Pipe Fittings , Flanges, Valves and Other Pipe Accessories

Various pipe accessories such as pipe fittings, flanges and valves play a vital and important role in the operation of water treatment plants. Their role in facilitating maintenance and isolating problem areas is not to be underestimated. Therefore, it is important to understand the different types and their uses, which makes it easier to choose the right accessories.

What are Pipe Fittings

Pipe fittings are used to connect pipes, change the direction of flow, or change the diameter of the pipe. Depending on the shapes and uses, pipe fittings include elbows (45 degrees or 90 degrees), hubs, crosses, couplings, end caps, and joints.

Types of Pipe Fittings

Pipe fittings include many different types to suit different applications and requirements. Some of the common types are:

Butt weld pipe fittings

These fittings are used to weld pipes together. The common materials are carbon steel or stainless steel. Because the weld connection is strong and leak-proof, butt welded steel pipe fittings can be used in various industrial applications, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature scenes.

Forged steel pipe fittings

These fittings are made by heating a piece of steel and hammering it. The production process makes these fittings more durable and strong than cast fittings. They typically have a thicker wall thickness and can withstand higher pressure and temperatures than other types of pipe fittings. Because the costs are higher, forged pipe fittings are only used in high-pressure or high-temperature piping systems. They are not used in large-sized pipelines. The sizes are usually from 1/4 inch to 6 inches. Depending on the material, there are carbon steel forged pipe fittings and stainless steel pipe fittings.

150 lb stainless steel pipe fittings

These stainless steel pipe fittings are threaded fittings. They connect to the pipes with threads without welding. These fittings can be used in piping systems such as plumbing systems where the pressure is less than 150 psi, which require corrosion resistance.

Malleable iron pipe fittings

These fittings are made from a type of malleable cast iron, which can be easily shaped and formed. They are commonly used in plumbing systems and other applications where strength and durability are required. Similar to 150 psi stainless steel pipe fittings, malleable iron pipe fittings also come with threads for easy installation.

Ductile iron pipe fittings

Ductile iron has a fine structure that makes it more durable, strong and flexible. Malleable iron fittings can be used in oil, water, gas systems, etc.

Video explaining the importance of a type of pipe fittings

Flanges

A flange has a central hole and some bolt holes around it. It is usually used to connect pipes to pipes, valves or other equipment. One end is usually welded or bolted to the pipe and the other end is connected to the equipment using bolts. The size is usually from 1 to 24 inches.

Types of Flanges

According to the connection types, there are weld neck type, slip-on type, socket weld type, threaded type, cross-joint type, concealed type, support flange, concealed flange for glasses and so on.

Weld Neck Flange:

This type of flange has a neck for welding the pipes. It can withstand high pressure and has good leak-proof performance. It is widely used in various applications.

Slip-On Flange

This flange slides over the end of the pipe or fitting and is then welded in place. It is easier to align and install than weld neck flange. However, the pressure tolerance is not as good as the weld neck flange.

Socket Weld Flange

This type of flange has a socket end, insert the pipe end into the socket end and weld the pipe to the top of the flange. This type of flange is usually used for small sized high pressure pipes.

Threaded Flange

This flange has threads that allow it to be attached to the pipe or fitting. It is usually used in low pressure applications.

Lap Joint Flange

This type of flange has two parts, a short end fitting and a support flange. The flange slides over the short end and welds the short end to the end of the pipe. This allows the flange to be moved around the pipe. It is often used in applications that require frequent disassembly.

Blind Flange

This flange does not have a center hole, it is used to seal the pipe.

Spectacle Blind Flange

This type of flange looks like a figure 8, it consists of two pieces of flange, one blind and one recessed, and the two pieces are connected together with a metal strip. It is usually cut from a single piece of sheet metal. It can be rotated to prevent or allow flow through the pipe for easy maintenance.

Video explaining the different types of flanges

Valves

Valves are used to control the flow in piping systems. Some can stop or allow the flow such as a gate valve or butterfly valve, some can control the flow rate such as a ball valve, some can maintain the flow of the medium in one direction such as a check valve or flow control valve, and some can control the pressure in a system such as a pressure relief valve. Different valves are used in different applications based on different requirements and environments.

In the CareWater blog, you will find many articles about the different types of valves and the uses of each type.

Pipe Nipples and Fittings

Pipe nipples and fittings are used to connect two pipes together. They are made of pipes, cutting the pipes into short sizes, and making threads on one or both ends according to different requirements. Short pipes with male threads are called pipe nipples, with female threads are called couplings. They are also of different types, such as hose nipples, hex nipples, barrel nipples, closed nipples, full couplings, half couplings and reducing couplings.

Pipe Hangers and Clamps

Pipe clamps are used to support and secure pipes to walls, ceilings, or other structures. They come in a variety of designs, including adjustable clamps, swivel ring clamps, split ring clamps, etc. Pipe clamps can connect pipes or other equipment without the need for welding or threading. Pipe clamps usually come with steel casings and rubber seals. There are many types of pipe clamps, such as hose clamps, heavy duty clamps, pipe repair clamps, no-hub pipe clamps, U-bolt pipe clamps, etc. We can provide different types of pipe clamps.