Why are Pump Port Standards so Confusing?

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In this Pump Report, Chad explains the various types and standards of pump ports. To learn more, visit our website at vikingpump.com.
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Ports are the connection point between the pipes and the pump. Just like electrical connections, the connection type varies by geography and requirements. They need to match in size, type, and rating.
Let’s go over the most common questions regarding ports to clear up any misconceptions and avoid cases like this.
There are two common types of pump ports. Threaded and flanged.
Threaded connections are made with taps and dies to create screw threads in matching sizes and thread form to create a mating pair. Just like nuts and bolts it’s important that the pipe and pump threads match.
Flanges are flat ports which mate together with a gasket between the faces for sealing. Bolts join the flanges together and are tightened to compress the gasket and seal the joint.
For Iron pumps and strainers with small ports, NPT is the standard connection type. Typically these are 2” ports and smaller.
Ancillary connections like jacket ports, gauge ports, and drain connections are also typically NPT.
NPT connections are commercially available, economical, and require no additional hardware. With sealant and proper tightening these make an effective connection between the pump and system.
Flanges offer several advantages to threaded ports. First while they do come in 2 inch and smaller sizes, they are also offered in very large sizes where threaded ports would be difficult to machine and connect. They also make it easier to remove individual pumps or other components from a system. By removing the bolts, the pump can be pulled axially from the unit and reinstalled the same way.
I’d mentioned before that it’s critical to know what standard is being followed to ensure the pump supplied will connect correctly with your pipes and equipment.
For threaded ports, Viking Pump follows the American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread. This is the most common standard used in North America and is more commonly known as National Pipe Taper or simply N-P-T. In nearly all cases, the pipes have an external or male threaded end and the pump and fittings have matching internal or female threads.
A similar thread standard, British Standard Pipe Taper or B-S-P-T, is the European equivalent to N-P-T. Fittings look very similar, but will not mate together without the use of adaptors - similar to our electrical plug scenario.
Just like threaded ports, flanged ports come in a variety of designs and standards too. Viking Pump commonly follows A-S-M-E, DIN, and S-A-E standards.
ASME maintains a set of flange standards commonly used in North America. These standards have evolved since they were first introduced over 100 years ago by the AESC. The AESC was later renamed the ASA, which was later renamed the USASI, which was later renamed ANSI. Are you confused yet?
The important thing to remember is that while the name has changed, the set of standards has stayed the same. But this has led to confusion…you’ll find documentation online at various sites for ASA flanges, ANSI flanges, ASME/ANSI flanges, and ASME flanges. ASME is the current, and technically correct designation for these standards. Don’t panic when your specification asks for ANSI flanges…they’re the same thing.
There are several flange standards that ASME publishes. The ones most commonly applied for Viking pumps include:
Within each there are a variety of classes. The class defines the dimensions of the
flange and the pressure rating of a flanged connection created by flanges matching those dimensions in the materials specified.
“Pound” ratings are an old designation. Today ASME prefers the term “class”. If your specification is asking for 150# flanges, that’s the same as Class 150 flanges. Just like the old “ANSI” terminology, “#” ratings yet to be updated can still be found in a lot of online resources.
The term “class” is preferred because using “150#” can lead to the false assumption that the resulting flange connection would be limited to 150 PSI (pounds per square inch). ASME Class 150 flanges are rated to pressures higher than 150 PSI at ambient temperatures. And at very high temperatures these flanges would be rated to pressures lower than 150 PSI. Using the current “class” designation helps to clear up this misconception.

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