What Is Pipe Fittings – The Ultimate Guide

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What Is Pipe Fittings – The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Butt weld fittings

Pipe fittings can be made from various materials, including metals such as steel, brass, and copper, as well as plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride). The choice of material depends on factors such as the type of fluid being transported, the operating conditions, and the cost considerations. Proper selection and installation of pipe fittings are critical for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of piping systems.

What is Pipe Fittings?

Pipe fittings are components used to connect, control, divert, or adapt the flow of fluids (liquids or gases) within a piping system. They are essential for ensuring the proper functioning and integrity of pipelines in various industries such as plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment. Pipe fittings come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different applications and requirements.

Forged Pipe Fittings

Forged fittings are components used in piping systems that are manufactured through the process of forging. This manufacturing method involves shaping metal using localized compressive forces, typically achieved by applying heat and pressure. Forged fittings are produced from solid blocks of metal, which are heated to a malleable temperature and then shaped into the desired form using mechanical force.

These fittings are commonly used to connect pipes, change the direction of flow, or adapt pipe sizes in various industrial applications. They are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to mechanical stresses, making them suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature environments.

Forged fittings are available in different shapes, sizes, and configurations to suit different piping requirements. Common types of forged fittings include elbows, tees, couplings, unions, crosses, caps, plugs, and reducers. They are typically made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or other special alloys, chosen based on factors such as the application, operating conditions, and required mechanical properties.

Types of Forged Pipe Fittings

FORGED PIPE FITTINGS SOCKET WELD 3000-6000 Lbs 1/2"~5"

FORGED PIPE FITTINGS THREADED 2000-3000-6000 Lbs 1/2"~4"

StandardTypeClass Rating/ScheduleEndsSizeSize
ASME B16.1190°Elbow/ 45°Elbow/ Tee/ Cross2000LBThreaded1/4”~4”1/4”~4”
90°Elbow/ 45°Elbow/ Tee/ Cross/
Pipe /Cap/ Half Coupling/Full Coupling
3000LB/6000LBThreaded1/4”~4”1/4”~4”
Socket-welding1/8”~4”1/8”~4”
90°Elbow/ 45°Elbow/ Tee/ Cross/
Half  Coupling/Full Coupling
9000LBSocket-welding1/2”~2”1/2”~2”
Street Elbow3000LBThreaded1/8”~2”1/8”~2”
6000LBThreaded1/8”~1-1/2”1/8”~1-1/2”
Lateral Tee3000LBSocket-welding1/4”~2”1/4”~2”
6000LB1/2”~1-1/2”1/2”~1-1/2”
3000LBThreaded3/8”~2‘’3/8”~2‘’
6000LB1/2”~2”1/2”~2”
9000LB1/2”~1-1/2”1/2”~1-1/2”
Flush Bushing/Hex Bushing/
Hex  Plug/Round Plug/Square Plug
3000LB/6000LBThreaded1/8”~4”1/8”~4”
MSS SP79Reducer Inserts3000LB/6000LB/9000LBSocket-welding3/8‘’x1/4”~2×1/2”3/8‘’x1/4”~2×1/2”
MSS SP83Union3000LBSocket-welding/Threaded1/8”~3”1/8”~3”
MSS SP95Concentric/Eccentric Swaged Nipples
  Bull Plugs
See Below Note11/4‘’~12”1/4‘’~12”
Threaded1/8”~12”1/8”~12”
MSS SP97WeldoletSTD, XS, Sch 160/XXSButt-welding1/8”~36‘’ or larger1/8”~36‘’ or larger
Sockolet3000LB/6000LBSocket-welding1/8”~6”1/8”~6”
Threadolet3000LB/6000LBThreaded1/8”~6”1/8”~6”
NipoletXS/XXSPlain/Threaded1/2”~2”1/2”~2”
Elbolet3000LB/6000LBSocket-welding/Threaded1/4”~2”1/4”~2”
STD/XS/160/XXSButt-welding1/4”~2-1/2” or larger1/4”~2-1/2” or larger
Latrolet3000LB/6000LBSocket-welding/Threaded1/2”~2”1/2”~2”
STD/XS/160/XXSButt-welding1/2”~2-1/2”1/2”~2-1/2”
Flangolet,Nipolet,Sweepolet,etc.
 available as per client’s demands.
BS 3799Hex Nipple3000LB/6000LBThreaded1/8”~2”x1/2”1/8”~2”x1/2”
Bosses3000LBThreaded1/8”~2”1/8”~2”
6000LBThreaded1/8”~4”1/8”~4”
Pipe Nipple40/STD/80/XS /160/XXSSee Below Note11/8”~6”1/8”~6”

 

Here’s a closer look at forged fittings:

  1. Manufacturing Process: Forged fittings are produced by shaping metal using localized compressive forces. This is achieved by applying heat to the metal and then hammering or pressing it into the desired shape. The forging process improves the strength and mechanical properties of the fittings compared to fittings produced through casting or machining processes.

  2. Materials: Forged fittings are typically made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or other special alloys. The choice of material depends on factors such as the application, operating conditions, and required mechanical properties.

  3. Types of Forged Fittings: There are various types of forged fittings, including elbows, tees, couplings, unions, crosses, caps, plugs, and reducers. These fittings come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations to suit different piping requirements.

  4. Classes and Pressure Ratings: Forged fittings are classified into different pressure classes based on their pressure ratings, which indicate the maximum pressure that the fittings can withstand. Common pressure classes include 2000, 3000, 6000, and 9000. The pressure class of a fitting depends on factors such as its material, size, and design.

  5. Threaded and Socket-Weld Fittings: Forged fittings are available in threaded and socket-weld configurations. Threaded fittings have tapered threads on the inside or outside of the fitting, allowing them to be screwed onto the end of a pipe or another fitting. Socket-weld fittings have a recessed area (socket) into which the pipe is inserted and welded for a secure connection.

  6. Applications: Forged fittings are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, and water treatment. They are suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive environments where reliable and leak-free connections are essential.

  7. Advantages: Forged fittings offer several advantages over fittings produced through other manufacturing processes. They have superior strength, durability, and resistance to mechanical stresses, making them ideal for demanding applications. Additionally, forged fittings provide a tight and leak-proof seal, ensuring the integrity and safety of the piping system.

Wrought Steel Butt-Welding Fittings

Wrought steel butt-welding fittings are components used in piping systems for connecting pipes of similar or different sizes together. These fittings are typically made from wrought steel, which means they are shaped by forging or bending rather than casting. The term “butt-welding” refers to the method of joining the fittings to the pipes, where the ends of the pipes and fittings are beveled and then welded together. This welding method creates a strong, leak-proof connection suitable for various applications in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, and more. Butt-welding fittings come in various shapes and sizes, including elbows, tees, reducers, caps, and crosses, and they are designed to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature conditions commonly encountered in industrial piping systems.

Types of Wrought Steel Butt-Welding Fittings

Wrought Steel Butt-Welding Fittings 1/2"-48" SCH5S-SCHXXS

StandardTypeSizeWall thickness
ASME B16.9Long Radius Elbows,Long Radius Reducing Elbows,  
Long Radius Returns,Short Radius Elbows,
Short  Radius 180 -deg Rerurns,
3D elbows,Straight Tees, 
Straight Crosses,Reducing Outlet Tees,
Reducing  Outlet Crosses,
Lap Joint Stub Ends,Caps,Reducers
1/2″-48″ :SCH5S-SCHXXS
ASME B16.28Short Radius Elbows,Short Radius 180-deg Returns1/2″-24″ SCH5S-SCHXXS
ASME B16.4930° 45° 60° 90° Long Radius Short Radius Bend1/8″-12″ SCH5S-SCHXXS
MSS-SP43Long Radius Elbows,Straight and Reducing-on-the-Outlet Tees,Lap Joint Stub Ends,Caps,
Long Radius  180 Degree Returns,
Concentric Reducers,Eccentric  Reducers
1/2″-24″ SCH5S-SCHXXS
MSS-SP75Long Radius Elbows,3R Elbows,Straight Tees,
Reducing  Outlet Tees,Caps,Reducers
16″-60″ SCH5S-SCHXXS
ISO, DIN, JISAll Kind of Buttwelding Products 
or As Per Client’s Drawing
As Per Client’s Drawing

Here’s a breakdown of what they are:

  1. Material: Wrought steel butt-welding fittings are made from wrought steel, which is a type of carbon steel known for its malleability and strength. Wrought steel is formed by shaping the metal while it’s still in a semi-solid state, typically through processes like forging or rolling.

  2. Butt-Welding: The term “butt-welding” refers to the method of joining fittings to pipes. Butt-welding involves welding the fitting directly to the end of a pipe by heating both the fitting and the pipe end and then pressing them together to create a permanent, leak-proof seal. This welding method provides a strong and smooth connection, making it suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

  3. Types of Fittings: Wrought steel butt-welding fittings come in a variety of types to accommodate different piping needs. Common types of fittings include elbows, tees, reducers, caps, and crosses. These fittings are available in various sizes, schedules (wall thickness), and configurations to suit the specific requirements of the piping system.

  4. Standards and Specifications: Wrought steel butt-welding fittings are manufactured according to various industry standards and specifications, such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards. These standards define the dimensions, materials, testing methods, and other requirements for ensuring the quality and performance of the fittings.

  5. Applications: Wrought steel butt-welding fittings are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, water treatment, and HVAC. They are typically used in applications where high pressure, high temperature, or corrosive conditions are present, as they provide a reliable and durable solution for connecting piping components.

  6. Advantages: Wrought steel butt-welding fittings offer several advantages, including strength, reliability, and resistance to leakage. The butt-welding method creates a seamless connection between the fitting and the pipe, minimizing the risk of leaks or weak points in the piping system. Additionally, the use of wrought steel ensures durability and longevity, even in harsh operating environments.

Standards and Materials

Butt weld fittings

Forged Pipe Fittings Material Grade

Nickel AlloyASTM / ASME B/SB 564UNS N02200 (NICKEL 200), UNS N04400 (MONEL  400), 
UNS N08825 (INCOLOY825), UNS N06600 (INCONEL 600),
 UNS 6601  (INCONEL 601), UNS N06625 (INCONEL 625), 
UNS N10276 ( HASTELLOY C  276),  
ASTM / ASME B/SB 472UNS N08020 ( ALLOY20 / 20CB3)
ASTM / ASME B/SB 160UNS N02201 (NICKEL 201) 
Copper AlloyASTM / ASME B/SB 151C 70600 ( CU -NI- 90/10), C 71500 ( CU -NI- 70/30)
Stainless SteelASTM / ASME A/SA 182 F 304, 304L, 304H, 309H, 310H, 316, 316H,
316L, 316LN, 317, 317L, 321, 321H, 347, 347H.
Duplex and Super Duplex SteelASTM / ASME A/SA 182 F44, F45, F51, F53, F55, F60, F904L.
Carbon SteelASTM / ASME A/SA 105 (N)
Low Temp Carbon SteelASTM / ASME A/SA 350LF 2
High Yield Carbon SteelASTM / ASME A/SA694F52, F56, F60, F65, F70
Alloy SteelASTM / ASME A182GR F5, F9, F11, F12, F22, F91.
TitaniumASME ASTM SB/B381Grade 2, Grade 5, Grade 7

Wrought Steel Butt-Welding Fittings Material Grade


Nickel Alloy
ASTM/ASME SB 366 Alloy 200/UNS N02200, Alloy 800HT/
Incoloy 800HT/UNS N08811,
Alloy 400/Monel 400/UNS  N04400,
WP904L/UNS N08904, Alloy 800/Incoloy 800/UNS
N08800, Alloy C-2000/UNS N06200,
 Alloy 925/Incoloy  925/UNS N09925,
Alloy C-22/UNS N06022, Alloy 201/UNS
N02201, Alloy C-276/Hastelloy C-276/UNS N10276,
Alloy 625/UNS N06625, Nimonic 80A/Nickel Alloy 80A/UNS  N07080,
 Alloy K-500/Monel K-500, Alloy 20/UNS N08020,
Alloy 800H/Incoloy 800H/UNS N08810,
Alloy 600/Inconel  600/UNS N06600,
Alloy 31/UNS N08031,Alloy 825/Incoloy
825/UNS N08825,Alloy 20/N08020
Carbon SteelASTM/ASME SA 234 WPB
Low Alloy SteelASTM/ASME SA 234 WP91, WP11, WP22, WP9
Low Temp Carbon steelASTM/ASME SA420 WPL3-WPL 6
Duplex and Super Duplex SteelASTM/ASME SA 815 WPS31803, WPS32205, WPS32750,  WPS32760, WPS32550
Stainless SteelASTM/ASME SA403 WP 304, WP 304L, WP 304H, WP 304LN,
WP 304N, WP 316, WP 316L, WP 316H,
WP 316LN, WP 316N, WP 316Ti, WP 321,
WP 321H, WP 347, WP 347H
High Strength Ferritic SteelASTM/ASME SA 860 WPHY 42, WPHY 46, WPHY 52,
WPHY 60, WPHY 65, WPHY 70
TitaniumASTM/ASME SB337 Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 11, Grade 12
Cu Ni AlloyASTM/ASME SB 466 UNS C70600 Cu/Ni 90/10

Conclusion

Pipe fittings can be made from various materials, including metals such as steel, brass, and copper, as well as plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride). The choice of material depends on factors such as the type of fluid being transported, the operating conditions, and the cost considerations. Proper selection and installation of pipe fittings are critical for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of piping systems.

FAQs

Pipe fittings are typically sized based on nominal pipe size (NPS) or outside diameter (OD) for pipes with a constant wall thickness. The fittings must match the size and specifications of the pipes they are connecting to ensure a proper fit and seal.

Threaded pipe fittings have threads on their interior or exterior surfaces, allowing them to be screwed onto corresponding threaded pipes. Non-threaded fittings, also known as slip-on or socket weld fittings, require welding, soldering, or gluing to connect them to pipes.

Consider factors such as the type of fluid or gas being transported, operating pressure and temperature, pipe material, connection method (threaded, welded, glued), space constraints, and any applicable building codes or regulations.

Proper installation techniques, including cleaning and deburring pipe ends, applying appropriate sealants or thread tape (for threaded fittings), and using compatible materials and fittings for the intended application, are essential for creating leak-proof connections.

Pipe Fittings SSM can provide

As a manufacturer of pipe fittings, we adhere to a wide range of international standards, including ASME B16.9, ASME B16.28, ASME B16.49, MSS-SP43, MSS-SP75, ISO, DIN, and JJS. Our product offerings cover a comprehensive selection of materials to meet various industry needs.

We also produce a wide range of products compliant with industry standards such as ASME B16.11, MSS SP79, MSS SP83, MSS SP95, MSS SP97, and BS 3799. Our forging capabilities cover various materials to meet diverse industry requirements.

We offer forging solutions in materials including Nickel Alloy, Copper Alloy, Stainless Steel, Duplex and Super Duplex Steel, Carbon Steel, Low-Temperature Carbon Steel, High-Yield Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Titanium. This extensive range allows us to cater to a broad spectrum of industries and applications, providing solutions that are both reliable and versatile.

With our commitment to quality, precision engineering, and customer satisfaction, we aim to be your trusted partner in supplying top-notch forged products that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Let us help you find the perfect forging solution for your specific needs.

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