scope:

This Standard covering bolted flange joint assemblies (BFJAs) applies to pressure-boundary flange joints with ring-type gaskets that are entirely within the circle enclosed by the bolt holes and with no contact outside this circle.¹ The principles of this Standard may be selectively applied to other joint geometries. By selecting those features suitable to the specific service or need, this Standard may be used to develop effective joint assembly procedures for the broad range of sizes and service conditions normally encountered in industry.

Users [see para. 2(b)] of this Standard are cautioned that the content contained in ASME PCC-1 has been developed generically and may not necessarily be suitable for all applications. Precautionary considerations are provided in some cases but should not be considered as all-inclusive. Sound engineering judgment and practices should be used to determine the applicability of a specific method or part of a method to a specific application. Each joint assembly procedure should be subject to an appropriate review by qualified personnel. While this Standard covers joint assembly within the scope of ASME Pressure Technology Codes and Standards, it may be used on equipment constructed in accordance with other codes and standards.

Guidance on troubleshooting BFJAs not providing leak-tight performance is also provided in this Standard (see Nonmandatory Appendix P).

¹ Rules for the design of bolted flanges with ring-type gaskets are covered in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC), Section VIII, Division 1, Mandatory Appendix 2. See also ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, Nonmandatory Appendix S for supplementary considerations for bolted flanges that are helpful to the designer of Mandatory Appendix 2 flanges.