Pipe fittings are removable connectors that connect piping to piping and components to piping.In addition to connecting pipes, pipe fittings can also play a role in regulating flow. Band fittings play a very important role in piping systems. They not only improve the sealing performance of pipelines and prevent fluid or gas leakage, but also make the piping system more flexible and easy to install.

Pipe fittings usually consist of upper and lower rings and screws. Depending on the installation method and the method of connecting the pipes, pipe couplings are divided into various types, and the following three types are common:
- Flange Connection Type Pipe Fitting
- Pressure welded fittings
- Socket type pipe joints
Pipe fittings can connect pipes of the same material in different scenarios and play the role of connection and conversion. Understanding the structure and categorization of pipe joints, their functions and main use scenarios can help us better understand the composition and connection of piping systems and improve the reliability and safety of the whole piping system.Today Fluid Tech from China will focus on the shape and material of pipe fittings.
Couplings,reducers,adapters an so on…
Pipe fittings are a very large family from the outside, and the wide range of sizes creates an even more complex category. Many laymen are dazzled by the variety of sizes and appearances of pipe fittings and do not know how to choose or how to install.For example:
- A nipple is a short stub of pipe, usually male-threaded steel, brass, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), or copper (occasionally unthreaded copper), which connects two other fittings. Steel Nipples are very important in a pipe system.
- A coupling connects two pipes. The fitting is known as a reducing coupling, reducer, or adapter if their sizes differ.
- A reducer reduces the pipe size from a larger to a smaller bore (inner diameter). Alternatively, reducer may refer to any fitting which causes a change in pipe diameter.
Common material of pipe fittings
The material with which a pipe nipples is manufactured is often the basis for choosing a pipe. Materials used for manufacturing pipes include:
- Chrome-molybdenum (alloy) steel (generally used for high-temperature service)
- Impact-tested carbon steel (ITCS)
- Low-temperature carbon steel (LTCS)
- Carbon (CS) and galvanized steel
- Stainless steel (SS)
- Malleable iron
- Non-metallic (includes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and toughened glass
- Non-ferrous metals (includes copper, inconel, incoloy, and cupronickel)
Among all these above materials, steel pipe nipple is enduring and has a high level of trust and widespread use both in the past and today.Here Fluidtech wants to mention the features of steel materials,and we will update specific articles about other materials.
Steel pipe fitting materials and characteristics
Steel coupling has a hollow cross-section, its length is much larger than the diameter or circumference of the steel. According to the cross-sectional shape is divided into round, square, rectangular and shaped steel pipe; according to the material is divided into carbon structural steel pipe, low alloy structural steel pipe, alloy steel pipe and composite steel pipe; according to the use of pipeline, engineering structures, thermal equipment, petrochemical industry, machinery manufacturing, geological drilling, high-pressure equipment such as steel pipe.
The main characteristics of steel coupling include high strength, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, non-toxic and odorless. The manufacturing process of steel coupling is simple and well processed, which can be processed and manufactured according to different needs. In addition, steel pipe can be used in combination with other materials to extend its application range.