Steel Pipes by Technology » Galvanized Steel Pipes & Tubes

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.