Any functional pipe system relies on a wide range of pipe fittings to connect different parts of the system and ensure a smooth flow. Fittings provide the necessary connections and play a significant role in controlling, throttling, and directing the fluids or gases.
Like their various applications, there are numerous fittings available to match the specific function you need them to perform in a piping network. So, in this article, we will explore the most commonly used fitting types and their applications, the materials they are made of, how to maintain pipe fittings, how to select the right pipe fitting for your system, and more.
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Pipe fittings and tube fittings are widely used in any plumbing system to make a straight connection between different parts or sections. They adapt to various sizes and shapes, so they are sometimes referred to as adapters.
Fittings serve a wide array of applications, such as branching, redirecting, regulating, controlling, throttling, and more. That is why, they come in many types. Some of the most common ones and their purposes are discussed below.
To change the direction of the flow, we should use a curve fitting called elbow fitting. The curve is mostly 90 degrees or 45 degrees. However, there is a certain type of elbow fitting with 180 degrees, also called straight elbow fitting.
Besides, elbow fittings are available in various materials and sizes.
Tees look like a T, so there are three openings. They are used to create branches and split the flow into two different directions. Also, they can combine two different sources into one single flow.
Tees are also made with different materials and come in different sizes. Some examples of tee fittings are: Reducing tee, wye tee, straight tee, female and male branch tee, etc.
When two pipes, with the same diameter, cannot easily join together (cannot be welded or threaded) to form a straight line, couplings do the trick.
There are various types of couplings, such as flexible coupling, rigid coupling, universal coupling, split muff coupling, and many more. So, you would not have any problem finding a coupling that matches your system’s requirements.
When there is a need to connect two pipes of different sizes, we need a reducer to make the transition possible. The concentric reducer maintains the centerline and the eccentric reducer shifts the centerline.
Sometimes regular repairs are necessary in a system. For that purpose, a detachable joint can make for an easy disassembly and reassembly of different parts. Union fittings are the best choice to make a detachable joint.
Additionally, there are two main types of unions; slip-on union which is easily installed by hand, and threaded union which needs a wrench to be tightened.
Flanges are used to connect any parts of the system, like valves, pipes, etc., with the help of bolts or screws. They look like flat discs and provide a strong, leak-resistant joint.
Also, you can get them in various types. Weld neck flange, socket weld flange, blind flange, and RTJ flange (or lap joint flange) are some examples of flange fittings.
As crosses look like a cross, they have four openings. These four-way fittings are used to make branching connections to allow the media to flow in multiple directions.
Equal cross fittings are suitable when the pipes are of the same size, and reducing cross fittings are used when the branching pipes have different sizes.
When you need to temporarily close off a pipe, caps and plugs provide a temporary closure. In this way, they prevent any contamination. In addition, they can be used to seal off the sections of a system that are not used.
Valves can start or stop the flow of the fluid or gas, or even obstruct the passageway partially, to adjust the flow rate, control the flow, and direct it. Although they are a kind of fitting, they are usually considered a separate category of process equipment.
To make fittings right for any conditions, they are made of a variety of materials.
It is essential to select the right material for fittings based on the conditions and applications to ensure they can perform their functions properly. We will discuss how to select the right fitting in the following section.
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When it comes to selecting an appropriate fitting for your piping system, you should consider the factors below to guarantee its functionality, efficiency, and safety.
This means you should have an understanding of certain conditions, including what kind of fluid or gas will the system transport, its flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Also, you should have a clear picture of the system design. Besides, some environmental factors, like humidity, temperature, etc., can also play a role.
It is important to make sure the materials used in the fittings and other parts of the system are compatible. They must also be compatible with the media being transferred. This is essential to avoid potential chemical reactions, contamination, and leakage.
Although this is an obvious factor to consider, and probably the first one, still there are many cases in which the incompatibility of inner and outer dimensions of different parts has led to safety issues and the dysfunctionality of the system.
What do you expect of the fitting? Do you want it to change the direction of the flow, make branches, prevent backflow, combine different sources, etc.? Based on the application, you can decide what specific type of fittings you have as options.
Choosing standard products is necessary to guarantee the safety and reliability of the fittings. The fittings must comply with industry standards and codes, as well as, local regulations.
Some fittings are easy to install and do not require specialized tools or a professional to be installed, while others can be assembled and disassembled easily. Additionally, knowing about the specific maintenance considerations helps you decide if a particular pipe fitting is suitable for your purpose or not. (We will discuss pipe fittings maintenance in the next section.)
Select a fitting that can be found in the market and that you can get from reliable suppliers and manufacturers. This is particularly important for systems that are expected to operate for a long time.
Above all, we do recommend consulting with an expert to make an informed decision.
To maintain the integrity and proper performance of the fittings, pay attention to these pipe fittings maintenance tips and considerations.
All in all, monitoring the fittings and other parts and equipment helps to extend their lifespan, and make the system more reliable and safer.
Call to order custom-designed products for the specific requirements of your piping network.
There are some common questions that we usually get when talking to customers about fittings. Here, we answer some of them.
This mostly depends on the material the fitting is made of. Stainless steel is usually the best choice. It offers great resistance to high temperatures, pressures, stresses, and corrosion.
Well, we cannot name only one, as the use of a fitting depends on the function you have in mind. However, elbows, tees, and couplings are widely used in different plumbing and pipe systems.
Choosing the right fitting is essential. You should consider the function you want it to perform, the media being conveyed in the system, the system design, and the conditions, such as the temperature, pressure, etc.
For more details, read the section above about factors to consider when selecting a fitting.
It depends on the type of fitting and your system’s conditions. Some fittings are simple and you can install them with your hands, a wrench, or any other common tools, while others need specialized tools and techniques.
Several factors should be considered.
Stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion. It is also compatible with different materials. So, it is normally the best option for sanitary conditions, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.
Fittings can be reused if they do not show any signs of wear, degradation, or any other damage.
We have reviewed the most commonly employed fittings in pipe systems. We also talked about the importance of regular inspection and maintenance as well as the considerations in selecting the right pipe fitting.
Now, if you need any type of fittings, valves, actuators, and other process equipment, you can simply order at ‘Process Valve and Instruments’. Our office is located in Birmingham, Alabama, but we deliver your purchases as soon as possible wherever you are in the United States.
To get more information or to place an order contact us at 800-749-8068 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). See our contact page for more details.