160
-400 -240

Record of Change

Version 1.0.0 Date: 02/02

Location Action Description
Initial Publish.

Section 6 Modification Table 3: In the "Gasket Type column, for hydrogen and helium ASME
class 150 and 300, the Note at SW was changed from (1) to (9).

Section 3, Item Modification Corrected formatting of table in Section 3, Item 4.
(4)
Section 6 Modification For the Notes for Table 3 table, the title was changed from "* Notes to
Table 2" to "* Notes to Table 3."

Section 1.2 Added API RP 941
Section 2, Item Modification Changed definition of hydrogen service to be consistent with GP 18-10-
(1) 01.
Section 3, Item Removed Item did not provide technical guidance for how flanged joint design
(3) could compensate for differential contraction of the flanges
Section 3, Item Modified Added required design features for safe operation of approved quick
(7) opening closures.
Section (5), Modified Reworded for clarity.
Item 1
Section (5), Modification Under Gasket Type, "Metal" was deleted from Reinforced Flexible
Item 3 Graphite; "profile" was deleted form Flexible Graphite; "Corrugated" was
deleted from Double Jacketed.
Under Standards, "with Corrugated Jacket" and "for Oval Shape" were
deleted from ASME B16.20.
Section 5, Item Modified Added polymer service as requiring inner ring on spiral wound gaskets.
(7)
Section 5, Item Modified Reworded for clarity/correctness.
(8)
Section 6, Updated Updated design metal temperatures of B7 and B8 Class 2 bolts, removed
Table 2 note 4 added note 6 for use of Grade 4 nuts.
Section 6, Item Updated Updated Flange Design Temperature in Table.
(3)
Section 6, Item Added Added prohibition of cadmium plated bolts.
(8)

Section 1 Modification Removed inactive reference and updated a reference title.

Scope Modified Listed elastomeric o-ring gaskets as outside of the scope.
Section 1.1 Removed Removed reference to GP 03-12-01
Section 1.1 Added Added reference to GP 18-07-01
Section 3, Added Added weather and heat shield reference to GP 03-16-03
Item (4)
Section 4, Modified Added references to GP 03-10-01 and ASME VIII Division 1.
Item (1)
Section 4, Added Added item "d" referring to use in hydrogen service.
Item (5)
Section 5, Modified Added non-asbestos sheet gaskets.
Item (1)
Section 5, Modified Edited qualifications for asbestos-based gasket use.
Item (2)
Section 5, Added Added guidelines for reinforcement for RFG.
Item (6)
Section 5, Removed Removed "Reinforced Flexible Graphite (RFG)" and "the grooved profile
Item (7) metal for."
Section 5, Modified Added specifications for GMGC gaskets. Changed from Item 6 to Item
Item (8) 8.
Section 5, Modified Updated section to require inner retaining ring for spiral wound flexible
Item (9) graphite filled gaskets for all sizes. Added exceptions to this.
Section 5, Removed Removed original item 9: "For Class 900 and higher spiral wound
Item (9) gaskets, the inner ring shall be per ASME B16.20, except that the inside
diameter of the inner ring shall be equivalent to the inside diameter of
Sch 80 pipe for the NPS size involved."
Section 5, Removed Removed original item 10: "The use of alternative spiral wound gasket
Item (10) designs to prevent inward buckling of the spiral windings shall be
approved by the Owner's Engineer."
Section 5, Modified Removed "Oval." Reworded for clarity.
Item (13)
Section 5, Added Added guidelines for "oval" ring join gaskets.
Item (14)
Section 6, Modified Added note 7 specifying a temperature exception for B7 bolts and note 8
Table 2 referring to diameter limitations. Replaced 2H with Grade 4 and 7 for
temperatures ranging from 800-1100° F.

Section 6, Modified Removed "oval" RJ from the highest classes for each fluid. Removed
Table (3) "RFG" for classes 150 and 300 for hydrogen, helium, steam, steam
condensate and fluid catalyst. Added SW for classes 150 and 300 for
fluid catalyst. Removed "oval" from RJ definition. Replaced RFG with
CMGC in note 11.
Section 6, Removed Asbestos Based Gasket Table was removed.
Table (4)
All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's
Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

Table 1 Modification Added mm range for Aluminum Alloy.

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of maintenance
on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, operational safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to incident-related personnel injuries or illness, e.g., burns, cuts,
abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous substances, etc., that
could result in medical treatment, restricted work, lost-time incidents, or
fatalities.
Operational Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
Safety: explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting: Scope

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Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting: Scope

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What standards are referenced for flanges?

What standards are referenced for flanges?

GP 03-16-01 Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting October 2008

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

Page 1 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Appendix: Acceptable Metric Equivalents for Temperatures..................................15

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions...........................................................................19

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 2 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Table 1: Flange Standards.............................................................................................7

Table 2: Bolting Requirements....................................................................................10

Table 3: Flange Facings and Gaskets............................................................................12

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 3 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute

1.3. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 4 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

1.4. ASTM–American Society for Testing and Materials

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 5 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Maximum Fluid Operating Temperature 550F (290C) (1)(2)

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 6 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Table 1: Flange Standards

Flange Material NPS Size Range Applicable Standard

Page 7 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Gasket Type Standards

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 8 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 9 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Table 2: Bolting Requirements

Design Metal Flange Bolts Nuts

Notes for Table 2:

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 10 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Notes for Table 2:

Bolting Material Flange Design Temperature

Ferritic Steel (Grade B7) Above -40F up to 1000F (-40C to 537C)

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 11 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Table 3: Flange Facings and Gaskets

Service Fluid Flange Design Conditions Flange Gasket Type

Hydrocarbon (3) 150 (2) and -50 to 750 RF RFG, CMGC(4),

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 12 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Service Fluid Flange Design Conditions Flange Gasket Type

Water (5) including 150 or lower Any FF RFG

Legend for Gasket Types:

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 13 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

(6) In suspension in any medium, unless medium is toxic.

RFCH, DIOL For Company Use Only Version 3.1.0

Page 14 of 20 ExxonMobil Development Company

Appendix: Acceptable Metric Equivalents for Temperatures