<p>A pipe connection in which at least one of the flanges has a reverse hub between the outer portion of the flange and the inner portion of the flange that extends outward to form to the weld neck. The reverse hub tapers down toward the sealing face of the flange, rather than away from the face of the flange. This taper may follow a spline curve which is empirically determined to reduce stresses that are caused by rotation of the outer portion of the flange around the gasket. The reverse hub eliminates material that would be required for a positive hub and thereby reduces the weight of the flange. By reducing the stresses resulting from rotation of the outer portion of the flange around the gasket, the thickness of the flange may also be reduced, further reducing the weight of the flange.</p>
