Dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise indicated.
Spade Handles shall be solid with NO openings.
Further notes:
Ring Spacer Handles shall have a single through indicator hole located near the end of the handle. The hole diameter shall not be less than 12 mm.
Wt = Thickness of the handle should be 6 mm minimum, or equal to Thickness (t) if less than 6 mm.
Spades and Ring Spacers should be made from a plate or forging specification, approved for use by ASME B31.3, of essentially the same chemical composition as the mating flanges and piping involved.
Spades & Ring Spacers according to ASME B16.48 may be used for installation between ASME B16.5 flanges
Depending on a customer specification, some dimensions can be different from what on this page is defined.
REMARK(S) OF THE AUTHOR...
ASME B16.48 SAID THAT SPADE HANDLES MAY HAVE NO OPENINGS.
For spades, which can be lift up by people that's no problem, but for a spade that weighs hundreds of kilograms, a lifting ability is needed. So it is usual, that from a certain weight and size, a hole at the top of the handle is made to give a lifting possibly. Many companies have their own rules, about the implementation of a spade handle, so there are many different types and designs.
RAISED FACE JOINT BLANKS
ASME B16.48 says: The gasket seating surface finish and dimensions for raised face line blanks shall be in accordance with ASME B16.5. A raised face may be specified at the option of the purchaser
A Raised Face would add machining time and complexity so the price would be higher. Call this the Bugatti or Rolls Royce of the line blind world.
Personally, I have seen that version once or twice somewhere. The version without Raised Face is the default and is used everywhere.
