What Are ANSI Specification Valves?

Various other standards also exist, including those set up by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and many more. 

Here we will look specifically at the ANSI valve standards, which represent the primary US standards prevailing in the valve industry. ANSI standards don’t overshadow those established by ISO or API but represent guidelines that integrate, enhance and solidify them. They’re effectively the bridge that joins the universality of the ISO to the robust regulations of the ASME. This enables free technological exchange and seamless international cooperation.

Why Are Standards Important?

When a component like a pneumatic valve is categorised for standards compliance, it’s because it has a recognisable set of features and behaviours. These standards define how they operate and the parameters critical to their manufacture to ensure this operation is uniform worldwide. Industries rely on these standards to confirm the universal compatibility of their products and thus streamline their global operations. This is important for several reasons:

• It prioritises safety and requires manufacturers and suppliers to distribute valves that won’t endanger lives or equipment.

• It simplifies manufacturing and production and makes components easily available worldwide.

• It brings all the major industrial players under the same regulatory umbrella and speeds up the adoption of new policies and innovations.

• It contributes to price regulation within a globally uniform margin, preventing exploitation by rogue manufacturers.

What Features Define ANSI Specification Valves?

Some of the designated ANSI specification categories are a combined reference to ASME regulations, which can confuse. These are called “ANSI class” ratings and relate to separate parameters. You’ll often see numbers like ANSI 150, 300, 600, etc, which are a class of ratings derived from the ANSI standard ASME B16.5-2020. This is also sometimes abbreviated to ANSI + the ASME regulation numbers, such as: 

• ANSI B16.34 – valves: threaded, flanged, plus welding end

• ANSI B16.10 – valve dimensions: end-to-end and face-to-face

• ANSI B16.5 –   pipe flanges and flanged fittings

• ANSI B16.1 –   pipe flanges and flanged fittings: cast iron

• ANSI B16.25 – butt-welding ends

Sometimes, the term ANSI is combined with other designations, such as ANSI/ISA or ANSI/FCI. Other combinations include ANSI numbers based on regulations established by the API, where the API part is not necessarily included. 

For instance, ANSI 599 relates to steel plug valves with specific types of ends or flanges originally determined by API 599. Similarly, ANSI 11v6 or 11v7 are applied to gas lift valves. The designation comes from API RP 11v6 and 11v7, which established the recommended practice for installation, setting, repair and testing of this type of valve. The ANSI tag acts as the umbrella designation for an earlier group of accredited bodies that set up the initial standards.

Confused? The ANSI standards are based on the ASME, API and other regulations, and govern aspects of valves and their components. Their remit covers materials, dimensions, tolerances and pressure-temperature ratings, including methods of marking, testing and designating valve structures. So a component rated as ANSI 150 or 600, for instance, uses a common shorthand designation for a particular class of ASME-regulated standards.

Some Examples Of ANSI Specification Valves

Most ANSI specification valves fall into categories such as ball valves, butterfly valves, check valves, gate valves, plug valves, globe valves and strainers. Within these categories, each type of valve will be subdivided into those made of different materials, such as brass, cast iron or steel. Steel itself can be forged, carbon, lugged or stainless. The construction of various types of valve can include Y-section, T-section, angled, rising stem and screw-down non-return (SDNR). 

In these cases, they’ll have an ANSI number like 150, 300, or 600, which refers specifically to the class of flanges used for the valve. All the classes fall within the ASME 16 group of regulations. Additional standards such as ISO 5211 or EN 558 may also be applied to the whole valve structure, but the ANSI standard is applicable only to the flange components. 

For example, a forged steel ANSI 150 gate valve may be designed to API 602 specifications with ANSI class 150 flanges. More complex valves may be governed by several different standards, which each apply to different components. For example, a carbon steel ANSI 600 globe valve falls within the ANSI 600 class of flanges, designed under the original API 600 regulations. It also has a rising stem and stainless steel disc, and its material composition is governed by BS1414 and ASME B16.34.

Why Do You Need To Standardise Valve Manufacture?

Valves of many types are vital to industry. They enable the flow and transport activities demanded by pneumatics, hydraulics and other systems. They play a very important role, and because the demand for valves is always increasing, uniform production standards are imposed. Valve standards ensure consistently safe and efficient performance in a high-pressure environment where you can’t afford any room for error. The lifespan of your pneumatic system and pipe network may depend on the accurate selection of a valve and its application.

ANSI standards provide detailed insight and information for manufacturers, suppliers and end users. You’ll find the type of materials to be used and main specifications such as dimensions, pressure ratings, cover design, precise test requirements and other examination requirements. Whether it’s cast iron or stainless steel, butterfly or ball valve, with flanged or butt ends, ANSI standards ensure that it meets the stringent design and safety requirements of an accredited institution. ANSI standards ensure that complying components also fit seamlessly into your process control architecture, wherever you are in the world.