Spade blind flanges (paddle blinds, paddle spacers, slip blinds) per ASME B16.48 in carbon steel, stainless steel and alloy steel – NPS 1/2″ – 24″, class 150 – 2500, all standard facings. Custom thicknesses and coatings to order.
What Is a Spade Blind Flange?
A spade blind (also called paddle blind, paddle blank or slip blind) is a solid metal plate with a protruding handle (“paddle”) that sticks out of the flange pair after installation, so operators can see the line is blanked. It is inserted between two flanges to positively isolate a pipe section. Its companion piece, the open ring called a paddle spacer, restores full bore when the line returns to service – the two are swapped in the same bolt gap.
Spade Blind vs Paddle Blind vs Slip Blind – Same Product, Different Names
These three terms describe the same solid line blank: “spade blind” and “paddle blind” are the common US names, “slip blind” is widely used in plant operations, and API/RFC documentation often calls it simply a “spade”. Whatever the name on your P&ID, we machine it to ASME B16.48 dimensions or your drawing. For lines that need frequent open/close switching, consider a spectacle blind, which combines the spade and spacer in one rotating piece.
Specifications
| Item | Range |
|---|---|
| Size | NPS 1/2″ – 24″ standard; up to 80″ custom |
| Pressure class | Class 150 – 2500 / PN2.5 – PN400 |
| Standard | ASME B16.48 (spades & spacers), Zhejiang/custom drawings |
| Materials | A105 (mild/carbon steel), A350 LF2, A182 F304/F316, alloy |
| Facing | FF, RF, MFM, TG, RTJ to match line flanges |
| Options | PTFE coating, handle orientation, thickness stamping |
Where Spade Blinds Are Used
Spade blinds blank lines for turnaround maintenance, tie-in construction, catalyst loading and hydrostatic testing. Typical service: refinery transfer and flare lines, chemical feed headers, steam mains, cooling water and firewater systems. The exposed handle gives instant visual confirmation that a line is positively isolated – a safety requirement in most plant permit-to-work systems.
Ordering Information
To quote a spade blind we need: line size, pressure class, flange facing, material and (for non-standard lines) design pressure and temperature so we can confirm thickness per ASME B16.48 or B31.3. Every piece ships thickness- and material-stamped, with EN 10204 3.1 certificates; 3.2 third-party inspection available.
FAQs
Is a blank flange the same as a spade blind?
No. A blank flange (blind flange) is a full flange with bolt holes that bolts directly to a mating flange and terminates a line. A spade blind is a thin plate inserted between two existing flanges – it has no bolt holes of its own and no hub.
Mild steel (MS) spade blind available?
Yes – A105 carbon steel is the standard “mild steel” spade material. For low-temperature or corrosive service we supply A350 LF2 and A182 F304/F316.
Can you match our existing flange drilling?
Yes. Send the flange standard (ASME/DIN/JIS/EN), size and class, or a dimension drawing – we drill to match exactly.
Send your spade blind specification for a same-week quotation.
Related Blind Flange Products
Standard Blind Flanges (blank flanges) · Spectacle Blinds · Spade / Paddle Blinds · RTJ Blinds · Tapped Blinds · All Flange Types