Buttweld
pipe fittings can be defined as those pipe fittings which make the
piping systems workable, enhance their utility, and are usually attached
to them through a process called butt welding. These fittings provide
the flexibility in using pipes and tubes by enabling activities like
changing the direction of pipeline, joining multiple pipes, accelerating
liquid flow, preventing air-blockades, and so. Nowadays, various types
of buttweld fittings are available in the market, which provide simple
and advanced functionality. Some of these buttweld pipe fittings are as
mentioned under:
1)
Pipe Elbows: The function of an elbow fitting is basically to
provide a bend to a running pipeline. The bend may be abrupt or smooth,
depending upon the type of elbow fitting in use. The primary types of
pipe elbows in use these days are:
- Forty-five Degree (45°) Elbow
- Ninety Degree (90°) Elbow
- One-eighty Degree (180°) Elbow
The above mentioned pipe elbows are also available in two basic
varieties, viz., long radius elbows and short radius elbows. But, the
difference between these elbow fittings is of degree and not of kind.
All these perform more or less the same function, but the intensity
differs according to the elbow used. Each of these fittings are capable
enough to bear high pressures and harsh conditions. Pipe elbows are
often used in industries like fertilizers, chemical, cement, power
generation, petrochemicals, etc., for multiple applications.
2) Pipe Tees: Pipe tee, as the name suggests is a 'T' shaped
pipe fitting having two ends at ninety degree (90°) angle, and one
end is in the center position. It is a very purposeful and one of the
most used varieties of buttweld pipe fittings. These fittings are used
in industries like petroleum, refining, marine, power generation, gas
distribution, and so. These tees are fabricated from various materials,
which mainly include stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel, cast iron,
brass, bronze, plastic, to name a few. There are basically two types of
pipe tee fittings that are used across various industries. The same are
as mentioned under:
Equal
Tee: Equal tees are named so, because in them all the three ends
are of the same size. These fittings are considered ideal for
installing piping systems in confined spaces. They are really
efficient and can bear high pressure with comfort. Equal tees come
in various finishes, grades, and dimensions, to suit diverse
requirements.
Unequal
Tee: The most noticeable difference between unequal and equal
tees is that of their very appearance. While all the three ends of
the equal tee are of the same size, this is not the case with
unequal tee fittings. In unequal tee, two ends are similar in size
while the third one (i.e., center positioned end) is of different
size. Also, the tensile strength of unequal tees is comparatively
more.
3) Pipe Reducers: Pipe reducer is a buttweld pipe fitting
which is basically used for joining two pipes of different diameters.
This fitting is quite unique and advantageous, as the purpose it
fulfills can be achieved by no other fitting. This pipe fitting makes it
possible to increase or decrease the size of a running pipeline by
joining a large diameter pipe to a small one, and vice-versa. Pipe
reducers are generally designed to withstand high pressure applications
like in chemical plants and power plants. They are commonly fabricated
from materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy titanium,
nickel, and brass. The two basic varieties of pipe reducers are given
below:
Concentric
Reducers: These reducers are intended to join two pipes or tubes
at the same axis. Concentric reducers facilitate an in-line conical
transition between pressurized pipes of varied diameters. These
reducers are primarily found in two types of constructions, viz.,
seamless (one-piece) and seam-welded. These reducers are widely used
in water treatment plants and chemical plants for joining pipes,
carrying liquids like slurry and abrasives.
Eccentric
Reducers: Also known as bell reducer, an eccentric reducer
possesses two inside (female) threads of distinct sizes with its
centers designed in such a manner that when they are joined with a
pipeline at both ends, the pipeline at both sides of the reducer
becomes dissimilar in level. It helps in getting optimum drainage
through the pipeline. These reducers also prevent air-blockades.
4)
Lap-Joint Stub-Bend: Lap-joint stub-bend, also known as lap-joint,
is a really utilitarian buttweld fitting that is commonly used in
applications where there is a need of rotating back up flanges. It is
also used for giving a steep bend to a conduit. These are usually
fabricated from superior grade materials. Lap-joints are known for their
dimensional accuracy and durability. This pipe fitting is widely used in
diversified industries like distilleries, petrochemicals, cement, and
so.
5)
End Cap: End cap is a buttweld pipe fitting that is primarily meant
for closing or sealing the end(s) of a pipeline. This particular fitting
is put over the open mouth of a conduit and welded there to provide a
leak-proof seal. Some advanced end-caps also help in releasing the
blocked or trapped air from the piping systems. Nowadays, these caps are
also used in various industries for sealing hydraulic, pneumatic, and
other pipes.
