Closure & measurement
Ring Spacers
A ring spacer is the open component of a separate spade-and-spacer arrangement. Its bore permits the intended flow path while maintaining the specified flange-joint spacing.
Closure & measurement
Spades / Paddle Blinds
A spade is a solid line blank with a handle, installed between flanges for a specified isolation condition. It is used with a separately identified matching spacer arrangement.
The solid paddle is distinct from a blind flange bolted to an open nozzle. Its thickness, gasket surfaces and handle identification belong to the complete line-blank specification. Confirm ASME B16.48 applicability or the required project design rather than applying generic flange dimensions.
Compare flange typesBlank and spacer pairing
Identify the companion ring spacer and the joint requirements for each line condition. Coordinate thickness, gasket arrangement and bolting rather than treating the components as unrelated plates.
Handling and identification
Specify handle form, marking and access for the installation. Position changes are subject to the site isolation and depressurisation procedure, not to this product description.
Dimensions and connection data
Define Spades / Paddle Blinds as part of the complete joint. These fields identify required engineering data; they are not universal dimensions or a declaration of available sizes.
| Parameter / designation | Technical information | Selection requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal size and bore | State the nominal connection size separately from the actual bore or pipe outside diameter. | A matching size label does not establish matching internal geometry. |
| Outside diameter and thickness | Identify the finished flange diameter, minimum thickness and any hub or collar projection. | Include the drawing datum and units for replacement measurements. |
| Bolt circle and holes | Record pitch-circle diameter, hole quantity, hole diameter and any special orientation. | Check against the mating flange; do not infer a bolt pattern from pressure class alone. |
| Gasket-contact surfaces | Specify face form, seating dimensions and surface finish on the assembled joint. | Include gasket designation; a visually similar surface is not evidence of compatibility. |
| Pipe-side interface | Identify weld preparation, socket, thread, collar or other attachment geometry as applicable. | Provide pipe schedule/wall thickness and the connection-specific standard. |
| Design conditions | State design pressure, minimum/maximum temperature, fluid and mechanical loads. | Pressure class is not a pressure value in bar or psi. Use the material-specific rating basis. |
Compare related options
Compare Spades / Paddle Blinds with the related forms or references below. A related product is not necessarily a permissible substitute.
| Related product / reference | Distinction | Check before selection |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Spacers | A ring spacer is the open component of a separate spade-and-spacer arrangement. Its bore permits the intended flow path while maintaining the specified flange-joint spacing. | ASME B16.48 where applicable or the approved project drawing |
| Spectacle Blinds | A spectacle blind joins a solid blank and an open ring with a connecting bridge. One side or the other is positioned in the flange joint to define the line condition. | ASME B16.48 where applicable, with edition and scope confirmed |
| Blind Flanges | A solid flange closes a flanged opening without a through bore. Its bolted connection allows the closure to be removed for access when the system is safely isolated. | Solid centre; identify any required drilling separately |
Inspection, documents and delivery
Define acceptance requirements for Spades / Paddle Blinds in the purchase order. Required examinations and documents depend on the material, design and project specification.
| Review stage | Information to confirm | Order requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Material identity and traceability | Specification, grade, heat/lot identification and the required material certificate. | Agree documentation and marking before manufacture; visual appearance cannot verify alloy identity. |
| Dimensional verification | Critical dimensions from the selected standard or controlled drawing. | Identify inspection points, tolerances, units and drawing revision. |
| Surface and end condition | Gasket-contact surface, attachment end, edges and any coating exclusions. | State finish and visual acceptance criteria; agree protection of machined surfaces. |
| Supplementary examinations | Any specified PMI, NDE, hardness, impact, corrosion or other tests. | Define the method, sampling and acceptance criteria; tests are not automatically included. |
| Assembly compatibility | Adjoining components, weld or mechanical interface and project service conditions. | Design approval and correct assembly remain separate from a dimensional inspection report. |
| Packing and order release | Quantity, identification, surface protection, documents and delivery destination. | Agree preservation, packaging and release requirements with the order. |
Specification checklist
Define your spades / paddle blinds
Availability, dimensions and pressure-temperature suitability are confirmed against your complete enquiry.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Blank | Nominal size, rating, thickness and applicable standard |
| Gasket seating | Required face form and finish on both sides |
| Companion spacer | Matching spacer designation and joint arrangement |
| Identification | Handle, marking, material records and inspection requirements |
| Material & quantity | Exact material designation, quantity and required certification or inspection documents |
Application context
Where this form is considered
- Maintenance isolation joints
- Separate blank-and-spacer assemblies
- Project-specified operational line blanks
Related connections
Compare other flange forms
Closure & measurement
Spectacle Blinds
A spectacle blind joins a solid blank and an open ring with a connecting bridge. One side or the other is positioned in the flange joint to define the line condition.
Closure & measurement
Blind Flanges
A solid flange closes a flanged opening without a through bore. Its bolted connection allows the closure to be removed for access when the system is safely isolated.