Steel fittings and their classification

When laying pipelines, it is often necessary to change the direction of the pipeline or connect pipes of different sizes to each other. In such cases, fittings play an important role in the reliability and safety of pipe connections. You can’t do without them in places of branching, turns, when moving to a different diameter. They are also indispensable for frequent assembly and disassembly of the pipeline.

A fitting is a hollow, threaded or unthreaded piece that allows pipes to be joined together. There are many options for this rental on the market:

Squares

This type of fitting is used when a piping system needs to be redirected. They have a 45 or 90 degree bend. The part is available in several diameters and has a thread for connection. The most striking example of the use of squares in the house is the shower element, which protrudes from the wall and connects to the shower head.

Tees and Crosses

This type of fitting is in demand when installing various kinds of branches in a pipe system. The names of such fittings fully reflect their basic design:

• Tees have one inlet and two outlets (or vice versa) that are oriented at 90 and 45 degrees to each other, respectively.
• The cross has one entrance and three exits (or vice versa) located at an angle of 90 degrees to each other.

Couplings

Commonly available in a variety of sizes and designs. Their main function is to connect two pieces of pipe. Couplings are of a permanent design and are often welded or installed using a set of bolts and nuts.

Compression fittings

A popular type of fitting in everyday life. They consist of three elements: a body, a nut and an o-ring. The tight fit of the sealant to the junction of the pipes is the basic principle of operation of such a fitting. Such accessories do not require thermal or chemical treatment and are in demand in many industrial areas. In everyday life, this method of connecting pipes is also popular and is often used in bathrooms and when installing faucets.

Caps and plugs

They perform the same function, but they work differently. The cap passes inside the pipe, creating a dead end at its end. Plugs also clog a pipe or system, but are installed in the same way as a plug from the outside.

Valves

They are also classified as fittings, but are often separated into a separate category due to the complexity of their design and variety of shapes. The main purpose is to control the flow of liquid and gaseous substances through the system. Some valve options are used for temperature control. The most common types of valves are butterfly valves, gate valves, shut-off valves and ball valves. Basin and bath faucets are among the highlights of these products.

One of the main selection criteria for a fitting is its compatibility with the material of the rest of the pipe or system. The most commonly used raw materials for their production are copper, steel, brass and plastic.