PIPING JOINTS

Joint design and selection can have a major impact on the initial installed cost, the
long-range operating and maintenance cost, and the performance of the piping
system. Factors that must be considered in the joint selection phase of the project
design include material cost, installation labor cost, degree of leakage integrity
required, periodic maintenance requirements, and specific performance requirements.
In addition, since codes do impose some limitations on joint applications,
joint selection must meet the applicable code requirements. In the paragraphs that
follow, the above-mentioned considerations will be briefly discussed for a number
of common pipe joint configurations.
Butt-welded Joints

Butt Welded Joint

Butt-welding is the most common method of joining piping used in large commercial,
institutional, and industrial piping systems. Material costs are low, but labor costs
are moderate to high due to the need for specialized welders and fitters. Long term
leakage integrity is extremely good, as is structural and mechanical strength.
The interior surface of a butt-welded piping system is smooth and continuous which
results in low pressure drop. The system can be assembled with internal weld
backing rings to reduce fit-up and welding costs, but backing rings create internal
crevices, which can trap corrosion products. In the case of nuclear piping systems,
these crevices can cause a concentration of radioactive solids at the joints, which
can lead to operating and maintenance problems. Backing rings can also lead to
stress concentration effects, which may promote fatigue cracks under vibratory or
other cyclic loading conditions. Butt-welded joints made up without backing rings
are more expensive to construct, but the absence of interior crevices will effectively
minimize crud buildup and will also enhance the piping systems resistance to
fatigue failures. Most butt-welded piping installations are limited to NPS 21 (DN
65) or larger. There is no practical upper size limit in butt-welded construction.
Butt-welding fittings and pipe system accessories are available down to NPS 1 (DN
15). However, economic penalties associated with pipe end preparation and fit-up,
and special weld procedure qualifications normally preclude the use of butt-welded
construction in sizes NPS 2 (DN 50) and under, except for those special cases where
interior surface smoothness and the elimination of internal crevices are of paramount
importance. Smooth external surfaces give butt-welded construction high aesthetic

appeal.
Socket-welded Joints

Socket Welded Joint

Socket-welded construction is a good choice wherever the benefits of high leakage

integrity and great structural strength are important design considerations. Construction
costs are somewhat lower than with butt-welded joints due to the lack of
exacting fit-up requirements and elimination of special machining for butt weld end
preparation. The internal crevices left in socket-welded systems make them less
suitable for corrosive or radioactive applications where solids buildup at the joints
may cause operating or maintenance problems. Fatigue resistance is lower than
that in butt-welded construction due to the use of fillet welds and abrupt fitting
geometry, but it is still better than that of most mechanical joining methods. Aesthetic
appeal is good.
Brazed and Soldered Joints

Soldered Piping Joint

Brazing and soldering are most often used to join copper and copper-alloy piping
systems, although brazing of steel and aluminum pipe and tubing is possible. Brazing
and soldering both involve the addition of molten filler metal to a close-fitting
annular joint. The molten metal is drawn into the joint by capillary action and
solidifies to fuse the parts together. The parent metal does not melt in brazed or
soldered construction. The advantages of these joining methods are high leakage
integrity and installation productivity. Brazed and soldered joints can be made up

with a minimum of internal deposits. Pipe and tubing used for brazed and soldered
construction can be purchased with the interior surfaces cleaned and the ends
capped, making this joining method popular for medical gases and high-purity
pneumatic control installations.
Soldered joints are normally limited to near-ambient temperature systems and
domestic water supply. Brazed joints can be used at moderately elevated temperatures.
Most brazed and soldered installations are constructed using light-wall tubing;
consequently the mechanical strength of these systems is low.
Threaded or Screwed Joints

Threaded or screwed piping is commonly used in low-cost, noncritical applications

such as domestic water, fire protection, and industrial cooling water systems. Installation
productivity is moderately high, and specialized installation skill requirements
are not extensive. Leakage integrity is good for low-pressure, low-temperature
installations where vibration is not encountered. Rapid temperature changes may
lead to leaks due to differential thermal expansion between the pipe and fittings.
Vibration can result in fatigue failures of screwed pipe joints due to the high stress
intensification effects caused by the sharp notches at the base of the threads. Screwed
fittings are normally made of cast gray or malleable iron, cast brass or bronze, or
forged alloy and carbon steel. Screwed construction is commonly used with galvanized
pipe and fittings for domestic water and drainage applications. While certain
types of screwed fittings are available in up to NPS 12 (DN300), economic considerations
normally limit industrial applications to NPS 3 (DN 80). Screwed piping
systems are useful where disassembly and reassembly are necessary to accommodate
maintenance needs or process changes. Threaded or screwed joints must be used

within the limitations imposed by the rules and requirements of the applicable code.
Grooved Joints

The main advantages of the grooved joints are their ease of assembly, which results
in low labor cost, and generally good leakage integrity. They allow a moderate
amount of axial movement due to thermal expansion, and they can accommodate
some axial misalignment. The grooved construction prevents the joint from separating
under pressure. Among their disadvantages are the use of an elastomer seal,
which limits their high-temperature service, and their lack of resistance to torsional
loading. While typical applications involve machining the groove in standard wall
pipe, light wall pipe with rolled-in grooves may also be used. Grooved joints are
used extensively for fire protection, ambient temperature service water, and low pressure
drainage applications such as floor and equipment drain systems and roof
drainage conductors. They are a good choice where the piping system must be
disassembled and reassembled frequently for maintenance or process changes.
Flanged Joints

Flanged connections are used extensively in modern piping systems due to their
ease of assembly and disassembly; however, they are costly. Contributing to the
high cost are the material costs of the flanges themselves and the labor costs for
attaching the flanges to the pipe and then bolting the flanges to each other. Flanges
are normally attached to the pipe by threading or welding, although in some special
cases a flange-type joint known as a lap joint may be made by forging and machining
the pipe end. Flanged joints are prone to leakage in services that experience rapid
temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations cause high-temperature differentials
between the flange body and bolting, which eventually causes the bolt stress to
relax, allowing the joint to open up. Leakage is also a concern in high-temperature
installations where bolt stress relaxation due to creep is experienced. Periodic
retorquing of the bolted connections to reestablish the required seating pressure
on the gasket face can minimize these problems. Creep-damaged bolts in hightemperature
installations must be periodically replaced to reestablish the required
gasket seating pressure. Flanged joints are commonly used to join dissimilar materials,
e.g., steel pipe to cast-iron valves and in systems that require frequent maintenance
disassembly and reassembly. Flanged construction is also used extensively
in lined piping systems.
Compression Joints

Compression sleeve-type joints are used to join plain end pipe without special end
preparations. These joints require very little installation labor and as such result
in an economical overall installation. Advantages include the ability to absorb a
limited amount of thermal expansion and angular misalignment and the ability to
join dissimilar piping materials, even if their outside diameters are slightly different.
Disadvantages include the use of rubber or other elastomer seals, which limits their
high-temperature application, and the need for a separate external thrust-resisting
system at all turns and dead ends to keep the line from separating under pressure.
Compression joints are frequently used for temporary piping systems or systems
that must be dismantled frequently for maintenance. When equipped with the
proper gaskets and seals, they may be used for piping systems containing air, other
gases, water, and oil; in both aboveground and underground service. Small-diameter
compression fittings with all-metal sleeves may be used at elevated temperatures
and pressures, when permitted by the rules and requirements of the applicable
code. They are common in instrument and control tubing installations and other
applications where high seal integrity and easy assembly and disassembly are desirable
attributes. - See more at: http://piping-info.blogspot.in/2009/08/types-of-pipingjoints.html#sthash.mdthK5Ro.dpuf

Pipe Fitting by Types

Purpose

Selection Criteria

Types

Pipe fittings are widely demanded for any piping and plumbing systems used in industrial and commercial
applications. Fittings allow pipes to be joined or installed in the appropriate place and terminated or closed
where necessary. Fittings are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be expensive, require time, and
different materials and tools to install. They are an essential part of piping and plumbing systems. There are
thousands of specialized fittings manufactured. Each type of pipe or tube requires its own type of fitting, but
usually all pipe fittings share some common features. Pipe fittings are available everywhere where plumbing
materials are sold.
How are pipe fittings connected to pipes?
Pipe fittings are either male fittings or female fittings. In threaded pipe fittings, female threads are on the inside
while male threads are on the outside. Pipe fittings that have one female end and one male end are called
street fittings. Pipe fittings are used to connect pipes or tubes in two ways:

By threading: Threaded pipes screw together to connect or join. Generally metal pipes are threaded
and they have threaded fittings.

By slip fit: Slip fit pipes use sleeves that slip into one another. The plastic pipes are either threaded or
slip fit.

Accordingly pipe fittings are organized as follows:

Male threaded: Exterior threads. Are screwed into the inside of pipe end of a larger diameter with
internal threading.

Female threaded: Interior threads. Receive male threaded pipe fittings.

Male slip fit: There are no threads. Receive a narrower.

Female slip fit: Female slip fit: There are no threads. Made to slip into slightly larger male sleeve.

Purpose of a pipe fitting:

The basic purposes of any pipe fitting are as follows:

Connecting the bores of two or more pipes or tubes.

Connecting pipe sections.

Connecting a pipe to a different apparatus.

Changing the direction of fluid/liquid flow.

Maintaining or regulating the flow.

Closing and sealing a pipe.

Selection criteria for pipe fittings:

Pipe fittings are to be chosen considering certain factors. They are as follows:

Connection types: When purchasing pipe fittings, you should be aware of the fact that a fitting can
have two different connector types. One end of the fitting might be female threaded while the other
female threaded. One end might be male slip while the other end is threaded, in the case of plastic
fittings. They can also have matching ends which can accommodate any requirement.

Materials of construction: As a rule, the pipe fitting should be of the same material as the material
used in the making of the pipe in which it is to be fitted. However, in some cases, materials conforming
to certain codes or standards can also be used in pipes of another material.

Check for flow: To keep the flow consistent, the ends of pipe fittings should be slightly larger than the
rest of the pipe so that they can accommodate connections without narrowing the inner diameter (ID)
of the pipe.

Type of fitting: Besides pipe materials, pipe fittings are identified by the type of fitting threaded or
slip, male or female.

Size: When measuring the size of pipe fittings, it is to be noted that the male threaded fittings are
measured to the outside edge or OD, while female fittings are measured to the inside edge of the inlet
or ID.

Thickness: Just as pipes are available in a number of different thicknesses or "schedules", so also the
pipe fittings.

Design: Each pipe or tube is designed to carry certain specific types of fluids, liquids, gases,
chemicals under varying conditions. Accordingly, the pipe fittings are also available in variety of
designs.

Standards and codes: There are certain standards and codes set by various organizations by which
the different pipe fittings are graded. For example, ASTM, ASME, BSP etc. are certain standards
assigned to pipe fittings and those standards dictate their use.

Types of pipe fittings:

Depending on the purposes served, pipe fittings can be categorized as under:

Pipe fittings to extend or terminate pipe runs: For example, Couplings, Adapters, Unions , Caps
and Plugs Pipe.

Fittings to change a pipe's direction: For example , Elbows

Pipe fittings to connect two or more pipes: For example: Tees, Cross, Side-inlet Elbows, Wyes

Pipe fittings to change pipe size: For example, Reducers, Bushings, Couplings

Pipe fittings to manage or regulate flow: For example, Valves

Pipe fitting tools: For example, Pipe fasteners

Pipe flanges

On the basis of the above categories, we give below an idea about the various types of pipe fittings available in
the market.

Pipe Fitting Standards

Affecting Factors

Types

With the rapid expansion in the global trade, standardization of various products has become an
essential requirement. The standards given to various products significantly contributes towards
increasing international trade which in turn bridges the quality gap between the manufacturers,
producers and buyers of different nations. In pipe fittings as well, standards play a vital role. The
manufacture and installation of pipe fittings is tightly regulated by various standards and codes.
The integrity of pipe fittings and flanges in the piping system depends on various principles used in
design, construction and maintenance of the entire system. The components of pipe fittings are
made in different materials, in a variety of types and sizes and hence should be manufactured
according to common national standards or according to manufacturers' proprietary item. Some
manufacturers also use their own internal piping standards based upon national and industry sector
standards.

Difference between Standard and Codes:

Piping codes imply the requirements of design, fabrication, use of materials, tests and inspection of
various pipe and piping system. It has a limited jurisdiction defined by the code. On the other hand,
piping standards imply application design and construction rules and requirements for pipe fittings
like adapters, flanges, sleeves, elbows, union, tees, valves etc. Like a code, it also has a limited
scope defined by the standard.
Factors affecting standards:
Standards on pipe fittings are based on certain factors like as follows:

Pressure-temperature ratings

Size

Design

Coatings

Materials

Marking

End connections

Dimensions and tolerances

Threading

Pattern taper etc.

Types of pipe fitting standards:

Some widely used pipe fitting standards are as follows:
I.

ANSI:
The
American
National
Standards
Institute
ANSI is a private, non-profit organization. Its main function is to administer and coordinate
the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. It provides a forum
for development of American national standards. ANSI assigns "schedule numbers". These
numbers classify wall thicknesses for different pressure uses.

II.

ASME:

American

Society

for

Mechanical

Engineers

This is one of the reputed organizations in the world developing codes and standards. The
schedule number for pipe fitting starts from ASME/ANSI B16. The various classifications of
ASME/ANSI B16 standards for different pipe fittings are as follows:
o

ASME/ANSI B16.1 - 1998 - Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings

ASME/ANSI B16.3 - 1998 - Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings

ASME/ANSI B16.4 - 1998 - Cast Iron Threaded Fittings

ASME/ANSI B16.5 - 1996 - Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings

ASME/ANSI B16.11 - 2001 - Forged Steel Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded

ASME/ANSI B16.14 - 1991 - Ferrous Pipe Plugs, Bushings and Locknuts with Pipe
Threads

ASME/ANSI B16.15 - 1985 (R1994) - Cast Bronze Threaded Fittings

ASME/ANSI B16.25 - 1997 - Buttwelding Ends

ASME/ANSI B16.36 - 1996 - Orifice Flanges etc.

III.

ASTM

International:

American

Society

for

Testing

and

Materials

This is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. It was
originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This is a reputed
scientific and technical organization that develops and publishes voluntary standards on the
basis of materials, products, systems and services. This is a trusted name for standards. The
standards covered by this organization covers various types of pipes, tubes and fittings,
especially made of metal, for high-temperature service, ordinary use and special applications
like fire protection. The ASTM standards are published in 16 sections consisting of 67
volumes.
IV.

AN:
Here,
"A"
stands
for
Army
and
"N"
stands
for
Navy
The AN standard was originally designed for the U.S. Military. Whenever, a pipe fitting is AN
fittings, it means that the fittings are measured on the outside diameter of the fittings, that is,
in 1/16 inch increments. For example, an AN 4 fitting means a fitting with an external
diameter of approximately 4/16" or ". It is to be noted that approximation is important
because AN external diameter is not a direct fit with an equivalent NPT thread.

V.

BSP:
British
Standard
Pipe
BSP is the U.K. standard for pipe fittings. This refers to a family of standard screw thread
types for interconnecting and sealing pipe ends by mating an external (male) with an internal
(female) thread. This has been adopted internationally. It is also known as British Standard
Pipe Taper threads (BSPT )or British Standard Pipe Parallel (Straight) threads (BSPP ).
While the BSPT achieves pressure tight joints by the threads alone, the BSPP requires a
sealing ring.

VI.

DIN:

Deutsches

Institut

fr

Normung

This refers to the industrial pipe, tube and fittings standards and specifications from the DIN,
Deutsches Institut fr Normung which in English means the German Institute for
Standardization. DIN is the German national organization for standardization and is ISO
member
body
for
that
country.
DIN
standard
designation
The designation of a DIN standard shows its origin where # symbolizes a number:
o

DIN # : Used for German standards having mainly domestic significance or designed
as the primary step toward international status.

DIN EN # : Used for the German edition of European standards.

DIN ISO # : Used for the German edition of ISO standards.

DIN EN ISO # : Used if the standard has also been adopted as a European standard.

VII.

Dash

(-)

size

Dash size is the standard used to refer to the inside diameter of a hose. This indicates the
size by a two digit number which represents the relative ID in sixteenths of an inch. This is
also used interchangeably with AN fittings. For example, a Dash "8" fitting means an AN 8
fitting.
A
standard
hose
guide
is
given
below:

VIII.

Hose Size In

Nominal ID Inch Dash Size

Standard Dash Size

1/4

3/16

-04

3/8

5/16

-06

1/2

13/32

-08

3/4

5/8

-12

7/8

-16

1 1/8

-20

Flanges:

Ratings

in

Classes

and

Pressure

Numbers

(PN)

150 300 600 900 1500 2500

Flange Class
Flange Pressure Number, PN

20

50 100 150

250

420

IX.
X.

ISO:

International

Organization

for

Standardization

ISO is the industrial pipe, tube and fittings standards and specifications from the International
Organization for Standardization. ISO standards are numbered. They have format as follows:
ISO[/IEC]
nnnnn:

[IS]

nnnnn[:yyyy]
standard

Title" where
number

yyyy:

year

published,

and

Title: describes the subject

XI.

JIS:

Japanese

Industrial

Standards

This is the Japanese industrial standards or the standards used for industrial activities in
Japan for pipe, tube and fittings and published through Japanese Standards Associations.
XII.

NPT:
National
Pipe
Thread
National Pipe Thread is a U.S. standard straight (NPS) threads or for tapered (NPT) threads.
This is the most popular US standard for pipe fittings. NPT fittings are based on the internal
diameter (ID) of the pipe fitting.

Pipe Fitting Selection Guide

Types

Selection Criteria

Pipe fittings are available in various shapes, sizes and materials. Used to connect pipes of different
lengths and sizes, these pipe fittings and flanges should make the right connections. Pipe and pipefittings are produced from a various materials for the transport of wide variety of solids and fluids.
The wrong pipe fittings can lead to many problems like:

leaks

unwanted flow restrictions and

extra cost

The proper pipe fittings and flanges let your equipment do the work that you intend it to do. The various types
of pipe fittings include adapters, bulkhead fittings, plugs, rigid couplings, flexible couplings, 90 degree elbows,
45 degree elbows, reducing elbows, flanges, nipples, concentric reducers, eccentric reducers, side outlet tees,
standard tees, reducing tees, bullhead tees, unions, standard wyes, reducing wyes and many more. You should
select the right fitting for your application among the wide range of fitting types and sizes offered.
Common points to consider:
The integrity of any fitting for proper functioning depends upon the following:

Selection of correct components or fittings appropriate for the application

Careful preparation and cleaning

Careful installation and assembly

Correct tightening and loading

Selecting Your Pipe Fittings:

The points to consider are as follows:

Consider the Tubing Used: For instance, barbed fittings work better in flexible tubing while
compression fittings work best with rigid tubing.

Determine Material Compatibility: Material selection plays a vital role in the proper working of
fittings. There are certain fluids which are not compatible with fitting material and these fittings cause
leakage or system damage. It is very essential to check the material compatibility of your fluid with any
chemicals.

Check Temperature and Pressure Conditions: Appropriate temperature and pressure ratings are
needed for proper operating conditions. It is necessary to know whether the fittings are capable of
performing at their maximum temperature and maximum pressure ratings because most fittings cannot
perform both the task simultaneously.

Some popular fitting types:

Barbed Fittings:
They slide into soft tubing. For low-pressure installations, tubing elasticity holds the tubing onto the fitting.

Threaded Pipe Fittings:

These are the most commonly used fittings based on certain standards. For instance, there are threaded
fittings of pipes in BSP (British Standard Pipe), NPT (National Pipe Taper), UNF (Unified Fine Thread) sizes
for permanent, high-pressure pipe connections.

Cam Fittings:
They are considered to be quick-disconnecting fittings which are used with pipes and hoses. For instance,
you can connect a female coupler to a male adapter and for a secure connection, pull down the arms. These
fittings are capable of withstanding high-pressure applications.

Quick Disconnect Fittings:

These fittings make and break tubing connections without separating tubing from fitting.

Chromatography Fittings:
These fittings are designed for HPLC and other high-pressure applications and they can withstand pressures
as high as 1000 psi.

Compression Fittings:
These fittings have a nut that compresses rigid tubing against fitting body and are mainly used for highpressure applications.

Pipe Thread Sizes:

This is a very important consideration for any pipe fitting. All pipes were manufactured with
specification of a standardized outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness which in turn implies that
the nominal pipe size is approximately equal to the inside diameter (ID). Nowadays, various thread
configurations are used. We give below an example of British Standard Pipe (BSP) fittings for
connecting systems that use both NPT and BSP thread configurations. The table shows a
comparison of these two thread styles.

Size

Threads per inch

NPT

BSP

1/8"

27

28

1/4"

18

19

3/8"

18

19

1/2"

14

14

3/4"

14

14

To sum up: Selection criteria for buyers:

Materials

Pressure Ratings

Design and operation

Safety information

Temperature

Buyer's assistance:
Before purchasing pipe fittings and flanges, certain questions need to be answered for that particular
pipe fitting and the manufacturer who is manufacturing that particular fitting. Some of these
questions are as follows:

Can it handle pressure?

Can it handle high temperature?

Does it have proven long-term performance?

Are the joints or seals reliable?

Can it be fitted properly?

Does it have confidence of manufacturers?

Can it withstand outdoor storage and ultraviolet rays?

Can it resist punctures and abrasion?

Does it have widespread approval and acceptance from inspectors and engineers?

Does it have quality and value?

The more the number of YES, the better is your product.

Pipe Fitting Specifications

For getting proper pipe fittings to be used in pipes of various sizes, certain specifications are to be known.
These specifications cover the following:

Specifications of Materials

Specifications of Size

Cleaning and care tips of pipe fittings

Pressure and Temperature Ratings

Specifications of Materials
Various materials having different standards are used to make various types of pipe fittings like elbows,
adapters, tees, flanges, etc. Some popular fabricated materials and specifications for pipe fittings are as
follows:

Nickel and Nickel Alloys: ASTM B-366, ASME SB-366, Nickel 200 & 201 (WPN & WPNL), Inconel
600 (WPNCI), Incoloy 800 (WPNIC), Incoloy 825 (WPNICMC), Monel 400 (WPNC), Alloy 20 (WP 20
CB), Hastelloy, C-276, C-4, C-22 etc.

Stainless Steel: ASTM A-403 and ASME SA-403, 304, 304L, 304H, 304N, 304LN, 316, 316N, 316LN,
309, 310, 317L, 321, 321H, 347 etc.

Chrome-molybdenum: ASTM A-234 & ASME SA-234,WP-5, WP-11, WP-9, WP-91, WP-22 etc.

Aluminum: ASTM B-361, 5083, 66061, 5086

Titanium: ASTM B-363 & ASME SB-363, WPT7, WPT12, WPT2

Other Materials:
o

Brass

Bronze

CPVC

EPDM

Fiberglass / Composite

Iron (Gray / Cast/ Ductile)

Elastomer

Neoprene

Nylon

Polyamide

Polyethylene (PE)

Polypropylene (PP)

PTFE

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Specifications of Size
To determine the usage of a pipe fitting, size is a very important criteria. Here, the main considerations are
inside diameter and outside diameter where the inside diameter (ID) has the fitting size matched to the inside
diameter of connecting line. The outside diameter (OD) has the fitting size matched to the outside diameter of
connecting line. Besides these, sizes also refer to

English / Fractional sizes: Measurement done in inches

Metric sizes: Units in mm/cm

Cleaning and care tips of pipe fittings:

In most of the pipe fitting systems, contamination is the leading cause of problems. This problem demands for
careful installation and regular maintenance so that the fittings can prevent any blockages or system
breakdown. Depending on the type of the pipe fitting, there are different cleaning methods.
For example, one of the caring tips for cleaning hose or tube assembly is that the hose and tube assemblies
should be blown out with filtered shop air or flushed and then should be blown out with a solvent which is
chemically compatible with the hose material. The ends of the hose / tube assembly should be capped or
plugged till the time the assembly is installed.
Pressure and Temperature Ratings:
Temperature and Pressure are the two important factors determining the safe and effective working of any
industrial pipe fitting. The range of temperature and pressure depends on the final application, the material
being used etc. There are various standards that are laid down in reference to the temperature and pressure
parameters. These are as follows:

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP): This is commonly used to define standard conditions for
temperature and pressure. These are important for the measurements and documentation of chemical
and physical processes.

Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP): This is defined as air at 20 degree C (293.15 K, 68
degree F) and 1 atm ( 101.325 kN/m2, 101.325 kPa, 14.7 psia, 0 psig, 29.92 in Hg, 760 torr). Density
is at 1.204 kg/m3 (0.075 pounds per cubic foot).

Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP): This refers to temperature at 25 deg C
(298.15 K) and pressure of 101 kPa.

International Standard Atmosphere (ISA): Defined to 101.325 kPa, 15 deg C and 0% humidity.

A pipe fitting published working pressure is the maximum pressure that the pipe should see while in service. A
fitting's published burst pressure is the value at which a brand new piece of pipe will fail during one time
pressure test.

Pipe Fittings Applications

Pipe and pipe fittings go hand-in hand. Just as pipes are used for a variety of residential, public and
industrial applications, so also the pipe fittings. No pipes can be connected without the use of proper
fittings and flanges. Pipe fittings allow pipes to be installed and connected or joined where necessary
and terminated in the right place.
Pipe fittings include a wide range of products in various shapes, sizes and materials. With rapid
developments in the field of industrial fittings and continuous research work in this industry, various
new products are manufactured. Some fittings have certain special features so that they can be
fabricated on different principles like hydraulics, pneumatic depending on the end usage. Fittings
include a comprehensive range of products depending on various applications in which they are
applied.

Categories of fittings
Fittings can be grouped in one of the following categories:

Fittings that extend or terminate pipe runs

o

Couplings

Adapters

Caps and Plugs

Fittings that change a pipe's direction

Elbows (ells)

Fittings that Connect two or more pipes

o

Reducers

Bushings

Flex couplings

Fitting reducers

Adapters

Applications of pipe fittings:

There is no end to applications of pipe fittings so long there is no end to the applications of pipes . While the list
of piping applications continues to expand, its strength, flexibility, very good flow rates and high chemical
resistance are qualities which are uniquely suited for the movement or transfer of liquids, steam, solids and air
from one point to another. With piping, pipe fittings have many other uses like as follows:

The transfer of extremely hazardous materials such as chemical and waste.

Protection of sensitive equipment from high pressures.

Protection from corrosion and other extreme weather conditions.

Resistance to household and industrial chemicals.

Considering the various purposes of pipe fittings, these pipe fittings are used in various industries like:

Chemical / Petrochemical

Municipal

Food, Beverage, and Dairy

Oil and Gas

Power

Process Instrumentation

Pulp and Paper

Semiconductor

Marine & dredging

Sanitation

Irrigation

Residential

Road & highway construction

Ventilation etc.

In all the above-mentioned industries pipes are used to transfer liquid, gas, slurries, and other solids
and fluids from one area to another and accordingly different categories of pipe fittings are used .
Thus, pipe fittings play a vital role for proper functioning of pipe and tubes in various applications.

Some photographs depicting the applications of different pipe fittings:

Q.1 What exactly do you mean by pipe fittings?

A. Pipe fittings are used to connect pipes. There are different varieties of pipe fittings made of various materials
and available in various shapes and sizes. Pipe adapters, couplings, elbows, tees, sleeves, flanges, bulkhead
fittings, reducers, valves etc. are all different types of pipe fittings.
Q.2 How are pipe fittings identified?
A. Pipe fittings are identified by their material of construction, inner and outer diameter of the pipe, and the type
of fitting whether threaded or slip, male or female.
Q.3 What is an elbow?
A. The elbow is a short length of pipe having a 90-degree bend. Elbow allows pipes to be connected securely
at both ends, providing a clean turn.
Q.4 What is the outside diameter (OD) of a 1" fitting?
A. The outside diameter (OD) of a fitting will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and it represents the
minimum wall thickness requirements for a given size.
Q.5 Are pipe fittings having a visible line in them, are cracked?
A. No. The noticeable line is not a crack. This you can test by trying to open the crack. If you are unable to
open it up by pulling on the part then that is knit-line which is an intrinsic part of the injection-molding process. A
knit-line will not impact the integrity of the pipe fitting.

Q.6 How are pipe fittings organized by male and female connectors?
A. There are four ways to consider for this:

Male threaded: Threads on the outside. They are made to screw into the inside of a larger diameter
pipe end with internal threading.

Female threaded: Threads are on the inside. They are made to receive male threaded pipe fittings.

Male slip fit: There are no threads. They are made to slip into a slightly larger female sleeve.

Female slip fit: There are no threads. They are made to receive a narrower male slip fit.

Q.7 What should I consider for buying pipe fittings?

A. Material, Size, Temperature and Pressure Ratings, Durability, Standards etc.
Q.8 Is it acceptable to change the design of a plastic fitting?
A. No. Fittings are manufactured as per stringent ASTM dimensional requirements.
Q.9 What are threaded fittings?
A. Most commonly used in steel fittings. Uses pipe dope or PTFE tape on the threads which when joined will
prevent leaks and corrosion. The fitting is female if the threads are on the interior. The fitting is male, if the
threads are on the exterior.
Q.10 What is a flange?
A. A flange is usually in the shape of a plate or ring which forms a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the
pipe.
Q.11 What is a standard used in pipe fittings?
A. Standards are certain authentication given in reference to manufacture and installation of the product . Some
common standards are BSP, NPT, ANSI, ASME etc.

Pipe Threads
Pipe Thread Standards

Types

When we talk about pipe fittings, it means that fittings are used to connect two or more pipes in two
wayseither by threads or by slip fit. While metal pipes are threaded, the plastic pipe can be
threaded or slip fit. A threaded pipe has screw-threaded ends for assembly or they screw together to
connect.
For pipe thread sizes, 14 NPT identifies a pipe thread with a nominal inside diameter of inch
and 14 threads to the inch and these threads are made according to the NPT standard. The pipe has
a left hand thread if LH is added. The pipe thread standards followed in US are:

NPT: American Standard Pipe Taper Thread

NPSC: American Standard Straight Coupling Pipe Thread

NPTR: American Standard Taper Railing Pipe Thread

NPSM: American Standard Straight Mechanical Pipe Thread

NPSL: American Standard Straight Locknut Pipe Thread

The word taper mentioned above refers to the difference between many pipe threads and those on
bolts and screws. Pipe threads not only a make mechanical joint but also a leak proof one. To do
this, the threads become shallower the farther they are from the end of the fitting or the pipe. The
bottoms of the threads taper. The taper is 1/16 inch in an inch.

Because of the taper, a pipe can only screw into a pipe fitting a little distance before it jams. The
standard represents this distance, the effective thread. The standard also represents another
distance, the engagement, which is the distance the pipe can be screwed in by hand, without much
effort. For workers, it is more easy to know how many turns to make by hand or with a wrench.

Types of threads:
Various threads available in pipe and pipe fittings are as follows:

Right-handed

or

Left-handed

Threads

Nearly all threads are oriented so that a bolt or nut or any fitting can be tightened. By turning
it in a clockwise direction, the item turned moves away from the viewer. And it is loosened by
turning anticlockwise when the item moves towards the viewer . This is known as a righthanded thread. Left-handed threads are oriented in the opposite direction. There are also
self-tapping screw threads where no nut or bolt is required.

Male

Threads

In male threads, the threads of the pipe are on the outside. Here, tapered pipe threads like
NPT, BSPT etc. are used sealing without gaskets.

Female

Threads

In female threads, the threads are on the inside. Here too,

like male threads, tapered pipe threads are used for sealing.

Male

Straight

Thread

Pipe threads like UNC, UNF, ASME, etc form Male Straight
Thread.

Female

Straight

Thread

Straight pipe threads like UNC, UNF, ASME, etc.

Plain

End

This is used to connect or insert into the bell end of the connecting pipe.

Bell

Socket

Flare

This represents the end length of increased diameter into which a pipe end can be fitted.

Flange
Flanges are used to connect fitting, via bolting or welding. There are basically two types of
flanges, circular and square.

Compression

Fitting

This represents compression nut and ferrule to connect to a mating pipe.

Pipe

Clamp

End

It is so designed so as to attached to run on pipe or other fitting.

Barb

Rib

This represents fitting ends to connect only non-rigid pipe or hose. It is sometimes used with
a clamped end.

Groove
This refers to the installation of a coupling feature like an o-ring or elastomeric seal.