ANSI B16.5 Carbon Steel WN Flange

ANSI B16.5 Carbon Steel WN Flange refers to a carbon steel weld neck flange specified by the ANSI B16.5 standard. Here is a detailed introduction:
General Information
Standard: ANSI B16.5 is a key standard in the field of pipe flanges and flanged fittings. It provides detailed regulations on dimensions, pressure ratings, materials, and other aspects of flanges, ensuring the interchangeability and reliability of flange connections in piping systems. Carbon steel WN flanges manufactured in accordance with this standard are widely used in various industrial applications.
Material: The flange is made of carbon steel, which is a common material known for its good strength, toughness, and weldability. Common carbon steel grades used for these flanges include ASTM A105, which can meet the requirements of different working conditions in terms of pressure resistance and corrosion resistance.
Structural Features
Weld Neck Design: The most prominent feature of a WN flange is its weld neck. The weld neck is a tapered section that connects the flange body to the pipe. It has a gradually increasing diameter from the flange face to the end connected to the pipe. This design provides a smooth transition for the flow of the medium in the pipe, reducing flow resistance and stress concentration.
Flange Face Types: It usually has raised face (RF), flat face (FF), or ring joint (RJ) face types. The raised face design has a raised circular area on the flange face, which can improve the sealing performance when used with gaskets. The flat face is relatively simple and is suitable for some applications with lower sealing requirements. The ring joint face is used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, requiring the use of special ring gaskets for sealing.
Bolt Holes: The flange is equipped with bolt holes evenly distributed along the bolt circle. These holes are used to connect the flange with another flange or equipment using bolts and nuts, forming a tight connection. The number and diameter of bolt holes are determined according to the flange size and pressure rating.
Dimensions and Pressure Ratings
Dimensions: ANSI B16.5 standardizes the dimensions of carbon steel WN flanges. The nominal pipe size ranges from 1/2" (DN15) to 24" (DN600) or even larger in some cases. The specific dimensions include outer diameter, bolt circle diameter, raised face diameter, thickness of the flange, and length and diameter of the weld neck. These dimensions are strictly specified to ensure proper installation and connection with pipes and other components.
Pressure Ratings: Common pressure ratings for ANSI B16.5 carbon steel WN flanges include Class 150, Class 300, Class 600, Class 900, Class 1500, and Class 2500. The higher the pressure rating, the greater the pressure the flange can withstand. For example, Class 150 flanges are suitable for relatively low-pressure applications, while Class 2500 flanges are designed for high-pressure systems.
Advantages
High Strength and Reliability: The weld neck design, combined with the high strength of carbon steel, enables the flange to withstand high pressure and stress, ensuring the safety and reliability of the piping system.
Good Sealing Performance: With the appropriate selection of flange face types and gaskets, it can achieve excellent sealing effects, preventing leakage of the medium in the pipe.
Suitable for High-Temperature and High-Pressure Applications: Due to its structural characteristics and the performance of carbon steel materials, it is widely used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, such as in the petroleum, chemical, and power industries.
Applications
ANSI B16.5 Carbon Steel WN Flanges are widely used in various industrial fields:
Petroleum and Gas Industry: They are used in oil and gas transportation pipelines, refineries, and gas processing plants to connect pipes and equipment under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
Chemical Industry: In chemical production processes, they are used in pipelines transporting various chemical media to ensure the tightness and safety of the piping system.
Power Generation Industry: They are used in power plants, including steam pipelines and water supply and drainage systems, to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Marine Industry: They are used in ship piping systems to connect different parts of the pipeline and ensure the normal operation of the ship's various systems.