The correct operation of the entire system depends on the quality of the assembly of sanitary units. In contrast to many fittings, nuts with gaskets, there is a universal detachable American connection. Consider the features of the device, installation and maintenance of this element.
Description
The specified part is a nut that allows you to reliably and hermetically connect two pieces of pipe. Until recently, sagons were used for these purposes, since their cost is slightly lower than the American plug connector. However, modern technology is gradually replacing outdated and less reliable counterparts.
The use of an innovative system makes it possible to extremely simplify the process of connecting two static pipes, if, for example, it is necessary to connect a shut-off valve to a soldered wiring. In these systems, the rotation of the pipes is excluded. In addition, the thread can be close to the wall ceiling, which does not allow the use of a corner. In such situations, the element in question is optimal. It guarantees joining by rotation of the hex nut that is part of the structure. In addition to it, there is a pair of fittings and a special gasket.
Threaded connections "American"
The thread of the element in question is a cylindrical or conical configuration. Similar designs have fittings with appropriate shapes. Among the advantages of a conical seal, the following points are noted:
- guaranteed sealing of the connection without additional winding and gaskets;
- resistance to temperature extremes and other influences due to the homogeneity of the material in physical and chemical parameters;
- tightness is maintained when the working axes deviate up to five degrees.
The indicated pluses of the “American” conical detachable joints are due to the high accuracy of their production, which is not always characteristic of flat elements. In the second case, tightness is achieved through special gaskets, while the connecting surfaces do not require high-precision processing. In the manufacture of these parts, steel of various grades is used.
Features
To make corner connections easier, use an angular American 1/2 or 3/4 inch. This element is needed in the absence of organization of pipe wiring. This design is also more economical, since it is mounted one less connection.
Connecting pipes with the possibility of arranging the transition from one diameter to another size is carried out using a fitting called a sleeve. The American connection is similar in functionality to a standard coupling mount. One part of the part is screwed or soldered to the nozzle, and the second end is responsible for the installation of a collapsible assembly.
The connection in question can be connected in the following ways:
- using internal thread;
- by means of an external threaded connection;
- using a union nut, if there is a weld fastener.
American crane 3/4
The most popular stop valves include ball valves. When choosing such a part, you must pay attention to the quality of the material of manufacture. There are many varieties of such devices on the market, including analogues with special functionality or decorative options. In the assortment there is an American 3/4 or 1/2, complemented by a ball valve.
Few users decide to use the specified version of valves. This is due to the fact that consumers are not familiar with all the advantages of the device. Using this element, you can replace the plumbing fixture, which is a node for connecting a pair of pipes. A long thread is provided at one end, the second short edge is equipped with a coupling and a lock nut. The design of the crane with the "American" is much simpler. It works by tightening the mechanism with a slight impact of a special key. Facilitates the installation process by the fact that both parts are self-centering.
Application
Quite often, the connection through the "American" is carried out during the installation of heating radiators. The advantage in this case is expressed in the simplicity of installation, and the presence of a ball valve allows you to control the water supply, providing the desired temperature in the room.
Like all types of ball valves, the cranes in question are equipped with two types of handles: a butterfly or a lever. The first option is elements with a small cross section that do not require significant effort to turn the handle. In the second case, the cross section of the taps is larger, respectively, opening and closing requires more physical effort.
Installation Rules
The American pipe connection with a union nut is tightened with a suitable size open-end wrench or socket wrench. Experts do not recommend the use of a gas analog for these purposes, as this can ruin nickel spraying. If the workpiece is coated with a decorative compound, a gasket made of plastic, rubber or plywood should be taken.
Installation of "American women" on metal-plastic elements requires the use of a special internal key. It serves to screw the pressed fitting during installation. As a rule, such a tool is made in the form of a cylinder with a pair of recesses for hooks or in the form of a hexagon.
Instead of the specified key, the use of improvised means (pliers, round-nose pliers, etc.) is allowed. This increases the likelihood of damage to the product, although for a one-time operation, this option is quite acceptable. Users who have the skills to work with metals can independently make a cone key of the required size from profile fittings. At the same time, tapering is required in order to guarantee entry into the provided sockets. When servicing elements with internal and external threads 1/2, an American key is required in the form of the letter "G" with dimensions 12/12 mm and 10/10 mm, the length of the handle is 15 centimeters.
Assembly
The connection with the internal thread is mounted on two compartments of the pipeline. In the absence of thread on the pipe, it is cut using a die. A sealant is wound on one side (FUM tape, tow, linen or similar materials). Then one part of the fitting is screwed onto the pipe by means of a wrench, after which an element with a nut is screwed onto the second edge. Finally, tighten the union nut until it is securely locked.
Installation of the connection through the "American" with an external thread is carried out in a similar way. A distinctive moment - the seal is placed on the thread of the used fitting. It is worth noting that the connecting elements of the "American" type significantly speed up and simplify the process of installing and dismantling plumbing fixtures and pipelines. If flax or tow fibers are taken as a sealant, it is recommended to apply a special sealing paste or machine oil on top of the material.
Materials of manufacture
The considered fittings are made of the following materials:
- stainless steel;
- cast iron;
- chrome or nickel;
- heat resistant brass.
- combined components based on polypropylene.
Among these materials, stainless steel is particularly noteworthy, which guarantees high strength of the connectors, in comparison with analogues. Many users prefer chrome products because it optimally combines quality and practicality. In this embodiment, gaskets are not required to seal the joints. If the elements under consideration are made of pure raw steel, then after 2-3 years they will begin to deteriorate under the influence of corrosion. Galvanized analogues last up to ten years, stainless steel - about twenty.
Which models to choose?
As noted above, the detachable connection "American" is made in a conical or flat design. Models of the first configuration are equipped with a rubber seal, are sealed due to internal pressure. In this case, the union nut can be twisted without a key, manually. Flat versions require additional maintenance, which leads to the use of gaskets for a guaranteed area of contact pressure.
The required tightness of the connection can be achieved in both cases. At the same time, the flat versions are easy to maintain, gaskets are easy to change and are not a shortage. For cone counterparts, special inserts having non-standard sizes are required. Some users choose options without gaskets, which is not entirely correct, since it is necessary to tighten the nut very tightly, which is unacceptable, especially when using plastic pipes.
In conclusion
The universal American connection significantly simplifies installation and dismantling of pipes, plumbing elements, meters, coarse filters, stop valves. Some users do not imagine carrying out these manipulations without the specified details. In the modern market, the device in question is available in stand-alone design or as an addition to plumbing fixtures.