What are pipe fittings used for?
The obvious answer is that piping systems require pipe fittings. Whether it is to change the direction of the flow of liquid, gas, steam or solids, or to connect pipes of differing sizes; whether it is to change the diameter of the pipe or to branch the flow from one pipe into multiple pipes. Whatever you requirements, you are going to need some type of pipe fittings.
Where are they used?
Pipes – and therefore pipe fittings – are used everywhere – everywhere you look, everywhere you go – in a million different applications in a million different situations. In residential properties, public properties and across the board in industry, from energy and the pharmaceutical industry to food and drink production to pulp and paper. Added to which, the list of applications is expanding all the time as more and more processes require pipes and pipe fittings that are strong and flexible, that offer good flow rates and excellent resistance to chemicals.
Why are they used?
Pipes and pipe fittings can be used in the following ways:
* To transfer hazardous chemical and waste materials
* To protect sensitive equipment from especially high pressures
* To offer protection from other extreme weather conditions and from corrosion
* To offer resistance to industrial and household chemicals
Pipes cannot be connected together without the correct use of the right fittings and flanges. Using the right pipe fittings means that pipes can be installed and connected or joined together where
required, as well as terminated in exactly the right place. Pipe fittings come in all shapes and sizes and are made from all kinds of materials, with new products being developed and manufactured all the time.
What kind of pipe fittings are there?
There are a wide range of fittings, again depending on the ultimate application of the pipe system. Also, certain pipe fittings might have special features in order that they may be fabricated
according to various principles such as hydraulics or pneumatics, depending again, on the application.
Some of the most common pipe fittings available are:
Flanges
A flange is just one method of connecting pipes, pumps, valves and so on. Usually they are screwed together and flange joints are made when two flanges are bolted together, a gasket between them creating a seal. Flanges can be made of everything from cast iron to plastic, with the most popular material being forged carbon steel. Flanges ensure easy access when it comes to time for cleaning, inspection or modification. They can also make the welding of pipe spools unnecessary.
Butt welds
As the name suggests, butt weld pipe fittings are welded together and are usually made of stainless steel, alloy steel, copper alloy, duplex steel nickel alloy, carbon steel or other materials. Butt weld fittings generally require anything between 10 and 75% less material than a flange fitting, resulting in sometimes considerably lower weight and costs of materials. They also allow for greater freedom in layout design and provide for optimum flow.
High pressure fittings
These are quality engineered and crafted specifically for high pressure applications. High pressure fittings are highly adaptable and come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, configurations and materials
Camlocks
Also known as cam and groove couplings, camlock pipe fittings enable quick connection and disconnection of pipework. Created to cater for gases, liquids, powders, granules and vapours, camlocks come in a variety of materials, from stainless steel and aluminium to brass and polypropylene.
If you need any help or advice with your choice of pipes and pipe fittings, give Arc Alloys a call on 01384 79695 or E-mail: sales@arcalloys.com