Often times, Quality engineers doesn’t have all the internal information to make 50:50 or grey decisions on determining an area of concern is fit for function. Thus the need to go for the external references that our predecessors used to refer when writing the internal documents on.
ASME B16.20 is a standard established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that specifically addresses metallic gaskets for pipe flanges. This standard provides specifications for dimensions, tolerances, materials, and markings for metallic gaskets used in raised-face, flat-face, and ring-joint flanges.
One of the key aspects of ASME B16.20 is its focus on ensuring proper sealing and compatibility between gaskets and flanges in various industrial applications, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. The standard outlines different types of gaskets, such as spiral wound, solid metal, and flexible graphite, each suited for different operating conditions and fluid media.
ASME B16.20 also includes guidelines for the selection of gasket materials based on factors like temperature, pressure, and the type of fluid being sealed. This ensures that gaskets provide effective and reliable sealing performance while withstanding the harsh conditions they may encounter in service.
Overall, ASME B16.20 plays a crucial role in promoting safety, reliability, and performance in piping systems by providing standardized specifications for metallic gaskets, thus facilitating proper sealing and fluid containment in various industrial applications.
This is a standard that I personally refer less than three or four times a year but it has always been go to whenever the need arises.
Mohd Firdaus Rahiman