Types of Pipe Fittings and Where They Are Used

While not flashy or exciting, pipe fittings are crucial to the success of plumbing systems. This is because they allow pipes to connect to form a cohesive setup. Without fittings, pipes would be unable to form a seal with each other, and liquids would not be able to flow to your faucets and fixtures. Thousands of combinations of pipe sizes, materials, and thread types demand a need for thousands of types of pipe fittings. In this article, you can learn about the most popular types of pipe fittings used in household plumbing systems, the materials used to make them, and tips on how to select the right fitting for your system.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit bend pipe fitting.

What is a pipe fitting?

Pipe fittings are used to join plumbing components to allow for many types of configurations. They are used to either extend or change the direction of flow in a plumbing system. Pipe fittings are available in many different sizes and materials, allowing compatibility with many different types and sizes of pipe. Within a plumbing system, a pipe fitting can change the direction of the flow of liquid, extend the length of a pipe run, or change the flow rate of liquids or gases. The material, size, and type of fitting a system requires is determined by the pipe size, pipe material, the liquids used in the system, and the pressures within and outside of the system.

Types of pipe fittings

Many types of pipe fittings are used in plumbing systems, but some are used more often than others. We include some of the most popular types of fittings below. For an all-encompassing look at pipe fitting types and terms, refer to our pipe fitting glossary.

What materials are used for pipe fittings?

Pipe fittings, just like pipes, are made from a wide array of materials. The materials used in a fitting must be compatible with the material of the pipes it is connecting. As a result, fittings are made from many of the same materials as pipes. Some of the most common materials used for pipe fittings include PVC, CPVC, copper, steel, brass, ABS, HDPE, and polypropylene. When selecting the material for your pipe fitting, ensure it can handle the temperatures, liquids or gases, and pressures within your system.

How to choose the right pipe fitting

When choosing a pipe fitting for your application, you must focus on three details of your pipes: their materials, sizes, and fitting standards.

Material

The material of your pipe fitting must be compatible with the material of your pipes. As a general rule, the same material should be used for both the pipe fitting and the pipe it is connected to. This ensures that both components are well suited for the application they are used for. In cases where pipes of different materials must be connected, transition fittings are used. These fittings contain one material on one end and a different material on the other. This allows for pipes of different materials to integrate seamlessly as long as the materials are compatible with the application they are used for.

Sizes

The size of fittings is an obviously important factor in selecting the correct fittings for your system. Without precise sizing, there will be no seal, and the system will not function properly. If you need to connect two pipes or fittings of different sizes or standards, there is an adapter fitting that will suit your needs. Read below to learn more about how pipe fittings are measured.

Learn more: How to determine pipe thread type and size

Fitting standards

Pipe fitting standards are determined by a governing body to determine how pipes and fittings join together. Some of the most common pipe standards include NPT, NPTF, BSPT, BSPP, SAE, UN, and UNF. Because these standards are determined by governing bodies, they differ based on location. For example, NPT (National Pipe Thread) is the most popular US standard for tapered thread fittings. BSP (British Standard Pipe), on the other hand, is the popular standard in Great Britain, Australia, and the commonwealth countries.

The standard of fitting you need is determined by the standard of your pipes. When connecting pipes of two different standards, use an adapter fitting that is suited to your pipes&#; respective sizes and standards.

Learn more: Common pipe thread types

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Combining a self-reinforcing design with a range of different formats and sizes, olet style branch connections are an ideal alternative to reinforcement pads and standard pipe tees.

Different designs offer solutions for virtually any pipe size or shape while also providing numerous connection options and solid, long-lasting connections.

What is an Olet?

Before we dive into the common olet types and how they differ, it&#;s important to look at some common characteristics and get an idea of how they work.

Typically, when branching a pipe, you can use one of a few options:

• A standard piping tee

• A saddle type pipe connection with or without a reinforcement pad

• An olet

Pioneered and trademarked by Bonney Forge, olets provide the same branching functionality of a standard tee but with a self-reinforcing design that requires less on-site fabrication.

Most common olet designs are built for use as a 90-degree branch connection. However, specialty designs are also available for use on elbow bends or to make 45-degree connections.

Olets require welding for proper installation to a pipe, pressure tank, or other piping system components.

However, they are available with a variety of end connections to suit different uses and connection methods.

This is the most common way of separating various olet types.

Because of how olets are designed, they will only work when branching between equal or smaller size pipes.

Types of Olets Explored

Most olet types will describe their properties right in the name. That can take the confusion out of limiting your initial options.

Want more information on 45 degree bend? Feel free to contact us.

Let&#;s look at common types of olets and their characteristics.

Weldolets®

Welded onto the outlet pipe, Weldolets® feature a 37-degree bevelled end.

It is one of the most common branch connections available and considered a butt-weld fitting due to its design. This style of olet is used in high temperature and high pressure conditions.

Sockolets®

Instead of using a bevelled end, Sockolets® utilize a socket consisting of a bore matching the outlet bore and a counter bore roughly the size of the outer diameter of the outlet.

This creates a socket in which the pipe can sit to make welding and installation easier. Available in #, #, and # classes, Sockolets® are considered socket fittings.

Thredolets®

Using a threaded end, Thredolets® feature a bore matched to the outlet bore to allow connection with no welding.

Considered a threaded fitting, Thredolets® are most commonly available in # and # classifications.

Latrolets®

Allowing for 45-degree lateral connections -- as opposed to the typical 90-degree connection of other olet types -- Latrolets® can feature butt-weld, socket weld, or threaded connections to suit various applications.

They are most commonly available in # or # classifications.

Elbolets®

While most olets require a straight run of pipe for installation, Elbolets® offer a 90-degree branch connection option for elbows and bent pipes.

Typically used for Thermowell and instrumentation installations, they are available in butt-weld, socket weld, and threaded applications to suit a range of uses.

While most commonly used with 90-degree long radius elbows, options are available for short radius elbows.

Nipolets®

Available in a variety of end types -- including male-socket (PE), butt-weld, and male threaded -- Nipolets® feature an extended pipe body and are available in 90-degree branch connection configurations.

Often used in valve take-offs, drains, and vents, Nipolets® are available in varying lengths ranging from 3.5- to 6.5-inches.

Sweepolets®

Designed to provide smooth flow transition from the run pipe to the branch pipe, Sweepolets® are typically used in large size branch connections.

This butt-weld branch connection is also contoured and integrally reinforced to lower stress intensification factors. This provides a low stress solution with a long fatigue life.

The design also allows for easy radiography, ultrasound, or other non-destructive inspection means for applications with such requirements.

Insert Weldolets®

Contoured like a Sweepolet®, Insert Weldolets® provide easy-to-examine attachment welds in a design similar to Weldolets® with the addition of a raised section on the connecting end to assist with connection.

Branch Connections and Run Sizes

When choosing a branch connection fitting, it is important to consider run sizes and how the fitting will integrate into your intended piping system.

Branching connection fitting outlet sizes are designed to fit several run pipe sizes.

For example, a 1/2-inch olet fitting marked 2-inch by 36-inch (run) by 1/2-inch will fit all run pipe sizes from 2-inches to 36-inches.

When placed on a 36" Run Pipe, there will be a maximum radial gap of 1/16" between the top of the Run Pipe and the base of the fitting at the crotch.

This gap is negligible when welding.

However, it&#;s critical to ensure that modifications to accommodate installation of the olet do not stray from the critical engineering design.

For example, the crotch or heel of an olet cannot be manipulated or shortened.

Instead, the skirt or toes should be manipulated or shortened where required. This dynamic is a major part of why size ranges exist.

You&#;ll find an example of this is the diagram below.

The &#;A&#; and &#;E&#; dimensions cannot be altered because it will change the center of run pipe to end (or insert ledge on socket weld olets) depending on the engineering practice.

Unsure of the proper branch connections for your system? Have questions about sizes, materials, and types? As a leading provider of industries across North America for more than 40 years, the expert analysts at Unified Alloys can help you find the perfect components for your needs. Contact us today or consult our pipe fittings catalog for our full range of branch connections and other fitting types.

The company is the world’s best 45 degree pipe flange supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.