Pipe Fittings: Various aspects of Using them

Pipe fitting is meant for plumbing and piping system which is used in commercial and industrial industries. Fitting helps pipes to be joined properly so as to close them wherever required. These fittings can be found in market in different sizes and shapes. Besides, they can demand more time and can be expensive. They use distinct tools and materials to join and install. If you are working with plumbing or piping, then it is very essential to use pipe fitting.

There is an assortment of fitting available in market. All pipes require a unique type of fitting but there are certain common features which are shared by all type of pipe fittings. Wherever materials for plumbing are sold, you can easily and conveniently find pipe fittings.

How to connect pipe fittings with the pipe?
You can find pipe fittings in two varieties, female fittings and male fittings. The female threads are there on the inner side in a threaded pipe fitting. Street fittings are those having a male and a female end. Tube and pipes can be connected using pipe fittings in two ways:

Threading
Threaded pipes are twisted together for joining them. In most cases, metal pipes have threaded fittings.

Slip fit
Sleeves are used with slip fit pipes and they slip into each other. Generally, plastic pipes are slip fit but they can also be threaded.

What criteria should be considered in selection of pipe fitting?

There are certain factors to be considered while selecting pipe fitting:

Types of connection
While you are embarking on the journey of buying pipe fittings, you must keep in mind that there are two types of connectors. It may be that one end is female threaded while the other female slip. Or it may be that one end is male slip while the other end is threaded when you are talking about plastic fittings. Besides, they are also available with matching ends, which can house all requirements.

Construction materials
It is a common phenomenon that the pipe fitting material should be same as the material used in the pipe. Nevertheless, at times, certain materials can also be used in pipes of made of any material.

Checking it for flow
In comparison to the rest of the pipe fitting, the end of the fitting should be made a bit larger in order to keep it flowing consistently. It will help in accommodation of the connection without causing damage to the pipe’s inner diameter.

Fitting type
In addition to the material of the pipe, the type of fitting should also be taken care of, which include threaded or slip fitting and male or female fit.

Size
Pipe fittings size is measured in different ways at the outside and inside end. The outside edge of the pipe fittings are measured in cases of male threaded fittings while in case of female threaded fittings, size is measure from inside edge of the inlet.

Design
Different pipes are designed to carry different fluids like gases, liquid or chemicals. In accordance to the purpose of the pipe, there are varied pipe fitting designs available.

Thickness
Pipe fittings are also available in different thickness same as pipes.

Codes and standards
Various organizations have set different standards in accordance of which pipe fittings are graded. Some of those standards associated with pipe fittings are ASTM, BSP, and ASME.