B16.5 Blind Flanges as Reducers

Ever see ASME B16.5 blind flanges as reducers?

Just throw any pipe in a standard ASME B16.5 blind and you’re good-to-go, right? 

No. That “standard” ASME B16.5 blind flange may not be “standard” once you decide to start drilling holes in it. Many times ASME B16.5 blind flanges used as reducers include pipes larger than allowed in B16.5 without a reinforcement calculation. Please make sure your facility has proper documentation for ASME B16.5 blind flanges used as reducers.