The American National Standards Institute was inaugurated in 1918 in the United states. Since then it plays an important role in providing supervision, accreditation on national standards tagged for various processes and services. It collaboratively works with the U.S. government and various other international entities and organizations to ensure the proper influence and relevance of ANSI standards. Before establishment of ANSI, United Engineering Societies developed the standards for different engineering equipment. This society includes following international standards:
ANSI is a private and non-profit organization which basically aims for developing standards for wide sectors which mainly includes industrial flange for ASME. ANSI flange standards help manufacturers in making specifications about size, design, dimensions, material grade. Compliance of these guidelines as mentioned in ANSI will help manufacturers to ensure safety, efficiency, reliability in flanges.
Additionally, ANSI flanges have features which easily integrate with components from all other manufacturers. Hence, many of the industries prefer to choose ANSI flanges over other stringent ones.
Choosing the right type of the ANSI flanges from the long list is a bit tricky. But basic context from the application will help you to make an easy and informed decision. But the foremost question comes for the ANSI flange size. The accurate size will give a smooth and safe operation of flange connection. If you won’t consider this proper selection then the scale of your project might not come as per expectation.
The most influencing part of the flange size comes as diameter of the pipe. It is important to match the outer diameter of the pipe for getting proper fit and seal in the piping system. ANSI flanges give structural security to prevent leakages in the system. Hence, it is important to choose the proper size of the flange for your pipe fitting.
Selection of ANSI flange needs proper considerations with pressure and temperature ratings. There are different type of the flange types which are designed to tolerate various pressure and temperature ratings. Does your operating system works at extreme high pressure or temperature condition? If yes, then, you might need to choose for robust ANSI flanges which would help to tolerate these circumstances safely. If your industrial point of application runs on the low pressure and temperature then opt for smaller flanges. This understanding for choosing of the flange will indeed cut the overall cost and complexity in system.
It is the rule that the ANSI flanges will help in deciding the thickness of the flange. According to this, higher the pressure class, the thickness of the flange becomes thicker automatically.
It is important for the industries to adhere to purchasing of ANSI flange standards. ANSI standards are important to follow the proper guidelines of choosing dimensions, material and size of flange. If you do so, the operating system will offer great safety and complexity. Selection of the ANSI flange will facilitate other compliant flange parts to integrate flawlessly in the system ultimately reducing the chances of leaks. Hence, many of the industries probably choose ANSI standards for prioritizing safety, reliability and compliance in the system.
ANSI flange dimensions mainly involve three major parts. It includes bolt hole spacing, outer diameter and inner diameter. Read out further to explore in depth about dimensions and its significance in industries.
It is tagged as distance between two bolt holes present in the circular pattern in the flange. The number of bolt holes and spacing between each depends directly on flange size and pressure ratings according to ANSI standards. It is crucial to have proper bolt hole spacing in the flange in order to uniformly distribute the load of the system. All of such credentials will help in developing tight seals and prevent the leaks in between connections.
Outer diameter means to measure the edge of the flange. These will help for proper selection of size of flange, gasket etc. Remember to choose a flange which has compatibility with outer diameter and other adjacent components to set a reliable, secure and leak free joining.
Inner diameter helps in measurement of the center part of the flange i.e. bore or opening. Flow capacity of the pipe is defined on the basis of inner diameter of pipe. Hence, the inner diameter of the flange should fit in with the connected pipe. Proper alignment of pipe with inner diameter of flange aids in reducing the pressure and turbulence on connection. Therefore, it ensures the efficient and proper flow of fluid.
Proper selection of the flange part will help to reduce accidents related to pressure failure. It is crucial for both the system and the safety of users.
The perfectly matched inner diameter of the flange and pipe will help in dropping of pressure and turbulence in the system. This process will indirectly optimize and increase the efficiency of the fluid flowing in the piping system.
Once you choose for the flange manufactured with ANSI standards, then it will readily ensure the integration with all different types of components effortlessly. Due to this, it will lower down the feasibility of malfunctions and leaks in the system.
Standardized dimensions help in replacing or upgrading different components useful in connection of pipes. It is possible with promoting design and production in the flange.
It is important to make precise fitting with inner diameter, outer diameter and bolt hole spacing according to specification to make a tight seal. Hence, it will stop leakage in the system which can help in minimizing environmental risk, product loss, safety risk as well as lesser downtime in the system.
ASME B16.5 standards mainly involve fittings and steel pipe flanges from NPS ½ till 24 lying within range of pressure class 150 to 2500. It involves many credentials like marking, pressure temperature, tolerance, dimensions, materials, testing, flange fittings, its operating and more.
Let’s imagine a situation in which there are no specific standards set for manufacturing of flanges and other fittings like it is recently. This might result in unpredictable operational hazards, pipe bursts, leakage and more. But in reality this is not the case. All of these challenges are reduced due to ANSI standards and its specification which are as follows:
Flanges are one among the unsung heroes of the piping world without which connection of pipe, valves and industrial machinery isn’t feasible. Every manufacturer possesses their own size, design and alteration with thickness for building of the flanges. To avoid this scenario, ANSI B16.5 flanges have developed a standardization to establish a true application of flange in industries.
ANSI standards have set up a standard which makes life easier. It is because of easily interchangeability of manufacturers without any worries of fittings. Therefore, it is best option which minimizes expense, time and downtime in system. Also, it proves beneficial at the time of maintenance and repair of the sector.
Industrial world has to prioritize safety. Imagine fitting a square into a circular pipe. Yes, it is near to impossible without proper alignment. This might lead to catastrophic breakdowns, pressure issues, leaks and more. Why take the risk when there is a good standard available in the market in the form of ANSI B16.5. Thus, it is crucial to choose the flange manufactured under specification of ANSI B16.5 flanges to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
The most widely accepted and popular class among all standards of the American National Standard Institute is ANSI 150 flanges. The number 150 designates here about the pressure class of the flange. Generally, its actual operational pressure ratings in the system are much higher.
ANSI 150 flanges have a special characteristic of versatility. It is because of the ability to connect the flanges made with various materials. This mainly includes steel, plastic, copper and more. Hence, these are proven ideal to apply on a wider scale.
These flanges are able to withstand harsh operational conditions. Due to this durability, they possess a long service life. This feature increases because of its composition from corrosion resistance materials.
ANSI 150 flanges are easy to install because of its standardized dimension and unique design which possess bolt hole pattern. All of these combine to set an effortless installation and efficiently align the flanges in place.
Flat face design along with gasket aids in ensuring a tight, reliable and leak resistant seal. Therefore, it will help in easy connection of the pipe or other machinery together.
ANSI 150 flanges are available in different sizes and materials. This makes choosing your appropriate flange easy and simple.
ANSI 150 flanges are becoming a preferable option for projects with tight budgets. It is because of providing a solution and reliability on all solutions without interrupting your balance.
Most of the industries developing in recent times are opting for ANSI 150 flanges. This mainly includes chemical processing, water treatments, HVAC, plumbing etc. These applications are increasing on map due to its various pressure ratings and versatility.
ANSI flanges standards and dimensions are considered as the backbone for different systems. These are made with dependency, precision in engineering design and specific standardized dimensions. Therefore it imparts a safe and smooth fluid movement across the system. Next time you see the flanges installed in the system thanks to their versatility and silent features for smooth functioning in operation.
What role does bolt holes play in ANSI flanges?
The number of bolt holes are present round circumstances which distribute load across the flange. It will ensure stable and secure connection between flanges.
What are ANSI standards for flanges?
ANSI standardized flange dimensions are classified as 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500 which range in different sizes of NPS from ½ to 24.
How is ANSI flange measured?
The measuring of ANSI flange depends upon flange face type, diameter of bolt hole and bolt circle, nominal pipe size, outside and inside diameter of pipe etc.
How to identify flange standards?
Generally, standards like ANSI are accepted internationally world wide. Though you can identify it using a flange table like pitch circle diameter, nominal pressure, flange thickness , flange face type etc.
What is the standard size of the flanges?
The standard size of the flanges lies as ½ , ¾ , 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 till 24 inches.
A seasoned Electronics and Communications engineer, Amitkumar Miyani brings over 12 years of experience in Pipe Fitting Manufacturing to KMS. He plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Purchase, Sales, and Finance departments, ensuring operational efficiency and financial stability.