Fittings

Description 

Fittings are small detachable components of an apparatus, pipe, tubing or a machine and are used for connecting two or more sections together in a system. Fittings execute functions like enduring straight run of pipeline; allowing pipeline to take turns; and altering the type of pipe from one form to another. The fittings are made up of different materials such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, galvanized iron, plastic, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, nylon or polyamide, rubber, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon, aluminum, copper, brass or other alloys. Some fittings are flexible in nature while others are rigid. Diverse ranges of industrial fittings are available in various designs, sizes and configurations to suit various applications.

Types

The basic types of fittings are listed below:

• Pipe fittings
• Tube fittings
• Hose fittings

Some of the examples of above mentioned fittings are: bulkhead fittings, compression fittings, expansion joints, elbow fittings, tee fittings, couplings, reducers, nipple fittings, ferrule fittings, flange fittings, etc.

Other types of fittings are listed below:

• Vacuum fittings
• Hydraulic fittings
• Pneumatic fittings
• Grease fittings
• Sanitary fittings
• Gas fittings
• Electrical fittings
• Weld fittings
• Marine fittings
• Specialty fittings
• Push lock fittings

Specifications

The basic specifications of fittings include:

• Material of construction
• Inner diameter (ID)
• Outer diameter (OD)
• Fractional size
• Metric size

Applications

Different types of fittings find their use in various industrial as well as domestic applications. A few of the usages are listed below:

• Compression fittings are applied in electrical and plumbing systems
• Hose, pipe or tube fittings are generally used in fluid handling industries, waste water treatment, water treatment plants, etc.
• Sanitary fittings are used in food and beverage processing equipment or for pipelines in milk plants
• Special type fittings are used in corrosive environments
• Grease fittings are used in aircraft hydraulic actuators