Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings – The Ultimate Guide

The role of pipe fittings to aid the system of transferring liquids and other products around a plant facility or system. Pipe Fittings connect bored of two or more pipes or tubes to other separate equipment.

What is the role of the Pipe Fitting?

Stainless steel Pipe fittings are the ideal choice for those in the industrial and commercial sectors who need a pipe fitting that will hold up to the job. Pipe fittings can also be used to seal or close any pipe.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings

Stainless steel pipe fittings have replaced brass fittings and it is not hard to see why. Stainless steel has a high corrosion resistance not to mention that the steel possesses a self-repairing ability due to the formation of a passive oxide film. Stainless steel pipes offer long lasting resistance to oxidation and corrosion due to this. Furthermore, as stainless steel fittings are non-toxic, stain resistant, easy to clean and are long lasting, this makes them critical for the food and pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to this the high corrosive resistance coupled with its ability to withstand high pressure makes it an ideal component in the building and construction industries.

Challenges of Stainless Steel Pipes

While the benefits of stainless steel make it an ideal material to work with, there are some disadvantages that are worth considering.

Firstly, stainless steel hardens as you work with it. And secondly, stainless steel pipes and tubing need to remain sterile while the system is being constructed. Both of these issues make it harder for engineers to work with, as bending the pipes will cause it to harden, so accuracy is a must. Maintaining a sterile system means that any tools being used to cut or bend the pipe must be clean and safe so as to avoid any potential issues down the line.

This is especially important if the piping is to be used for drinking water, as any contamination of the pipe can lead to health issues arising.

How to choose your Pipe Fitting

There is a variety of different pipe fittings which can make it to purchase the most suitable fitting for the job.

Firstly, identifying the connection type, whether it be male or female threaded. Female threads are used on the inside of the pipe whereas male fittings have the thread on the outside.

Secondly, pipe fittings can be designed with sleeves that are slip-fit. This means that the pipes slip together to form a secure connection.

While there are many different materials that pipe fittings are made from, many recommend using a fitting that is made from the same material that the pipe is made of. Other important considerations to consider are:

  • Fitting type
  • Size
  • Check for flow
  • Design
  • Standards and codes
  • Thickness

Types of Stainless Steel Fittings

Stainless steel tube fittings are all the connecting fittings that butt weld to tube. These fittings are measured on the outside diameter of the tube and are available in grades 304 or 316 stainless. The main forms are:

  • Tube bends in 45 degree, 90 degree, 180 degree and 1x Diameter short radius 90 degree
  • Tube concentric and eccentric reducers
  • Tube tees in equal, reducing, swept and 45 degree branches
  • Tube crosses
  • Tube Y pieces
  • Tube dome caps
  • Tube end discs
  • Tube hose tails
  • Tube sealing flanges

Our team at Air Energy are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the most suitable stainless steel pipe fitting for the job. We would love to be your go-to Steel pipe fittings supplier. Check out our website in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional methods of joining stainless steel has been by tig welding, requiring trained skilled operators. Not only is the highly skilled labour more expensive but tig welding involves gas bottles, hoses, hot work permits plus someone extra standing by as a fire watcher. Press fittings is the revolutionary fast, efficient, easy and effortless way to go.
Press fittings are the tested and proven method of joining stainless steel pipes from 15mm to 168mm. The fittings are formed with a captive O-ring and an engineered close tolerance socket that the tube slides into. The press tools have highly engineered jaws on a battery powered hydraulic tool that crimps the fitting end (including the O ring) onto the tube locking it both longitudinally and radially.