The integrity, safety, and performance of a piping system are all dependent on selecting the appropriate ANSI Flange standard.
ANSI B16.5 and ANSI B16.47 are two common standards for flanges used in piping systems, each with its own set of specifications and characteristics. Understanding the differences between these standards is crucial for selecting the right flanges based on specific application requirements. Here, we will compare ANSI B16.5 and ANSI B16.47 flanges in terms of size, pressure level, material, and application to provide a comprehensive overview.
①ANSI B16.5
ANSI B16.5 covers pipe flanges and flanged fittings, with pressure ratings ranging from 150 psi to 2500 psi, is a critical specification that outlines the dimensions, tolerances, materials, pressure-temperature ratings, and testing protocols for flanges used in piping systems. This standard is widely adopted across various industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and water treatment, ensuring uniformity and interoperability in flange design and usage.
②ANSI B16.47
ANSI B16.47 covers large diameter steel flanges, with pressure ratings ranging from 400 psi to 4500 psi. This standard includes two series of flanges, Series A and Series B, addressing the needs of high-pressure and high-temperature applications. Boilers, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels are examples of applications for these flanges that typically find them in more demanding environment.
Size
①ANSI B16.5
ANSI B16.5 specifies flange sizes from 1/2 inch to 24 inches. This range accommodates most general industrial piping needs, making it a versatile and widely applicable standard for many industries. Despite not being included in the standard’s standard size range, flanges larger than 24 inches are available under this standard.
②ANSI B16.47
ANSI B16.47 specifies flange sizes from 1/2 inch to 24 inches, and it also includes an additional size range from 26 inches to 60 inches. This extended size range allows ANSI Flange to be used in larger-scale applications where larger diameter pipes are necessary.
Pressure Level
Pressure level ratings indicate the maximum pressure a flange can withstand at a given temperature.
①ANSI B16.5
One of the key aspects of ANSI B16.5 is the detailed pressure-temperature ratings it provides for flanges made from different materials. The standard specifies multiple pressure classes, including Class 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500. Each class corresponds to a specific maximum allowable pressure at designated temperatures, ensuring that flanges can withstand the operational demands of high-pressure and high-temperature environments. These ratings are critical for engineers and designers when selecting flanges for safety and performance in their specific applications.
②ANSI B16.47
ANSI B16.47 covers pressure ratings of 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500, 3600, and 4500 psi. The higher pressure ratings available in ANSI B16.47 make these flanges suitable for extremely high-pressure environments, providing added safety and reliability in critical applications. In addition to pressure classes, ANSI Flange provides pressure-temperature ratings that specify the maximum allowable working pressure for flanges at various temperatures. These ratings consider factors such as material properties, flange design, and operating conditions to ensure the flanges can safely handle the anticipated pressure and temperature combinations encountered in real-world applications.
Material
①ANSI B16.5
ANSI B16.5 covers materials such as carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making ANSI B16.5 flanges suitable for a wide variety of industrial applications.The standard references other specifications like ASTM and ASME for the chemical and mechanical properties that these materials must meet, ensuring consistency and reliability in flange performance across different batches and manufacturers.
②ANSI B16.47
ANSI B16.47 specifically covers high-strength alloy steel, suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. The use of high-strength materials ensures that these flanges can maintain their integrity and performance under the most demanding conditions.
Application
ANSI B16.5 and ANSI B16.47 are two different standards that are used for flanges in piping systems. While both standards serve similar purposes, there are distinct application differences between ANSI B16.5 and ANSI B16.47. Here’s a detailed comparison of their applications:
①ANSI B16.5:
General Application: ANSI B16.5 is the most common standard used for pipe flanges and flanged fittings. It covers flanges and flanged fittings from NPS 1/2 through NPS 24, with pressure ratings from Class 150 to Class 2500.
Industrial Use: A broad range of general industrial applications, such petrochemical, chemical processing, water treatment, and power creating use ANSI Flange. They are utilized extensively in medium- to high-pressure pipe networks and work well for an assortment of pressure and temperature challenges.
Compatibility: Flanges manufactured to ANSI B16.5 standard are generally compatible with ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, and other major piping codes and standards commonly used in industrial settings.
Wide Availability: Due to its widespread adoption, ANSI B16.5 flanges are readily available from a wide range of manufacturers, making them a convenient choice for various piping projects.
Standard Flange Facings: ANSI B16.5 specifies a range of standard flange facing types, such as raised face, flat face, and ring joint face, providing flexibility for different sealing and joining methods.
②ANSI B16.47:
Large Diameter and High-Pressure Applications: ANSI B16.47 is specifically designed for larger diameter and higher pressure piping systems. It is divided into two series: Series A (MSS SP-44) and Series B (API 605), which cover flanges from NPS 26 through NPS 60 and pressure ratings from Class 75 to Class 900.
Petrochemical and Process Industries: ANSI B16.47 flanges are commonly used in applications such as refineries, chemical plants, and offshore platforms, where larger bore sizes and higher pressure ratings are required.
Long Weld Neck Flanges: Series A of ANSI B16.47 includes long weld neck flanges, which are often used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, providing a smooth transition from the flange hub to the pipe bore.
Limited Availability: Compared to routine ANSI B16.5 flanges, ANSI B16.47 flanges may be more difficultly accessible while requiring longer lead times due to its specialized nature.
ANSI Flanges Manufacturers
Choosing the right manufacturer is crucial for ensuring the quality and compliance of ANSI Flange with the relevant standards. HeBei Pengrun Pipe Fittings Co., Ltd. is a leading supplier of ANSI B16.47 flanges, known for their precision, durability, and adherence to international standards. If you require ANSI B16.47 flanges, do not hesitate to reach out to Hebei Pengrun Pipe Fittings Co., Ltd. at Lucy@pr-pipefittings.com.
References
1. ASME. (2017). ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings.
2. ASME. (2017). ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges.
3. American National Standards Institute. (n.d.). ANSI Overview.
4. “Understanding ANSI Flange Standards.” Engineering Toolbox.
5. “Comparison of ANSI B16.5 and B16.47 Flanges.” Xometry.
6. “Flange Dimensions and Standards.” Swagelok.
