In a general sense, fittings are all kinds of components used to connect different parts of pipelines. These include various in shape and configuration: angles (bends), tees, couplings, manifolds, crosses, adapters, plugs. Pipe fittings are classified by their connection methods. So, they can be threaded, capillary (for capillary soldering), compression, self-fixing, adhesive.
Threaded fittings are the most common type of product. They simply wind on a pipe. Such a pipe connection system is the oldest. Most often, threaded fittings are made of cast iron and are used to connect steel pipes. Their disadvantage is the stickiness and fragility characteristic of cast iron.
To connect metal-plastic pipes , compression joints made of steel, plastic, brass, copper, polypropylene are used. Metal-plastic fittings are easy to use because they have a special crimp ring. It is tightened with a wrench after putting on the pipe.
Fittings designed for capillary soldering are used to connect copper pipes . The principle of their application is quite simple: put on the required unit and start heating it with a special heating pad until the solder made of copper or tin wire, which is under the internal thread, melts. After that, it fills all the free space between the fitting and the pipe.
Recently, the production of self-locking compounds used for plastic pipes has begun. They install very quickly. Such fittings are simply put on a pre-cut and calibrated pipe until it stops. They can be used several times. There is such a variety of these nodes as adhesive fittings. They are made from polyvinyl chloride. Their connection with the pipes is carried out using special glue.
To connect metal-polymer pipes, special press fittings are used. Most often they are made of brass. Their crimp sleeve is made of steel. To install such a fitting, you need a special press.
Fittings got their unusual name from the word “FITTING”, which is translated from English as “fitting”, “installation”, “installation”. The scope of their application is very extensive. Fittings are nodes (connections), without which it is impossible to install gas, water, heat pipes and other systems. Based on where they are installed, they are called connecting and intermediate. The former are used to connect various devices to the central pipeline. Intermediate fittings are assemblies that are typically installed at pipe joints. In cases of changes in pipe direction, bends are used. Adapters and couplings are installed only on straight sections. Crosses are necessary for the installation of bilateral branches from the pipeline, and tees - for unilateral.
All fittings have different properties, which depend on the type of material from which they are made. So, brass nodes have high impact resistance, durability and heat resistance. They are used in process pipelines, water and heat pipelines . To give them increased resistance to corrosion, they are coated with a layer of nickel or chromium.