Threaded fittings are used in non critical applications and when service fluid is at ambient temperatures such was instrument air, plant air, cooling water, potable water etc. As they do not require welding, they are used at places where welding is not permitted. Though ASME B16.11 provides dimensions for 1/8″ to 4″ size threaded fittings, normally in process plant, 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ fittings are used.
OD is as per standard pipe dimensions. Length is as per project requirement. Made from standard pipe piece.
Both End Threaded Nipple
Made from standard pipe piece as per project requirement. Used to connect two threaded fittings near to each other. OD is as per standard pipe dimensions.
POE TOE Nipple
Used to connect socket weld small bore piping to threaded small bore piping. OD is as per standard pipe dimensions. Length is as per project requirement.
Threaded Pipe to Tube Connector
Typical use is to connect instrumentation tubes to Air Pipes. Also used for Analyser Tubing.
Threaded Hexagon Bushing
These are used as reducers in threaded piping network by connecting smaller size pipe to bigger size female threaded fitting. Available size range is from 1/8″ to 4″ as per ASME B16.11.
Unions permits easy installation, removal or replacement of lengths of pipe, valves or vessels in screwed piping systems. To remove a valve it must have at least one adjacent union and to remove piping from a vessel with threaded connections, each outlet from the vessel should have one union between valve and vessel.
Inside Union, ground faced joints are preferred, although other facings are available.
Threaded Reducing Insert
These fittings are used to connect two female threaded fittings of different sizes to each other.
Square Head Plug
Used to close one end of female threaded fitting for future expansion. Available size range is from 1/8″ to 4″ as per ASME B16.11.
Used to close vent and drain holes of valves, steam traps etc. Also to close end of female threaded pipe fittings. Available size range is from 1/8″ to 4″ as per ASME B16.11.
Threaded joints can be easily made from pipe and fittings on site.
They minimize fire hazard when installing in areas where flammable gases and liquids are present.
Disadvantages of Threaded Fittings
Use of threaded joints is not permitted by ANSI B31.1 if sever erosion, crevice corrosion, shock or vibration is anticipated, nor at temperatures over 925 F.
Chances of leakage are high with threaded joints.
Seal welding may be required in more risky situations.
For threaded joints, strength of pipe is reduced as forming the screw thread reduces the wall thickness.
Materials of Construction
These fittings are forged fittings. So Materials of Construction are as follows.
A105 : Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping Applications.
A181 : Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings, for General-Purpose Piping.
A182 : Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service.
A350 : Standard Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forgings, Requiring Notch Toughness Testing for Piping Components.
Sample Piping Material Specification
Elements : 45 Degree elbow, 90 Degree elbow, Equal Tee, Reducing Tee, Caps, Full Coupling, Reducing Coupling
Material : CS : ASTM A105. Galvanised, NIC, HIC as per spec.
Material : SS : ASTM A182 F304L
Threaded : 2000:Sch80 and XS, 3000:Sch 160, 6000:XXS
Ends : Threaded Female Ends,
Dim Standard : ASME B16.11
Elements : Pipe to Tubing Adapter
Material : CS:ASTM A105,
Class : NA,
Ends : Female threaded end / Compression twin ferrule, Dim Standard : Manufacturer.
Elements : Hex Head Bushing
Material : CS : ASTM A105,
Ends : Threaded Male / Threaded Female Ends.,
Standard : ASME B16.11
Elements : Concentric Swage, Eccentric Swage
Material : CS : Made from seamless pipe ASTM A234 Gr. WPB
Material : SS : Made from seamless pipe ASTM A403 Gr. WP304LS