Usually, we need to consider "5 factors" when choosing pipe fittings:
(1)Compatible with material and transport fluid;
(2)Pressure and temperature grade of pipe fittings;
(3)Piping size and connection types;
(4)Intended application or flow requirement;
(5)Installation method.
All factors should stay the same as project requirements, ensuring the normal function and longevity of the system.
1. Material
Our factory produces a variety of galvanized steel, stainless steel, and black pipe fittings, ensuring pipe connectors conform to your purchasing requirements. Each material is suitable for different applications and has advantages: stainless steel resists rust, while galvanized steel is solid and cost-effective. Fluid in the piping system may be corrosive and incompatible with pipe fitting material, possibly causing many problems. That is why it is crucial to pick the right material for the job—it saves you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road:
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Corrosion
Some plumbing fittings materials easily corrode when touched with acidic or basic fluid, making pipe thickness leak and even break.
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Chemical Attack
Some chemicals react when touched with incompatible materials.
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Contaminant fluid
Corrosion or chemical affection may release hazardous substances and pollute the transport fluid, which affects product quality and safety.
Before selecting fittings, consider the substances that will flow through the pipes. For instance, when transporting acidic materials such as vinegar or chemicals, stainless steel is more suitable than regular steel.
2. Standard Conditions for Temperature and Pressure
Plumbing fittings must withstand the maximum work pressure of the system. If you are short of pressure rating, plumbing pipes, and fittings are on the card break, leaks, even catastrophic failure, and lead to accident and system down.
The performance of plumbing fittings changes at different temperatures. For example, high-temperature conditions cause PVC plumbing fittings to soften and metal pipe fittings to swell; however, low temperatures may cause material embrittlement. To avoid this risk, select tube fittings suitable for temperature rating.
Different industries have strict standards and specification requirements for the plumbing system: petroleum and natural gas industries always need high-pressure, high-temperature tube fitting; the chemical industry requires the tube fitting to be anti-corrosion and withstand extreme temperature and stress, as ASME B16.5 standard flange; construction and water supply system usually use low pressure and room temperature tube fittings.
3. Sizes and Connection
Right Size
Pipeline component sizes must match pipe system sizes to ensure the fluid flows smoothly. Undersized pipeline components flow be limited, enhance system pressure, and reduce efficiency; oversizes may cause waste resources and cost increase.
Line size unmatched causes unessential pressure loss and influences system performance.
Line size usually conforms to international standards (such as ANSI, ISO, and DIN pipe fittings), ensuring pipeline components are compatible with pipeline. For example, nominal pipe size is a common standard in North America.
Pipe Connection Types
weld fittings are sealed for life and suitable for high-pressure systems; threaded fittings are for low-pressure systems but need regular checking of air tightness.
Connections in high-pressure systems must withstand high pressures and avoid leaks or failures. For instance, butt-welded joints and flanges are popular.
Quick connector fittings or compression connectors are suitable for fast installation and removal, saving time and manual cost.
4. Applications
The different industry has different requirements for pipe connectors:
Natural gas and petroleum need pipe connectors like stainless steel flanges to withstand high pressure and corrosion.
The chemical industry needs pipe connector fittings like PVC pipe fittings to endure oxidation.
The food and medical industry needs pipe connectors such as stainless steel fittings that conform to hygienic standards.
Construction and water supply systems need economical galvanized pipe connectors.
Different fluids have different requirements for pipe joints. For example, gas needs higher sealing, but thick liquid needs more paths to prevent blocking.
Fluid viscosity, density, and corrosion influence the selection of pipe joints. For example, higher viscosity requires bigger pipe joints to reduce flow resistance.
5. Fittings and Installation
A quick connector or compression joint is simple to operate, does not require special tools, and can quickly complete projects.
Welding joints or flanges that installation time is longer and costs more. They need professional tools and artisans, and They are for large industry projects, like chemical plants or petroleum pipelines.
Welding joints nearly leak when connecting finish, suitable for high pressure or risk substance transportation, like the gas pipeline.
Flange or threaded connections can be removed and are convenient for maintenance. However, they need to be checked for tightness regularly. Thus, they are suitable for systems that need periodic repair.
