Finding ASME B16.5 Blind Flange Bolt Load

Having a difficult time figuring out the Bolt Load (W) for your modified ASME B16.5 blind flange? Check the flange it is attached to!

Oftentimes ASME B16.5 blind flanges used as reducers include pipes larger than allowed in B16.5 without a reinforcement calculation. I have found that the additional bolted cover calculation trips up some designers as they were expecting the ASME B16.5 blind flange to be exempt. The most common reason people reach out to me is for help finding the Bolt Load (W) needed in the bolted cover required thickness calculation.  

Please remember that mating pairs share the Bolt Load (W). This means that finding the Bolt Load (W) needed for the bolted cover required thickness calculation may be as simple as grabbing it from the flange it is attached to.