Pipe fittings connect, control, and redirect fluid flow in industrial piping networks. These components maintain system integrity across pressure ranges from vacuum to 10,000 psi and temperatures from -200°C to 800°C, available in sizes from 1/8″ to 120″ diameters.
Key Performance Characteristics
- Pressure Ratings: ANSI Class 150-2500 standards
- Materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloys, plastics
- Connection Types: Threaded, welded, flanged, grooved
- Flow Efficiency: Low turbulence designs with minimal pressure drop
Primary Fitting Categories
1. Connection Fittings
- Elbows: 45°/90° turns (LR/SR patterns)
- Tees: Equal/unequal flow division
- Couplings: Pipe-to-pipe connections
2. Branch Fittings
- Laterals: 45° branch connections
- Crosses: Four-way intersections
- Wyes: Y-shaped branch divisions
3. Size Transition Fittings
- Reducers: Concentric/eccentric diameter changes
- Swages: Precision diameter transitions
- Bushings: Thread size adapters
Technical Specifications
| Type | Size Range | Pressure Class | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow | ½”-48″ | Class 300 | A234 WPB |
| Tee | ¼”-36″ | Class 600 | A403 316L |
| Reducer | 1″-24″ | Class 900 | A420 WPL6 |
Material Selection Guide
- Carbon Steel
- Standard industrial applications
- ASTM A234 WPB grade
- -29°C to 425°C service
- Stainless Steel
- Corrosive environments
- ASTM A403 316/316L
- Cryogenic to 800°C range
- Alloy Materials
- High-temperature service
- ASTM A234 WP5/WP9
- Up to 650°C capability
Connection Methods
1. Welded Joints
- Butt-weld: High integrity connections
- Socket-weld: Smaller diameter pipes
- Fillet-weld: Structural applications
2. Mechanical Joints
- Threaded: NPT/BSPT standards
- Flanged: ASME B16.5/B16.47
- Grooved: Quick assembly systems
Industry Applications
1. Oil & Gas
- API 5L compliant fittings
- Full penetration welds
- Corrosion-resistant coatings
2. Chemical Processing
- Lined fittings (PTFE/PFA)
- High-purity surface finishes
- Seamless construction
3. Power Generation
- High-pressure steam service
- Chromium-molybdenum alloys
- NDE tested components
Selection Criteria
- System Requirements
- Design pressure/temperature
- Flow characteristics
- Shock/vibration factors
- Fluid Properties
- Corrosiveness
- Abrasive content
- Phase (gas/liquid/solid)
- Installation Factors
- Space constraints
- Maintenance access
- Future expansion
Installation Guidelines
- Follow proper alignment procedures
- Use correct gasket materials
- Apply appropriate torque values
- Allow for thermal expansion
Maintenance Protocol
Quarterly:
- Inspect for external corrosion
- Check joint integrity
- Verify support conditions
Biennially:
- Ultrasonic thickness testing
- Gasket replacement
- Bolted joint retorquing
