A pipeline misalignment flange , comprising: a socket member having a first substantially spherical internal surface having a first diameter, a retainer member having a second substantially spherical internal surface having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the socket member and the retainer member being fastened together; and a ball member having a first substantially spherical external surface for engaging the socket member and having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter and a second substantially spherical external surface for engaging the retainer member and having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter, the socket member having a first face surrounding the first substantially spherical internal surface , the first face having a recessed channel , the second substantially spherical external surface including an axially protruding portion with an undercut , the ball member being pivotable relative to the socket member such that the axially protruding portion of the second substantially spherical external surface is received in the recessed channel , and the socket member and the retainer member each include a mounting flange having a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners for securing the socket member and the retainer member together, and characterized in that , the first substantially spherical external surface of the ball member includes a metal seal ring at a distal end thereof, wherein the first substantially spherical internal surface includes a recessed seal ring therein , at a maximum misalignment between the ball member and the socket member one side of the axially protruding portion of the ball member provides a complete surface contact with the recessed channel . a socket member having a first substantially spherical internal surface having a first diameter, a retainer member having a second substantially spherical internal surface having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the socket member and the retainer member being fastened together; and a ball member having a first substantially spherical external surface for engaging the socket member and having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter and a second substantially spherical external surface for engaging the retainer member and having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter, the socket member having a first face surrounding the first substantially spherical internal surface , the first face having a recessed channel , the second substantially spherical external surface including an axially protruding portion with an undercut , the ball member being pivotable relative to the socket member such that the axially protruding portion of the second substantially spherical external surface is received in the recessed channel , and the socket member and the retainer member each include a mounting flange having a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners for securing the socket member and the retainer member together, and characterized in that , the first substantially spherical external surface of the ball member includes a metal seal ring at a distal end thereof, wherein the first substantially spherical internal surface includes a recessed seal ring therein , at a maximum misalignment between the ball member and the socket member one side of the axially protruding portion of the ball member provides a complete surface contact with the recessed channel . <EOS>