Socket Weld Flange Dimensions
The pipe drops into a counterbored socket and is fillet-welded on the outside only. Published in NPS 1/2 through NPS 3 for the lower classes; the small-bore equivalent of a slip-on.
- Standard
- ASME B16.5
- Abbreviation
- SW
- Pressure classes
- 7
- Size range
- NPS 1/2 – NPS 24
- Typical service
- Small-bore high-pressure lines: instrument, hydraulic and steam trace piping.
Dimensions by pressure class
Strengths
- Good static strength in small bore, and easy to fit up
- No weld metal can protrude into the bore
Limitations
- Needs a 1/16 in expansion gap at the socket bottom to avoid weld cracking
- The gap is a crevice — poor choice for corrosive or sanitary service
Class 150 dimensions
Dimensions are given in inches, with the millimetre equivalent beneath in grey.
| Size | Flange OD | Thickness | Bolt circle | Bolts | Bolt dia. | Raised face OD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPS 1/2 | 3.5088.90 mm | 0.4411.18 mm | 2.3860.45 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 1.3835.05 mm |
| NPS 3/4 | 3.8898.55 mm | 0.5012.70 mm | 2.7569.85 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 1.6942.93 mm |
| NPS 1 | 4.25107.95 mm | 0.5614.22 mm | 3.1279.25 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.0050.80 mm |
| NPS 1 1/4 | 4.62117.35 mm | 0.6215.75 mm | 3.5088.90 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.5063.50 mm |
| NPS 1 1/2 | 5.00127.00 mm | 0.6917.53 mm | 3.8898.55 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.8873.15 mm |
| NPS 2 | 6.00152.40 mm | 0.7519.05 mm | 4.75120.65 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 3.6291.95 mm |
| NPS 2 1/2 | 7.00177.80 mm | 0.8822.35 mm | 5.50139.70 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 4.12104.65 mm |
| NPS 3 | 7.50190.50 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 6.00152.40 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 5.00127.00 mm |
| NPS 3 1/2 | 8.50215.90 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 7.00177.80 mm | 8 | 5/8 in | 5.50139.70 mm |
| NPS 4 | 9.00228.60 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 7.50190.50 mm | 8 | 5/8 in | 6.19157.23 mm |
| NPS 5 | 10.00254.00 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 8.50215.90 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 7.31185.67 mm |
| NPS 6 | 11.00279.40 mm | 1.0025.40 mm | 9.50241.30 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 8.50215.90 mm |
| NPS 8 | 13.50342.90 mm | 1.1228.45 mm | 11.75298.45 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 10.62269.75 mm |
| NPS 10 | 16.00406.40 mm | 1.1930.23 mm | 14.25361.95 mm | 12 | 7/8 in | 12.75323.85 mm |
| NPS 12 | 19.00482.60 mm | 1.2531.75 mm | 17.00431.80 mm | 12 | 7/8 in | 15.00381.00 mm |
| NPS 14 | 21.00533.40 mm | 1.3835.05 mm | 18.75476.25 mm | 12 | 1 in | 16.25412.75 mm |
| NPS 16 | 23.50596.90 mm | 1.4436.58 mm | 21.25539.75 mm | 16 | 1 in | 18.50469.90 mm |
| NPS 18 | 25.00635.00 mm | 1.5639.62 mm | 22.75577.85 mm | 16 | 1 1/8 in | 21.00533.40 mm |
| NPS 20 | 27.50698.50 mm | 1.6942.93 mm | 25.00635.00 mm | 20 | 1 1/8 in | 23.00584.20 mm |
| NPS 24 | 32.00812.80 mm | 1.8847.75 mm | 29.50749.30 mm | 20 | 1 1/4 in | 27.25692.15 mm |
Higher classes are on the Class 300 page and above.
Common questions
When should I use a socket weld flange?
Small-bore high-pressure lines: instrument, hydraulic and steam trace piping.
What pressure classes does a socket weld flange come in?
ASME B16.5 publishes the socket weld flange in Class 150, Class 300, Class 400, Class 600, Class 900, Class 1500 and Class 2500, in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24. Above NPS 24 large-diameter flanges are covered by ASME B16.47 instead.
Does the flange face type change these dimensions?
The flange outside diameter, bolt circle and bolting are the same whatever the face. What changes is the facing itself and the flange thickness measurement: B16.5 thickness excludes the raised face, so a Class 300 raised-face flange is 0.06 in thicker overall than the tabulated figure. Ring-type joint flanges are grooved instead and are dimensioned separately.