Selection Criteria to Be Followed For Pipe Fittings

The primary purpose of utilizing pipes is transporting different types of solids, gases and fluids. Hence, they are constructed using a wide range of raw materials. In order to optimize its functioning and operation, pipes must be adequately fitted. Pipe fitting refers to the process of mending or setting up tubes and pipes so that gas, liquid and solid materials can be transported securely. 

When it comes to determining the types of materials used in the manufacturing of pipe fittings, the list is unending. From plastic to iron, aluminum, copper and steel; the type of material used depends on the purpose and extent to which it will be utilized. 

Generally, the pipe fitting is used for the following reasons:

 

·         Connecting bores of two or more pipes/tubes,

·         Attaching sections of the pipe,

·         Joining the pipe with some other equipment/device,

·         Altering the direction of gas or liquid,

·         Managing the flow,

·         Shutting and sealing the pipe/tube.

Since pipe fittings have a crucial role to play in the transmission of liquids and gases flowing through it, it’s important to select your pipe fittings wisely by following the selection criteria stated below:

Kind of Connection

A pipe fitting generally has two kinds of connectors. Both ends are threaded from sides; one end slips into another and adequately fixes into each other to connect the pipes sturdily. This is often the case with plastic fittings. However, there are other types of fittings that have identical ends and are capable of f accommodating for any kind of pipe fitting need. 

 

Material Used

As a thumb rule, pipe fittings must be constructed of the same material as the pipe that is being fitted. Nonetheless, there are instances where the pipe fitting doesn’t match the pipe itself; in such cases, pipe fittings that adhere to the predetermined standard or rules can also be used to fit in pipes.

 

Flow

To make sure that the flow of gas, liquid or solid materials remains regulated at all times, the pipe fitting must be bigger than the pipe itself. This is important to make sure that the pipe puts up with connections without compromising with its inner span.

 

Fitting Type, Size and Thickness

Pipe fittings are identified by their common types: male threaded, female threaded and slip. When measuring

the size of these pipe fittings, know that the male threaded fittings are measured from the outside edge, whereas, the female threaded ones are measured from the inside. Moreover, pipe fittings come in a wide range of thickness, hence, make sure you pick the pipe fittings wisely as per your needs.
At Seal Excel, find the best angle needle valves, bleed valves and a number of pipe fittings that are manufactured by passing various quality control tests and international benchmarks. To purchase from this instrumentation tube fittings manufacturer, visit their website http://sealexcel.com/ now!

How do needle valves work?

Needle valves are referred to valve designs that are assembled with a small opening or gap adjunct to a plunger that looks similar to a sewing needle. Needle valves are often compared to a globe valve in terms of design and operation. As an alternative to the disk, a needle valve has a long, narrow point at the finishing part of the valve stem. Basically, they are small valves that are used in gas or liquid services. With a fine threading stem, the large seat area in the needle valve helps in clear-cut resistance flow. Keeping view that there are various kinds of needle valves in the market, it’s important to choose one according to the usage.

The purpose of a needle valve is to control the flow of liquid at a depressed rate. Needle valves help in managing the liquid flow into the sensitive gauges that can be potentially damaged as a result of sudden pressure of liquid. If you are to work in high pressure conditions, then hydraulic control nozzles are what you need the most.

Function

The primary purpose of a needle valve is to control the flow of liquid/gas to such an extent that its speed decreases gradually, and ultimately shuts off totally. Needle valves work great for throttle control, as they have a relatively small seating space than glove valves. They act as a guardian to protect the delicate gauges against high pressure. Furthermore, they are also used to manage the last part of a work cycle where it becomes compulsory to slow down the motion, and eventually put it to a halt.

Stem Threads

Typically, the stem threads in the needle valves fall into 4 categories: fine, coarse, non-wetted, and wet. Keep reading to understand the function of these threads:

·         Fine Threads: physically, fine threads have a very thin structure and they are situated close to one another. The purpose of fine threads is to control the needle valve stem so that is budges in the least amount.

·         Coarse Threads: Thickly structured than fine threads, coarse threads sufficiently spaced apart to permit flow and shut with the least exactitude.

·         Wetted Threads: Just as the name suggests, wetted threads are wet because they are open to the elements (fluid) that are constantly passing through the system.

·         Non-wetted Threads: As the name implies, these threads are not exposed to the fluid; hence, they remain dry and non-wet.

Seal                                     

A needle valve is composed of 3 basic types of seals: metal, metal-to-plastic and metal-to-metal. The plastic-to-metal and metal-to-plastic seal in a needle valve works great for controlling the flow of gas. However, the plastic-to-metal has a large seat space, which is desirable because gas molecules are more spaced out compared to liquid molecules. 

However, the metal-to-metal seal manages the flow of liquid.

Realizing the significance of needle valves in altering pressure, it’s important to buy them from a trusted and reliable supplier such as Seal Excel.  They are the best needle valvemanufacturers in the business that produce angle needle valve, instrument needle valve and more. Visit their website http://sealexcel.com/  to come across their comprehensive range of tube and pipe fittings.

Safety Tips For Pipe Fittings

As pipe fitters install or repair pipes used in heating, cooling, steam, hot water, lubricating and processing systems, they are susceptible to a high degree of risk. Despite the risks, pipe fittings are used in various industries, including chemicals, gas, liquids, etc., and its significance is undeniable.

What are the potential risks faced by pipe fitters? And what safety precautions can they take to minimize them? Let’s have a look at some of these risks and safety measures: 

Hazardous material

Installing or repairing pipes, for domestic or industrial application, exposes workers to flammable products, chemicals and other hazardous materials which can put their life at risk. Being exposed to chemical fumes increases the likelihood of workers inhaling harmful fuels, and thereby damaging their respiratory tract as well as skin. Flammable materials, specifically, increases the risk for fires that can cause heat burns. 

Equipment

Pipe fitters use unsafe equipment to alter the size of pipes. In the process, they can get cuts, deep wounds, nerve damage or even amputated limbs. For instance, the sparks from a welding torch can burn one’s skin or cause injury to the eyes. Similarly, heavy machines used by workers can cause injuries, or bruises to them.

Falling accidents

If a worker has to install or repair a pipe system from a great height, they face the risk of falling down from a ladder or building roofs. 

Particle release

Fragments of metal come off when workers hammer pipes to alter their size or shape. These fragments can enter one’s eyes and damage the retina, or pierce the skin. 

Musculoskeletal injuries

As workers carry heavy loads, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders refer to painful disorders of bones, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. The most common examples include thoracic outlet syndrome and tension neck syndrome.

Safety precautions

Workers should take the following measures to ensure safety: 

• Wear safety goggles, gloves, masks and other protective equipment to protect themselves from loose particles. Wear fully covered  clothing when performing hazardous tasks to protect themselves from cuts and wounds.
• Use proper lifting techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.  Workers should assess each load before lifting it, and make use of their leg muscles,  rather than back muscles for lifting purposes.
• If the load is heavy, they should ask for assistance or use a lifting equipment to prevent injury.
• Use a fall arrest system, such as harness or webbing to avoid falling from heights.
• Ensure the ladder is placed on a firm surface to reduce the risk of falling.
• Make use of ventilation when joining PVC and other solvent welded pipe and fittings due to fumes being present in solvent chemicals.
• Use a flame shield to keep the propane flame from setting fire to nearby areas.
• Wear safety goggles when soldering pipe fitting to a joint above your head. It is advisable to use lead-free solder on water lines.
• In order to avoid gas or water leaks, install flexible pipe fittings. Flexible pipe fittings are less likely to break.
• If the system is under pressure, DO NOT install, tighten or loosen a pipe fitting.
• Use a back-up wrench to hold the pipe fitting body at the time of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.
• Don’t loosen a pipe fitting to relieve or bleed system pressure.
• Proper thread lubricants should be used on tapered pipe threads.
• Do not weld tube assembled fittings. Remove all components, such as ferrules, o-ring, etc., prior to welding. Use a plug to over the thread areas and the sealing of the pipe fitting. 

Pipe fitting and its material should be similar. Furthermore, the tubing fittings material should be fully annealed.

 

The above-mentioned steps are simple measures that will guarantee workers’ safety and proper functioning of pipe fittings. Find out more about pipe fittings on sealexcel.com. SEALEXCEL has been providing world-class quality valves and fittings at the best possible prices for different applications.