ASME B16.48 Paddle Blinds
ASME B16.48 Spacer & Spade Flanges: Dimensions | Specifications | Material Grade | Standards | About Paddle Blinds | All Product Types
We are a trusted manufacturer and exporter of Spacer & Spade Flanges, also known as Line Blinds, designed for high-integrity pipeline isolation. These flanges are installed between pipe sections to either stop (Spade) or allow (Spacer) flow in critical systems, making them ideal for industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, marine, and offshore applications.
Unlike conventional valves, Spacer & Spade Flanges offer positive, mechanical isolation without any moving parts. They are typically used in process systems where routine maintenance, hydro testing, or complete shutdown is required. Operators can switch between open and closed status simply by replacing the plate — Spacer for flow and Spade for shut-off. Their handle extension is stamped with "OPEN" or "BLIND" for clear visual identification.
Nutech supply these flanges in Raised Face (RF) and Ring Type Joint (RTJ) facing types, with a wide range of materials such as Stainless Steel (304/316), Carbon Steel (A105), Alloy Steel, Duplex, Super Duplex, and special alloys like Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy. Sizes range from ½″ to 24″ and pressure ratings from Class 150 to 1500 as per ASME B16.48.
All our Spacer & Spade Flanges are precision-manufactured and quality-tested to meet global standards. With custom dimensions, CNC machined edges, and export-grade packaging, we ensure reliable and leak-proof performance across demanding pipeline networks.
For complete technical details, including dimensions, pressure rating classes, weight charts, sizes, tolerances, and material specifications of our ANSI B16.48 Paddle Blinds, please download the full Catalog PDF below.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Spacer (Paddle Spacer) & Spade (Paddle Blank) – Line Blind Assembly |
Design Standard | ASME B16.48, API 590, MSS SP-44 |
Size Range | ½″ to 24″ NB (DN15 to DN600) – Custom sizes available on request |
Design Feature | Manual pipeline isolation using spectacle blind-type system; Spade blocks flow, Spacer allows flow |
Face Type | Raised Face (RF), Ring Type Joint (RTJ), Flat Face (FF) – matching companion flange |
Pressure Rating | Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500 (as per ASME B16.48 – higher class on custom design) |
Connection Type | Installed between two pipe flanges using standard flange bolts (no welding required) |
Testing | Dimensional Inspection, PMI, UT (Ultrasonic), Hydro Test (if required), Third-Party Inspection |
Surface Finish / Coating | Anti-rust oiling, Black Paint, Epoxy, Hot-Dip Galvanized |
Markings | As per ASME B16.48 – Heat Number, Material Grade, Size, Pressure Class, Manufacturer’s Logo |
Applicable Industries | Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Refineries, Power Plants, Offshore, Chemical Plants, Pipelines |
Documentation | EN 10204 Type 3.1 / 3.2, IBR Approval, ISO 9001, PED 2014/68/EU, NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156, ISO 9001 |
Origin | Made in India (by Nutech Overseas) |
Export Network | USA, Europe, and Middle East |
Material Category | Paddle Blinds Flange Grades |
---|---|
Stainless Steel Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM A182 F304 / F304L / F304H, F316 / F316L / F316Ti, F310, F309S, F317 / F317L, F321 / F321H, F347 / F347H, F904L, ASTM A351 CF3 / CF3M / CF8 / CF8M / CF8C, DIN 1.4301, 1.4306, 1.4307, 1.4311, 1.4401, 1.4404, 1.4408, 1.4409, 1.4541, 1.4571, 1.4550, 1.4435, 1.4539 |
Duplex Steel Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM A182 F51 / F52 / F53 / F54 / F55 / F57 / F59 / F60 / F61, UNS S31803 / S32205 |
Super Duplex Steel Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM A182 F53 / F55 / F57 / F59 / F60 / F61, UNS S32750 / S32760 |
Carbon Steel Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM A105 / A105N, ASTM A350 LF2, ASTM A694 F52 / F56 / F60 / F65 / F70 / F80, ASTM A216 WCB, DIN 1.0460 / 1.0402 / 1.0619, Die Steel, Mild Steel |
Alloy Steel Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM A182 F5 / F9 / F11 / F12 / F22 / F91, AISI 4130 / 4140 |
Nickel Alloy Spacer & Spade Flange | Nickel 200 / 201, ASTM B564 |
Monel Spacer & Spade Flange | Monel 400 (UNS N04400), Monel K500 (UNS N05500), ASTM B564 |
Inconel Spacer & Spade Flange | Inconel 600 / 601 / 625 / 690 / 718 / 783 / X750, ASTM B564 |
Incoloy Spacer & Spade Flange | Incoloy 800 / 800H / 800HT (UNS N08800), Incoloy 825 (UNS N08825), Incoloy 925, ASTM B564 |
Hastelloy Spacer & Spade Flange | Hastelloy C276 (UNS N10276), C22 (UNS N06022), C4, C2000, B2, B3, X, ASTM B564 |
Alloy 20 Spacer & Spade Flange | Alloy 20 / 20Cb-3, Carpenter® 20, ASTM B462 |
254 SMO Spacer & Spade Flange | SMO 254 / 6Mo, UNS S31254, DIN 1.4547, ASTM A182 |
Copper Nickel Spacer & Spade Flange | Copper Nickel 90/10 (C70600), 70/30 (C71500), UNS C71640, ASTM B61 / B62 / B151 / B152 |
Copper Spacer & Spade Flange | TP1, TP2, T1, T2, C10100–C12300, C14200–C17200, C21000–C71520, including C10930, C11000, C11400, C12000, C12200, C26000, C28000, C33000, C44300, C70600, etc. |
Brass Spacer & Spade Flange | Grades 3602, 2604, H59, H62, etc. |
Aluminium Spacer & Spade Flange | Aluminium Grades 5052, 6061, 6063, 2017, 7075, etc. |
Titanium Spacer & Spade Flange | ASTM B381 Gr.1 / Gr.2 / Gr.4 / Gr.5 / Gr.7, UNS R50250 / R50400 / R50550 / R50700 / R52400 / R53400 / R56320 / R56400 |
Other Special Grades | Al6XN, Tin Bronze, Aluminium Bronze, Lead Bronze, Nimonic 75 / 80A / 90 |
While all three—Paddle Blanks (Spades), Paddle Spacers, and Spectacle Blinds—serve similar isolation purposes in a piping system, the key difference lies in their design and usage:
In systems where frequent switching between open and closed positions isn't required, Paddle Spades and Spacers are used as separate components, making them easier to handle for larger pipe sizes.
Spacer and Spade Flanges are preferred over Spectacle Blinds in large-diameter or heavy-duty pipeline systems where weight, space, and handling flexibility are crucial. Unlike Spectacle Blinds (which are a single combined unit with both open and blind discs), Spade and Spacer Flanges are individual components used when there’s not enough room or lifting capacity to install a full spectacle blind.
They are ideal for ASME B16.5 and B16.47 flange systems, especially in Class 600 to Class 1500 pressure ratings, and are commonly seen in hydrocarbon processing, high-pressure steam lines, and offshore platforms. Because they are installed separately, they allow for easier handling, faster maintenance, and reduced downtime, making them highly efficient in critical shutdown and start-up operations.
Yes, Spacer and Spade Flanges can be integrated into automated or remotely controlled piping systems, but typically require manual intervention for swapping the components. Unlike valve-based automation, Spade (blind) and Spacer (open) elements must be manually removed and installed during maintenance or system isolation.
However, in some critical operations, they're installed in easily accessible sections of the piping line, and flange joints are designed for quick access. Some modern facilities use hydraulic or mechanical lifting tools to streamline the changeover process.
These flanges are often chosen in automated systems when absolute line isolation is necessary and a valve alone may not provide full sealing under certain conditions.
Yes, Spacer & Spade Flanges are specifically designed to handle high-pressure and high-temperature pipeline conditions. They are manufactured in accordance with international pressure class ratings such as ASME Class 150, 300, 600, 900, and 1500, and made from heat-resistant alloys like Stainless Steel 316H, Alloy Steel F11/F22, Inconel 625, and Super Duplex UNS S32750.
These flanges are commonly used in refineries, petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, and power plants, where precise line isolation is critical during maintenance or emergency shutdowns. Additionally, their flat-faced or raised-faced designs, and precise machining, ensure leak-proof performance under extreme operating conditions.
Spacer & Spade Flanges offer a mechanically simple yet highly reliable method for complete line isolation, especially in systems that require frequent shutdowns or positive sealing. Unlike valves that can fail over time due to internal leakage or seat erosion, a spade or spacer provides 100% mechanical blockage, ensuring zero flow when closed.
They are widely used in:
Additionally, their visual indication (whether a spacer or spade is installed) improves safety and system transparency, which makes them indispensable in critical applications where a valve alone may not guarantee full isolation.
Our Spacer & Spade Flanges are trusted by EPC contractors, refineries, and process industries across over 40 countries worldwide. With a focus on quality, timely delivery, and international packaging standards, we have built strong export networks in:
Our logistics partners ensure safe transit to ports like Jebel Ali, Port Klang, Manila, Colombo, and Houston, Etc.