ASME B16.48 | Ring Spacers / Paddle Spacers | Line Blanks | Class 150–2500
Elite provides Ring Spacers and Paddle Spacers for maintaining an open flow path in piping systems. As part of the line-blind family, a spacer is installed between mating flanges when the pipeline is required to remain in the open position, while a corresponding spade or blind section is used for positive isolation.
Ring Spacers are commonly used for maintenance, commissioning, pressure testing, shutdowns and turnaround operations. They can be supplied with integral handles, identification holes and project-specific dimensions for easy installation and visual identification.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Ring Spacer / Paddle Spacer / Line Spacer |
| Primary Standard | ASME B16.48 – Line Blanks |
| Size Range | NPS 1/2–24; larger sizes available to project requirements |
| Pressure Classes | 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 |
| Configuration | Ring / Paddle / Spacer |
| Installation | Between mating pipe flanges |
| Operating Position | Open Flow Position |
| Construction | Plate, forged or machined construction, as applicable |
| Thickness | ASME B16.48 or project specified |
| Paddle / Handle | Integral handling and identification handle |
| Identification Hole | Available where specified |
| Flange Compatibility | Based on applicable mating flange configuration |
| Surface Finish | Standard or customer specified |
| Heat Treatment | As required by material specification |
| Marking | Size, class, material, heat number and required identification |
| Inspection | Visual, dimensional, chemical and mechanical testing as applicable |
| NDE | PMI, UT, MT, PT and other methods as specified |
| Documentation | MTC, EN 10204 3.1/3.2, COC and inspection reports |
| Custom Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nominal Size | NPS or project-specific diameter |
| Pressure | Class 150–2500 or project specified |
| Material | Required material grade |
| Outside Diameter | As required |
| Inside Diameter / Bore | Based on pipe and flow requirements |
| Thickness | Standard or project specified |
| Paddle Dimensions | Project specified |
| Handle Width | As required |
| Identification Hole | Size and location as specified |
| Flange Compatibility | Based on mating flange |
| Marking | Customer requirements |
| NDE | Project specified |
| Inspection | ITP / third-party requirements |
| Inspection / Documentation | Availability |
|---|---|
| Material Test Certificate | Available |
| EN 10204 3.1 | Available |
| EN 10204 3.2 | Where specified |
| Certificate of Conformance | Available |
| Dimensional Inspection | Available |
| Chemical Analysis | Material dependent |
| Mechanical Testing | Material dependent |
| Heat Treatment Records | Where applicable |
| PMI | As specified |
| Ultrasonic Testing (UT) | As specified |
| Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) | As specified |
| Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) | As specified |
| Visual Inspection | Standard |
| Third-Party Inspection | Available |
| ITP | Project specific |
| Material Traceability | Maintained |
| Packing & Marking Records | Available |
For larger-diameter or pipeline applications, associated flange dimensions may be governed by ASME B16.47, MSS SP-44 or other project-specified standards, as applicable.
Note: ASME B16.48 is the primary dimensional standard for Ring Spacers and other line blanks. The spacer is installed between mating flanges, so flange compatibility should be confirmed against the applicable piping system and project requirements.
Carbon Steel
ASTM A105/A105N, ASTM A181, ASTM A350 LF2/LF3 and ASTM A694 F42, F46, F52, F60 and F65.
Stainless Steel
ASTM A182 F304/F304L, F316/F316L, F321/F321H, F347/F347H, F310/F310S, F317 and F904L.
Duplex & Super Duplex
ASTM A182 F51, F53 and F55.
Alloy Steel
ASTM A182 F1, F5, F9, F11, F12, F22, F91 and F92.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel 200/201, Monel 400/K500, Inconel 600/601/625/800/825, Hastelloy C276 and Alloy 20.
Copper-Nickel Alloys
UNS C70600 and C71500, including 90/10 and 70/30 Cu-Ni alloys.
Material selection is based on operating pressure, temperature, process fluid, corrosion conditions, mechanical requirements and applicable project specifications.
Ring Spacer
A circular spacer with a central bore that maintains the open flow path between mating flanges. It is commonly used where the piping system is required to remain in service.
Paddle Spacer
A ring-type spacer incorporating an integral paddle or handle for easier handling and visual identification. The paddle can also accommodate identification holes or tags where specified.
Spade & Spacer System
Ring Spacers can be used as the open-flow component of a line-blind system, while a solid spade/paddle blank provides the isolated position.
Figure-8 / Spectacle Blind
A combined assembly consisting of a spacer and solid blind connected by a web. Rotating the assembly allows the line to be changed between open and isolated positions.
Elite’s manufacturing and inspection process can include:
Ring and Paddle Spacers are commonly used in:
For quotation, provide:
Size + Pressure Class + Spacer Type + Material + Thickness + Flange Configuration + Quantity + Inspection Requirements
Example
6″ Class 600 Ring Spacer, ASME B16.48, ASTM A105N, suitable for applicable RF flange assembly, EN 10204 3.1.
