Commonly Used Pipe Fittings
Various industries make use of pipes in their daily operations to transport gasses and liquids. In systems that rely on straight lengths of pipe, pipe fittings are used to join sections and regulate the flow of fluids. Depending on the particular needs of a system, you will require different types of pipe fittings. With various shapes and sizes available on the market, it is useful to know the functions of each as well as some common classifications of pipe fittings. For your better knowledge, this blog will explore some commonly used pipe fittings and their general purposes in fluid transport systems.
Pipe fittings are components used to alter the direction and rate of flow, the size of the piping, and the pressure of the fluid. Depending on the fitting, it may perform one or multiple of these functions. For example, elbows are shaped at a bend as their name suggests, and they are used to alter the direction of flow. Meanwhile, reducers allow for flow to continue in one direction, while narrowing the passage through which the fluid flows. Reducing tees combine the properties of both elbows and reducers by changing both direction and pipe size. All of these fittings are available in various shapes and materials, and even still more designs exist, such as couplings, adapters, unions, and more. As such, it is important to consider the needs of your system.
First, consider if you want the rate of flow between the pipes/tubes you are connecting to remain constant. If so, your pipe fitting can be used to simply join two components in a continued straight path, or it can be used to redirect your fluid in a number of ways. For a simple connector that will make no alterations to your flow or its direction, consider a straight tee, a simple component with two holes of the same diameter of the pipes it works with. For applications where pressure is low, you may also consider a pipe nipple,that of which is threaded on one or both ends and designed for use with a female mating component. For circumstances where you wish to continue the direction of flow while changing the diameter of pipes used, consider reducers or reducing couplets.
Reducers such as concentric, eccentric, or conical reducers may be used to conjoin two pipes of different diameters in a straight line. These designs vary based on where the reduction occurs; for example, eccentric reducers keep the height of the bottom of the pipe constant. Reducers, similar to non-reducing components, are available in threaded and non-threaded varieties, depending on the needs of your pipes.
When you are looking to redirect flow, you will require pipe fittings with openings that are not parallel to one another. These components can be bent in shape or have perpendicular openings. Elbows are the most frequently used pipe fittings, with availability in any angle. The most common elbow degrees are 90 and 45. Reducing elbows are also available for altering both direction and pipe size. Shorter elbows cause pressure drops, while longer elbows offer relatively continuous pressure. Other designs offer both continuous flow and redirected flow with multiple openings, such as pipe tees, wye tees, and crosses.
Once you have settled on the configuration of the pipes you will be joining, both in direction and size, consider the exact pressure of flow you require. With various purposes, pipe fittings are available in a wide variety of pressures, ranging from 150 PSI to 3000 LB. When all has been considered, turn to Methodical Purchasing to begin the procurement process. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we offer around-the-clock service and access to an unparalleled inventory of high-caliber part types for a myriad of industries. To learn more, contact us at any time.
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