1.1 This specification covers the polyethylene material and dimensions applicable to flange adapters (FAs) used to connect polyethylene pipes to other flanged pipe and components such as valves and flanged fittings. This standard describes outside diameter controlled polyethylene (PE) pipe flange adapters (FAs) in diameters ranging from 3/4 in. through 65 in. (12 mm through 1600 mm). The flange adapters may be manufactured by various methods including injection molding, compression molding, and machining from billet or thick-wall polyethylene pipe.
1.2 The flange adapter (FA) is the principal component of the lap-joint flanged assembly widely used for several decades in low-pressure to high-pressure polyethylene pipe systems for all types of pressurized flow (gas and liquid) applications. The flange adapter’s physical shape consists of the pipe-like Neck which is monolithic with its Hub. The Neck is intended to be butt-fused or fusion coupled to the pipe-line; while the Hub face is intended to affect the seal when subjected to the distributed load from the back up ring with its properly torqued bolt-studs and nuts.
Note 1—Polyethylene pipe flange adapters with slip on bolt rings are intended for use being bolted to each other or to be bolted to metal flanges having (primarily) Class 150 bolt hole patterns such as those presented in metal flange standards ASME B16.5, ASME B16.47 and AWWA C207.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 The use of gaskets and gasket selection are often an integral component of the flange adapter assembly. See the Plastic Pipe Institute Technical Note TN-38 for more information regarding HDPE flanged joints.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.