AWWA C207 Class B/D/E/F Backing Ring with ANSI B16.5 bolt pattern suits for HDPE flange adaptor/stub end up to 90"
The SMART JOINT BACKING RING is a flange ring designed to be used in conjunction with HDPE Flange Adaptor/Stub Ends. Its structure and dimension enables secure connections by adapting to the outer diameter of HDPE pipes, functioning similarly to a loose flange. It combines high strength, corrosion resistance, and quick installation, making it ideal for water supply, drainage,mining, agricultural irrigation, and industrial fluid transport applications.
Among different standard of backing rings, for inch size system,AWWA C207 Class B/D/E/F Backing Ring with ANSI bolt pattern are the major specification. But it gets confused with these standard mixed together.
AWWA C207, "Steel Pipe Flanges for Waterworks Service," is the water-specific standard for flanges. It provides more economical and application-appropriate design options (like Ring Flanges and Blank Flanges in Classes B through F) tailored for the water industry, rather than the heavier, more generic industrial flanges of ANSI B16.5.
AWWA C228, "Stainless-Steel Pipe for Waterworks Service" (Note: While often associated with stainless pipe, its principles are key for connections). This standard is critical for HDPE systems as it governs the requirements for Stub Ends and Backing Flanges/Rings*, ensuring they work together as a system to create a reliable, leak-free connection between HDPE pipe and a metal flange.
ANSI B16.5 is the ANSI-approved standard for Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings. It defines dimensions, pressure ratings (e.g., Class 150, Class 300), bolt patterns, and facing types. This is a generic, all-industry standard used in oil & gas, chemical, and power plants, including some water applications.
How They Work Together on a Backing Ring?
For Example:
When you see a backing ring described as complying with both"ANSI CLASS150" and "AWWA C207", here is what it means:
1:Dimensional Compatibility (The ANSI Role):Stating "ANSI CLASS150"means the backing ring is machined to the outside diameter, bolt circle, and bolt hole dimensions specified in ANSI B16.5 for Class 150 pressure. This guarantees it will bolt up perfectly to any other flange (e.g., on a valve or pump) that also conforms to ANSI B16.5 Class 150, regardless of the manufacturer. It ensures interchangeability.
2:Application-Specific Design (The AWWA Role): Stating "AWWA C207"(e.g., Class D Ring Flange) defines the structural design, material grade, and thickness of the backing ring, which is optimized for water service. This makes it a more cost-effective and fit-for-purpose solution than using a heavier industrial ANSI B16.5 flange.
You can understand their relationship in the following way:
Imagine constructing a water treatment plant:
1: ANSI is like the General Building Code. It specifies universal interface dimensions for screws, nuts, beams, and columns, ensuring that components from different suppliers can be assembled together.
2: AWWA is like the Water Plant Design Manual. It not only adheres to the general code but also provides detailed specifications for the type of pumps to use, the required thickness of reservoir walls, and how to connect water pipelines—all optimized specifically for the needs of the water industry.
For the Backing Ring:
Compliance with ANSI B16.5 ensures that it can connect seamlessly with standard bolts and the mating flange on the other end.
Compliance with AWWA C207 defines its structural design and thickness as a flange specifically intended for water industry applications.
Compliance with AWWA C228 ensures precision fit and system performance with HDPE pipes and Stub Ends, which is critical for the long-term reliability of the entire connection.
Therefore, when procuring or specifying a Backing Ring, referencing both ANSI and AWWA standards (e.g., AWWA C207 Class D, ANSI B16.5 Bore) means you are demanding a product that guarantees both universal interchangeability and the economic and reliability requirements specific to the water industry.
Smart Joint offers a package solution for HDPE flange adaptor/stub end together with standard and custom steel flanges to meet the highest quality standards, including AWWA and ANSI specifications. Our flanges are developed for Agriculture, Waterworks, HVAC, Exhaust, and other industries. Find flange options including and import materials including steel, stainless steel, and ductile iron with smart joint.
