IP 3-16-3

Heat / Weather Shields for Flanges

and Flangeless Valves

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 1 of 3
Rev. 1

June 2000

Changes shown by

SCOPE
I

1.1

This practice covers the design of heat / weather shields for the protection of flangeless valve installations
and flanged joints, with or without spacers, in dangerous material services. Flange leak bands, with or
without the use of external insulation are also covered by this design.

1.2

An asterisk () indicates that additional information is required.

information is furnished in the Job Specification.

If a job is contracted, this additional

DEFINITIONS
I

2.1

Heat / weather shields are devices to protect pipe flanges and bolting from the effects of flame or firewater
impingement and the cooling effects of rain, where such exposure could result in flange leakage.

2.2

Services categories are defined as follows for the purpose of heat / weather shield selection:
a. Category I Services: Flammable, combustible, toxic, or highly corrosive materials, at a design
temperature > 600F (315C).
b. Category II Services: Flammable, combustible, toxic, or highly corrosive materials, at a design
temperature 600F (315C).
c. Category III Services: Any material not listed in Subpar. a. (or b.) above at a design temperature
> 600F (315C).

2.3

Equipment with a high potential for fire is defined for purposes of heat / weather shield selection as:
a. Pumps handling flammable liquids.
b. Gas compressors handling flammable materials.
c. Fired heaters handling flammable liquids in the tubes.
d. Vessels, heat exchangers, and other equipment containing flammable liquids at a temperature over
600F (315C).

2.4

2.5

Long body" flangeless control valves are types having the vane or plug fully contained within the valve
body when in the open position.
Leak bands are devices to contain leakage from flanged connections.

APPLICATION

3.1

The selection and use of heat / weather shields shall be per the following:

EXPOSURE CONDITION
FLANGED ASSEMBLY

SERVICE
CATEGORY

LOCATION

Any

II

III

25 ft from
equipment with
a high potential
for fire

Any

1.

Long body" control valves

2.

Flanged joints when specified

1.

Long body" control valves

2.

Flanges with spacers and

exposed bolting > 3 in. length

1.

Long body" control valves

2.

Flanges with spacers and

exposed bolting > 3 in. length

3.

Flanged joints when specified

SHIELD
TO BE
PER:
1.

Provide snuffing steam connection and vent,

or a drain, as specified.

2.

Vents and drains shall be piped to

designated safe locations.

Fig. 1

Par. 3.2

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR

VENT AND SNUFFING STEAM
CONNECTIONS, OR DRAINS

Discharge from shield drain hole shall not be into

walkways or other areas frequented by operating
personnel. In addition, flammable material and
combustible liquid discharge shall not impinge on
hot equipment, i.e., above 600F.

Par. 3.2

ACCEPTABLE METRIC EQUIVALENTS

in.
3
25 ft
600F
mm
75
7.5 m
315C

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-16-3

Heat / Weather Shields for Flanges

and Flangeless Valves

Page 2 of 3
Rev. 1

June 2000

3.2

S
S

3.3
3.4

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

The design and installation of heat / weather shields for Category II and III services shall conform to
the following:
a. Shields shall be fabricated from Type 304 stainless steel, 0.06 in. (1.5 mm) thick.
b. Shields shall: enclose the flanged assembly, end to end, be lapped to shed water, and be secured with
bands.
c. A 1/2 in. (13 mm) diameter drilled hole shall be provided at the lowest point of the shield, after
installation.
Leak bands, when specified, shall be in accordance with Par. 3.2 except that a 1/2 in. (13 mm) diameter
drain tube, flush with the band I.D., shall be furnished extending through the flange insulation.
Heat / weather shields shall be installed after initial boltup, with the flanges at ambient conditions.

Revision Memo
6/82
1/86
12/93

Original Issue of Basic Practice

Revision 1
Revision 2

3/98
6/00

Revision 0 - Original Issue of International Practice

Revision 1
Reaffirmation of previous Revision 0, March 1998, with minor editorial changes only.

Exxon Research and Engineering Company, 1998, 2000

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-16-3

Heat / Weather Shields for Flanges

and Flangeless Valves

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 3 of 3
Rev. 1

June 2000

FIGURE 1
HEAT / WEATHER SHIELD FOR CATEGORY I SERVICES

Detail A
Shield And Gasket

Vent Piping To
Designated Safe
Location.

Shield

Gasket

5
4

See Detail C
For Acceptable
Alternate Type
Connection

5
1

8 In.
Overlap

Overlap
Edges of
Ceramic
Fiber Tape

See
Detail
A

6
Detail B
Snuffing Steam Connection

Spacer
Or
Valve

Two - 1/4 In. Drain Holes

Orient To Avoid Impingement
On Bolts Or Flanges.
End Cap
Min.

Detail C
Alternate Attachment Method
For Vent Or Snuffing Steam
Connection

See Detail B Or C
For Acceptable
Alternate Type
Connection

Castellated Tubing Nut

7
Gasket

Machine Threaded
Tubing

031603f1

LEGEND:

Shield - Type 304 Stainless Steel, 0.075 in. thick.

Shield Gasket - 1/8 in. Ceramic Fiber Tape.
Shield Straps - Type 302 or 304 Stainless Steel, 3/4 in. x 0.020 in. thick; four required per shield when flange thickness exceeds 13/4 in., two for thinner flanges.
Cutout in Shield - For valve stem projection, where required. Orient as closely as possible to Vent.
Vent - Size 1 in. NPS Schd STD, or 1 in. OD tubing, 0.095 in. wall.
Snuffing Steam Inlet - Size 1/2 in. NPS Schd STD, or 1/2 in. OD tubing, 0.095 in. wall.
Drain (alternative) - Connection per Item (Flush with ID of shield)
Acceptable Metric Equivalents
in.
mm

0.020
0.5

0.075
2.0

0.095
2.41

0.109
2.77

1/8
3

1/4
6

3/4
20

13/4
45

8
200

1/2 NPS
15

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

1 NPS (OD)
25