Pipe Fittings Types & Flow Changes

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Pipe Fittings Part - 1

In this module, we will learn about different types of pipe fittings such as:

• Sweat fitting,
• ProPress fitting,
• T fitting, and
• Y fitting

We will also learn about flow changes that occur inside pipe fittings.

Sweat Fittings

Sweating is a type of fitting used to connect pipes. It utilizes a connector to attach two pipes using heat.

Proper preparation of the pipe surface is essential before connecting two pipes using a connector. You need to:

• Remove rust using sandpaper, and
• Remove burrs using a deburring tool.

After preparing the pipe surface, attach the connector to join the pipes. The connector is a copper tube that connects one pipe to another.

A connector can be a straight copper piece to increase the length of the pipe or have a 90-degree bend to change the flow direction in a plumbing system.

Sweating resembles the soldering process, where two metals are joined by melting the solder. It requires heating the ends of the copper pipes that need to be joined.

Recall that metal can corrode, which may cause leakage in pipes. Flux is a chemical used in the soldering process for cleaning the pipe and preventing corrosion.

When heating the metals to a high temperature, apply the solder. The melting point of the solder is lower than that of the metal pipe, allowing the solder to melt and adhere to the pipe surface.

After removing burrs and rust, check if the copper piping and connector fit together before applying flux. Use a small paintbrush to apply a thin layer of flux to the ends of your pipes and the inside of the connector.

Heat the assembly using a soldering torch. Hold the torch about 2 inches away from the assembly for 10 to 20 seconds to warm it up. As the flux melts and begins to smoke, the pipe is ready for soldering.

Apply solder metal to the junction of the connector and piping. The solder will melt and bond the two metals together.

ProPress Fittings

ProPress is a type of fitting used to connect two pipes without the need for soldering, brazing, threading, or welding. The ProPress fitting has an O-ring inside, which seals the piping when the fitting is compressed. This O-ring is a rubber piece located in a groove in the ProPress fitting.

A ProPress tool is used to compress the fitting, squeezing the O-ring between the two surfaces of the pipes. This ensures a secure attachment.

Proper preparation of the surface is necessary to prevent damage to the O-ring. Use a deburring tool to smooth the edges of the pipe before inserting the ProPress fitting, which needs to be fully inserted to ensure correct depth.

When you insert the fitting onto the tubing end, ensure that it does not slide past the mark indicating the proper depth. Once the tool compresses the fitting on the pipe, remove it and visually inspect the joint to verify that all joints have been firmly attached.

T Fitting

A tee fitting is used to connect pipes in a T-shape. It has one inlet and two outlets, with the outlets arranged at 90 degrees to the main line connection. T fittings are commonly used to connect pipes at right angles.

Tees come in various sizes and shapes, including equal and unequal lengths. The equal tee is the most commonly used type, while unequal tees have sides of different lengths.

Imagine a car needing to turn left or right at a 90-degree angle; it must slow down due to increased resistance. Similarly, water flowing through a T fitting experiences resistance as it changes direction.

Turbulence results from irregular flow in the fluid as it encounters a bend, causing fluid particles to move erratically. This turbulence arises from the sudden change in flow direction.

T fittings are essential for joining two pipes and altering flow directions simultaneously. They are widely used in commercial and industrial applications, such as chemical processing and petroleum.

Y Fitting

The Y fitting is similar to the T fitting, only that its two openings are positioned at a 45-degree angle. This allows one pipe to connect to another at a 45-degree angle efficiently.

Y fittings can come in different shapes, including standard and compact versions, with the only difference being their shape.

The angle in a Y fitting is less pronounced than in a T fitting, allowing particles to transition smoothly while changing flow direction, resulting in less resistance.

This design is similar to a car dividing onto two roads; the lack of a sharp turn means reduced resistance compared to a 90-degree turn.

The Y fitting is utilized in many industrial processes, such as regulators connected to gas cylinders, and in chemical processing and the petroleum industry.

Pipe Fittings - Part 2

In this module, we will continue exploring different types of fittings such as:

• Elbow fittings,
• Cross fittings,
• Couplings, and
• Flexible hoses for connecting pipes.

Elbow Fitting

An elbow fitting connects two pipes and changes the direction of liquid flow. A 90-degree elbow is used for a sharp turn, while a 45-degree elbow accommodates a gentler turn.

Fluid passes slower through a 45-degree elbow than through a 90-degree elbow due to reduced frictional loss and turbulence.

Elbow fittings are critical in drainage pipes, supplying water to homes, and fluid flow in industrial processes.

Cross Fitting

Cross fittings connect four pipes and are sometimes referred to as four-way fittings, featuring one inlet and three outlets. The flow direction changes suddenly from the inlet, creating resistance and potential turbulence in the fitting.

These fittings are commonly employed in fire systems and industrial applications, including chemical processing, petroleum, and gas distribution lines.

Coupling

A pipe coupling is a short length of pipe or tube with threads at one or both ends. Couplings connect two pipes of equal or different sizes, extending the length of the pipe. They are crucial for repairing broken or leaky pipes.

There are two types of couplings available: compression couplings and slip couplings.

Compression couplings connect perfectly aligned pipes, preventing leakage through gaskets or rubber seals. Slip couplings adjust in length, allowing for repairs on damaged pipes.

Common applications for couplings include connecting pipes of the same or different materials and facilitating quick repairs.

Flexible Hose

A flexible hose, or braided hose, combines stainless steel wires with flexible material, allowing for the transfer of high-pressure fluids, including gases and chemicals.

The braid prevents elongation under pressure, protecting the interior hose. Flexible hoses are typically located under kitchen sinks, connecting water supplies to drainage systems.