VDI 2290 2012-06 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDI 2290 2012-06 — Emission control: Sealing constants for flange connections. This guideline specifies sealing constants, acceptance/leakage classes and practical requirements for the assessment and documentation of the tightness of flange joints used for liquid and gaseous media, primarily for compliance with emission-limiting requirements (TA Luft) and related regulatory frameworks.

Abstract

VDI 2290 (June 2012) provides principles for the design, calculation and assembly of flange joints, definitions of symbols and sealing constants, guidance on required leak rates for different applications and explanatory requirements for testing and installation quality assurance. It is intended to enable consistent assessment of flange-joint tightness for emission control purposes.

General information

• Status: Superseded / withdrawn (2012 edition replaced by a later VDI 2290 edition published 2025).
• Publication date: June 1, 2012 (VDI guideline, edition June 2012).
• Publisher: Verlag des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI Verlag).
• ICS / categories: 13.040.40 (Stationary source emissions / air quality / emission control).
• Edition / version: VDI 2290, edition June 2012 (commonly cited as VDI 2290:2012-06).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (original VDI 2290:2012-06 document).

Scope

The guideline applies to the assessment of the technical tightness of flange connections (metal flanges and related gasket/fastening systems) used for conveying, transferring and storing liquid and gaseous media where emission-limiting requirements (for example under the German TA Luft) apply. It covers flange connections in piping, on equipment and on valves across industries (chemical, petrochemical, oil refining and similar) and is applicable for common metal flange materials up to specified operating temperatures.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of sealing constants and leakage classes for flange connections used in emission-critical applications.
• Principles for design and calculation of flange joints (gasket selection, bolt preloads, contact pressures).
• Assembly and installation requirements, including recommended mounting practice and quality assurance for achieving required tightness.
• Requirements and target leakage rates for different leak-tightness classes; references to test methods (e.g., component/part tests, helium or other suitable test media where applicable).
• Symbols, normative references and an explanatory bibliography to support application and verification.

Typical use and users

This guideline is intended for authorities and plant operators, plant designers and engineers, manufacturers of flanges and gasket systems, installation contractors and third-party inspectors who need to assess, specify or verify flange-joint tightness for emission control. It is used when documenting and demonstrating compliance with emission regulations and for preparing installation and inspection instructions.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and documents include: TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control) for emission requirements, VDI 2200 (component/part testing methods), DIN/EN flange standards (e.g., DIN EN 1092 series for flange dimensions/materials) and standards for bolted joint assembly/testing such as DIN EN 1591-4. VDI 2290 is part of the VDI technical-rule family addressing emissions and flange tightness and is referenced by regulatory guidance for installation and qualification.

Keywords

flange connections; sealing constants; flange joints; leakage rates; tightness; emission control; TA Luft; gasket; bolt preload; VDI 2290; flange testing; helium leak test; L0,01.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDI 2290 (June 2012) is a VDI guideline on sealing constants for flange connections, providing criteria and guidance for assessing and documenting the tightness of flange joints in emission-sensitive applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions of sealing constants and leakage classes, design and calculation principles for flange joints, assembly and mounting requirements, testing/acceptance guidance and related normative references to evaluate flange tightness for liquid and gaseous media where emission limits apply.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Regulators, plant operators, process and piping designers, flange and gasket manufacturers, installation contractors and testing/inspection bodies involved in ensuring or demonstrating flange joint tightness for emission control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 edition (VDI 2290:2012-06) has been superseded; a later edition of VDI 2290 was published in 2025 (VDI 2290:2025-11), and the 2012 document is treated as withdrawn/superseded for current applications—users should refer to the 2025 edition for the most up-to-date requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: VDI 2290 is part of the VDI technical-rule family addressing emissions and air-quality engineering. It is often used together with related VDI/DIN guidance (e.g., VDI 2200) and with applicable EN/DIN flange and bolted-joint standards to form a complete specification for flange design, testing and qualification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sealing constants, flange connections, leakage rate, tightness class, TA Luft, gasket, flange assembly, helium leak test, VDI 2290.