INTRODUCTION TO PIPING SYSTEM

What is piping systems? the piping system install to convey the fluids required
for chemical processes or otherwise between the various equipment and end
users and consist of various components such as valves,fittings,online
measuring instruments,etc is called as a ‘Piping Systems’

PIPING COMPONENTS

Mechanical element suitable for joining or assembly in to pressure-tight fluid

containing piping systems.Components include
pipe,fittings,flanges,gaskets,bolting,valves,and devices such as expansion
joint,flexible joints,pressure hoses,traps,strainers,in line portions of
instruments,and separator

1 Pipe

A pipe or tube is hollow, longitudinal product. ’ A tube’ is a general

term used for hollow product having circular, elliptical or square cross
section or for that matter cross section of any perimeter

A PIPE IS TUBULAR PRODUCT OF CIRCULAR CROSS-SECTION THAT HAS

SPECIFIC SIZES AND THICKNESS GOVERNED BY PERTICULAR DIMENTIONAL
STANDARD

Classifications

Pipe can be classified based on method of manufacture or based on their

applications
 Method of Manufacture

Seamless pipes are manufactured by drawing or extrusion process

ERW pipes (Electric resistance welded pipes) are formed from a strip which is
longitudinally welded along its length. Welding may be by electric resistance,
high frequency, or induction welding.ERW pipes can also be drawn for obtaining
required dimensions and tolerances.

Pipes in small quantities are manufactured by EFW (Electric fusion welding)

Process where in instead of electric resistance welding, the longitudinal seam is
welded by manual or automatic electric arc process.

There are spiral seam welded pipes, which are large dia pipes 500 NB and above.
And pipes are made by welding a spiral seam produced by forming continues
steel skelp in to circular shape

Centrifugally cast pipes are made by spraying molten metal along a rotating die
where the pipes are cast in shape due to centrifugal action

Classification based on Applications

Pipes are classified as:

- Pressure Pipes or Process pipes

- Line Pipes

- Structural Pipes

Pressure pipes are those which are subjected to fluid pressure and or
temperatures. Fluid pressure in generally internal pressure due to fluid being
conveyed or may be external pressure (i.e. jacketed piping) and are mainly
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used as plant piping.

 Line pipes are mainly used for conveying of the fluid and are subjected to
fluid pressure. These are generally not subjected to high temperatures.

Structural pipes are not used for conveying fluids and therefore not subjected
to fluid pressures or temperatures. They are used as structural components
(e.g. handrails, columns, sleeves etc) and are subjected to static load only.

Pipes Dimensional Standards (ASME B 36.10, ASME B 36.19)

Diameters: Pipes are designated by Nominal size, starting from 1/8” Nominal
size, and increasing in step

1 Pipes sizes increases in steps of 1/8” to ½” =1/8”,1/4”,3/8”,1/2”,

Nominal size

2 Sizes in step of ¼” = ½”,3/4”,1”,1 ¼”,1 ½”

3 In step of ½” up to 4” = 1 ½”, 2”, 2 ½”, 3”, 3 ½”,4”.

4 In step of 1” up to 6” = 4”,5”,6”.

5 In step of 2” up to 36” = 6”,8”,10” ………Etc.

For the Nominal sizes up to including 12”, there is one unique O.D.
(Different from nominal size) and I.D. would very depending on schedule
number, For Nominal size 14” and above O.D. is same as Nominal size.

SCHEDULE No. : Pipes are designated by schedule number or weight

designation like Std. (S) Extra Strong (XS) and Double Extra Strong (XXS)

Pipe schedule no is define as

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SCH. NO. S = 1000P/S

 Where P = Internal Pressure (PSI)

S = Allowable tensile strength of material

Common pipe schedules are Sch 40, Sch 80, Sch 120, Sch 160, for larger
pipe sizes intermediate Such numbers (Sch 20,Sch 30 etc)are also
employed.

For carbon steel, Pipe wall thickness tolerance is 12 ½ % i.e. Pipe wall
thickness can vary 12 ½% from thickness obtained from dimension chart.

For Stainless steels Schedule numbers are designated by suffix ‘S’ i.e. 10S,
20S, 40S, 80S etc.

Length: Pipes are manufactured in Standard length of 6 Meters to 7 Meters

for easy transport of pipes.

Piping Components

Fittings

- Butt Welded

- Screwed

- Socked Welded

Flanges
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Valves
 Strainers

Fasteners

Special Fittings

DEFINITION AND DETAILS BUTTWELD FITTINGS

BUTTWELD FITTINGS GENERAL

A pipe fitting is defined as a part used in a piping system, for changing direction,

branching or for change of pipe diameter, and which is mechanically joined to

the system.

There are many different types of fittings and they are the same in all sizes and

schedules as the pipe.

Fittings are divided into three groups:

Buttweld (BW) Fittings whose dimensions, dimensional tolerances etc, are

defined in the ASME B16.9 standards.

Socket Weld (SW) Fittings Class 3000, 6000, and 9000 are defined in the
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ASME B16.11 standards.

 Threaded (THD) Fittings Class 2000, 3000, and 6000 are defined in the

ASME B16.11 standards.

MOST USED BUTTWELD FITTINGS

APPLICATIONS OF BUTTWELD FITTINGS

A piping system using buttweld fittings has many inherent advantages over

other forms.

 Welding a fitting to the pipe means it is permanently leak proof

 The continuous metal structure formed between pipe and fitting adds

strength to the system

 Smooth inner surface and gradual directional changes reduce pressure

losses and turbulence and minimize the action of corrosion and erosion

 A welded system utilizes a minimum of space

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BEVELLED ENDS
 The ends of all buttweld fittings are bevelled, exceeding wall thickness 4 mm for

austenitic stainless steel, or 5 mm for ferritic stainless steel. The shape of the

bevel depending upon the actual wall thickness. This bevelled ends are needed

to be able to make a "Butt weld".

TYPICAL BEVEL TYPES

ASME B16.25 covers the preparation of buttwelding ends of piping components

to be joined into a piping system by welding. It includes requirements for

welding bevels, for external and internal shaping of heavy-wall components, and

for preparation of internal ends (including dimensions and dimensional

tolerances). These weld edge preparation requirements are also incorporated

into the ASME standards (e.g., B16.9, B16.5, and B16.34).

MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE

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 The most common materials used in fittings produced is carbon steel, stainless

steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, glass, rubber, the various types of plastics.

In addition, fittings, pipes, for specific purposes sometimes internally equipped

with layers of materials of a completely different quality as the fitting

themselves, which are "lined fittings".

The material of a fitting is basically set during the choice of the pipe, in most

cases, a fitting is of the same material as the pipe.

BUTTWELD FITTINGS: ELBOWS 45°, 90°& 180° LR/SR

The function of an elbow is to change direction or flow in a piping system. By

default, there are 5 opportunities, the 45°, 90° and 180° elbows, all three in the

"long radius" version, and in addition the 90° and 180° elbows both in the

"short radius" version.

LONG and SHORT RADIUS

Elbows are split into two groups which define the distance over which they

change direction; the center line of one end to the opposite face. This is known

as the "center to face" distance and is equivalent to the radius through which

the elbow is bent.

The center to face distance for a "long" radius elbow, abbreviated LR always is

"1½ x Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) (1½D)", while the center to face distance for a

"short" radius elbow, abbreviated SR even is to nominal pipe size.

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 Here below, for example, you will find the center to face distance of four 2 inch

elbows,

(the "A" distance on the image).

1. Elbow 90°- 2"- LR : = 1½ x (25,4 x 2)    A = 76.2 mm

2. Elbow 180°- 2"- LR : = 1½ x(25,4 x 2)x2   A= 152.4 mm

3. Elbow 90°- 2"- SR : = 1 x (25,4 x 2 )  A = 50.8 mm

4. Elbow 180°- 2"- SR : = 1x(25,4 x 2)x2   A = 101.6 mm

45° ELBOW

The function of a 45° elbow is the same as a 90° elbow, but the measurement of

dimensions is different to that of the 90° elbow.

45° buttweld elbow.

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The radius of a 45° elbow is the same as the radius of the 90° LR (1½D).

However, the center to face dimension is not equivalent to the radius as in 90°
 LR elbows. This is measured from each face to the point of intersection of the

center lines perpendicular to each other, distances B on the image. This is due to

the smaller degree of bend. Short radius 45° elbows are not available.

STANDARDS

The most applied version is the 90° long radius and the 45° elbow, while the 90°

short radius elbow is applied if there is too little space. The function of a 180°

elbow is to change direction of flow through 180°. Both, the LR and the SR types

have a center to center dimension double the matching 90° elbows. These

fittings will generally be used in furnesses or other heating or cooling units.

REDUCING ELBOW

In addition to the defined elbows, there is the Reducing Elbow, which is a elbow

with various diameters on the ends. Because this elbow, for many suppliers it is

not a standard item, and thus probably a high price with a long delivery time,

the use of a "normal" elbow with a separate reducer is an option if the situation

allows.

Buttweld reducing elbow.

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 Other degrees elbows can be machined from a standard elbow. Longer radius

type, the center to face dimension e.g. is three times the nominal size (3D),

even is available.

Dimensions, dimensional tolerances et cetera for long and short radius elbows

are defined in ASME B16.9.

WALL THICKNESS ELBOWS

The weakest point on an elbow is the inside radius. ASME B16.9 only

standardizes the center to face dimensions and some "squareness" dimensional

tolerances. The wall thickness at the weld line location even is standardized, but

not through the rest of an elbow. The standard states that the minimum

tolerance will be within 12.5% of the minimum ordered wall thickness of the

pipe. A maximum tolerance is specified only at the ends of the fitting.

BUTTWELD FITTINGS: TEE STRAIGHT AND REDUCING

The primary purpose of a Tee is to make a 90° branch from the main run of pipe.

Standard there are 2 possibilities, on behalf of the equal tee and reducing tee.
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The equal tee (or straight tee) is used as the branch has the same diameter as
 the run-pipe. The reducing tee is used as the branch has a smaller diameter as

the run-pipe.

Both buttweld tee types.

DIMENSIONS AND STANDARDS

If we talk about a 3" tee, an equal tee (straight tee) is intended.

A 3" x 2" tee means a reducing tee. Although, officially a reducing tee will be

indicated by 3 diameters, namely A - B - C similar to the image with the reducing

tee.

The "A" measure stands for the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) of run inlet;

"B" measure stands for NPS run outlet, the "C" measure for the NPS of the

branch.

So there are reducing tees where the A measure is 3", the C measure 3" and the

B measure 2". This was the statement of 3 diameters, in a certain order, of

course, important. Today, this tee and exceptionally difficult to obtain, and

choose one before, with a straight tee 3"and a concentric or eccentric reducer

3"x2 ", to do the same.

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A straight buttweld tee is for all existing pipe diameters to obtain.

 A reducing buttweld tee not, because many dimensions are not produced or

cannot produced.

For example, a tee 6" x 4" is a standard item, but a tee 16" x 2" probably

nowhere to be found. It would also not very economically, to use a 16" tee for a

2" branch; in such situations a Branch Fitting, or a Branch Connection will be

made.

FORMULA = (HEADER SIZE / 2) – (1)

Ex. Header size = 10” & 2” Branch Connection Required.

FORMULA = (10” / 2) – (1) = 4” (Up to 4” Branch connection available)

Note - SAME IS APPLICABLE FOR ALL FITTINGS

In addition to the defined tees, there are straight and reducing crosses, which

are tees with two outlet sides. In normal piping we never use that tees

At least not in Petro and chemical industry.

Equal buttweld cross tee.

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 WALL THICKNESS TEE

In Tee′s, the crotch radius (T) varies from one manufacturer to another, but

some establish itself as a requirement, 1.3 times the wall thickness to maintain

the crotch.

Tee "crotch".

WALL THICKNESS TEE and DOCUMENTS

ASME B16.9-2003 Section 2.2 Design of fittings says:

...it is expected that some portion of formed fittings may have to be thicker than

the pipe wall with which the fitting is intended to be used

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BUTTWELD FITTINGS: REDUCERS

 Reducers are applied, to change from pipe diameter in one direction.

Standard there are 2 possibilities, the concentric reducer, is usually used in

vertical pipe lines, and the eccentric reducer that is used in horizontal pipe lines.

FLAT SIDE DOWN & FLAT SIDE UP IN ECCENTRIC REDUCER

On an isometric view, in a horizontal line, with an eccentric reducer must be

declared, or the flat side at the bottom or top must be assembled.

Eccentric reducer FLAT SIDE DOWN

For example:
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1. Flat side down eccentric reducer are often be used in pipe racks to keep

the pipeline at the same elevation, after a pipe size change. When a
 concentric or a Flat side up eccentric reducer in a pipe rack will be used, the

support detail, probably change.

2. Flat side up eccentric reducer are often be used in pump suction lines to

avoid accumulation of gas pockets. Eccentric reducers can avoid small "dead

spots" that exist behind concentric reducers.

BUTTWELD FITTING: CAP OR END CAP

Basically a cap will be applied, to shut down the end of a pipe. The Cap, as it is

shown in the image below, is available for all pipe dimensions, and is sometimes

also used for other purposes.

Standard end cap.

BUTTWELD FITTING: STUB END

A Stub End always will be used with a Lap Joint flange, as a backing flange; both

are shown on the image below.

Stub End.
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 With a Stub End and Lap Joint Flange.

This flange connection are applied, in low-pressure and non critical applications,

and is a cheap method of flanging.

In a stainless steel pipe system, for example, a carbon steel flange can be

applied, because they are not come in contact with the product in the pipe.

Stub Ends are available in almost all pipe diameters. Dimensions and

dimensional tolerances are defined in the ASME B.16.9 standard.

ASTM GRADES

Dimensions, dimensional tolerances of wrought carbon and alloy steel fittings

are defined in several ASME standards. The material qualities for these fittings

are defined in the ASTM standards.

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 These ASTM standards, define the specific manufacturing process of the material

and determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges,

through percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel,

et cetera, and are indicated by "Grade".

For example, a buttweld carbon steel fitting can be identified with Grade WPA or

WPB, a buttweld stainless-steel fitting with Grade WP304 or Grade WP321

Below you will find as an example a table with chemical requirements for

fittings according to ASTM A403 Grade WP304, WP304L, WP316L and a table

with frequent Grades, arranged on pipe and pipe-components, which belong

together as a group.

As you may be have noted, in the table below, ASTM A105 has no Grade.

Sometimes ASTM A105N is described;

"N" stands not for Grade, but for normalized. Normalizing is a type of heat

treatment, applicable to ferrous metals only. The purpose of normalizing is to

remove the internal stresses induced by heat treating, casting, forming et

cetera.

Chemical requirements composition, %

Grade WP304L
  Grade WP304 Grade WP316L (A, B)
(A)
Carbon,
0.08 0.035 0.035
max
Mangane
2.00 2.00 2.00
se, max
Phospho
0.045 0.045 0.045
rus, max
Sulfur,
0.030 0.030 0.030
max
Silicon,
1.00 1.00 1.00
max
Nickel 8.0-11.0 8.0-13.0 10.0-16.0
Chrome 18.0-20.0 18.0-20.0 16.0-18.0
Molybde
- - 2.00-3.00
num
ASTM Grades
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Flanges,
Material Pipes Fittings fittings Valves
Valves
 A106 A216 Gr WCB
A234 Gr WPA A105
Gr A
A106 A216 Gr WCB
CS A234 Gr WPB A105
Gr B
A106 A216 Gr WCB
A234 Gr WPC A105
Gr C
 
A335 A217 Gr WC1
A234 Gr WP1 A182 Gr F1
Gr P1
A335 A217 Gr WC6
A234 Gr WP11 A182 Gr F11
Gr P11
A335 A217 Gr WC6
A234 Gr WP12 A182 Gr F12
Gr P12
CS
A217 Gr WC9
Alloy A335
A234 Gr WP22 A182 Gr F22
Gr P22
A335
A234 Gr WP5 A182 Gr F5 A217 Gr C5
Gr P5
A335 A217 Gr C12
A234 Gr WP9 A182 Gr F9
Gr P9
 
A333
A420 Gr WPL6 A350 Gr LF2 A352 Gr LCB
CS Gr 5
Alloy A333 A352 Gr LC3
A420 Gr WPL3 A350 Gr LF3
Gr 3
 
A312
A403 Gr A182 Gr F304
Gr A182 Gr F304
WP304
TP304
A312 A182 Gr F316
A403 Gr
Gr A182 Gr F316
WP316
Austenitic TP316
Stainless A312
A403 Gr A182 Gr F321
Gr A182 Gr F321
WP321
TP321
A312
A403 Gr A182 Gr F347
Gr A182 Gr F347
WP347
TP347

MATERIALS ACCORDING TO ASTM

PIPES

 A106 = This specification covers carbon steel pipe for high-temperature

service.
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  A335 = This specification covers seamless ferritic alloy-steel pipe for high-

temperature service.

 A333 = This specification covers wall seamless and welded carbon and

alloy steel pipe intended for use at low temperatures.

 A312 = Standard specification for seamless, straight-seam welded, and

cold worked welded austenitic stainless steel pipe intended for high-

temperature and general corrosive service.

FITTINGS

 A234 = This specification covers wrought carbon steel and alloy steel

fittings of seamless and welded construction.

 A420 = Standard specification for piping fittings of wrought carbon steel

and alloy steel for low-temperature service.

 A403 = Standard specification for wrought austenitic stainless steel piping

fittings.

FLANGES

 A105 = This specification covers standards for forged carbon steel piping

components, that is, flanges, fittings, valves, and similar parts, for use in

pressure systems at ambient and higher-temperature service conditions.

 A182 = This specification covers forged or rolled alloy and stainless steel

pipe flanges, forged fittings, and valves and parts for high-temperature

service.

 A350 = This specification covers several grades of carbon and low alloy

steel forged or ring-rolled flanges, forged fittings and valves for low-

temperature service.

VALVES
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  A216 = This specification covers carbon steel castings for valves, flanges,

fittings, or other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature service and

of quality suitable for assembly with other castings or wrought-steel parts by

fusion welding.

 A217 = This specification covers steel castings, martensitic stainless steel

and alloys steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-

containing parts intended primarily for high-temperature and corrosive

service.

 A352 = This specification covers steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings,

and other pressure-containing parts intended primarily for low-temperature

service.

 A182 = This specification covers forged or rolled alloy and stainless steel

pipe flanges, forged fittings, and valves and parts for high-temperature

service.

DEFINITION AND DETAILS OF THREADED FITTINGS

ACCORDING TO ASME B16.11

THREADED FITTINGS GENERAL

Threaded joints probably represent the oldest method of joining piping systems.

Like socket weld fittings, threaded fittings are mainly used for small pipe

diameters (Small Bore Piping); generally for piping whose nominal diameter is

NPS 2 or smaller.

 Threaded piping is commonly used in low-cost, noncritical applications

such as domestic water, fire protection, and industrial cooling water systems.
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  Threaded fittings are normally made of cast gray or malleable iron, cast

brass or bronze, or forged alloy and carbon steel.

 They are available in three pressure ratings: 2000lbs, 3000lbs and

6000lbs.

TYPES OF THREADED FITTINGS BY CLASS AND SIZE

Class Designation
Description
2000 3000 6000

1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2

Elbows 45 and 90 degrees
Tees, Crosses, Coupling 1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2
Half-Coupling, Cap
1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2

SCH 80 and
Pipe Wall SCH 160 XXS
XS

FITTINGS - THREADED

1. THD Elbow 90°

This Elbow makes 90° changes of direction in the run of pipe.

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2. THD Tee This Tee makes 90° branch from the

 Main run of pipe

3. THD Cross

THD Crosses makes 90° branch from the main run of pipe.

4. THD Elbow 45°

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 This Elbow makes 45° changes of direction in the run of pipe.

5. THD Full-Coupling

Termed Coupling, joins pipe two pipe or to a nipple etc.

6. THD Cap (End Cap)

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 Seals the threaded end of pipe.

7. THD Half-Coupling

The Half Coupling can be directly welded to the run pipe, to make a branch

connection.

8. THD Square Head Plug Seals the threaded end

of
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fitting.
 9. THD Hex Head Plug

Seals the threaded end of fitting.

10. THD Round Head Plug

Seals the threaded end of fitting.

11. THD Hex Head Bushing

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Can be used to reduce a threaded fitting.

 12. THD Union (MSS SP-83)

Unions are primarily used for maintenance and installation purposes.

It is a screwed joint design and it consists of three interconnected pieces:

two internally threads and a centerpiece that draws the ends together when

rotated.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THREADED FITTINGS

Advantages

 Installation productivity is moderately high, and specialized installation

skill requirements are not extensive.

 Leakage integrity is good for low-pressure, low-temperature installations

where vibration is not encountered.

Disadvantages

 Rapid temperature changes may lead to leaks due to differential thermal

expansion between the pipe and fittings.

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  Vibration can result in fatigue failures of screwed pipe joints due to the

high stress intensification effects caused by the sharp notches at the base of

the threads.

 Socket welds are not acceptable in piping systems involving nuclear or

radioactive service or corrosive service with solutions which promote stress

corrosion cracking or concentration cell action. Generally require butt welds

in all pipe sizes with complete weld penetration to the inside of the piping.

In hazardous piping systems threaded connections should be avoided, if

possible. Their vulnerability to fatigue damage is significant, especially where

exposed threads are subject to corrosion.

Note : -

At the smallest sizes, the amount of wall lost during threading actually equals
approximately 55% of the original pipe wall.
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 DEFINITION AND DETAILS OF SOCKET WELD FITTINGS
ACCORDING TO ASME B16.11

SOCKET WELD FITTINGS GENERAL

A Socket Weld is a pipe attachment detail in which a pipe is inserted into a

recessed area of a valve, fitting or flange.

In contrast to buttweld fittings, socket weld fittings are mainly used for small

pipe diameters (Small Bore Piping); generally for piping whose nominal

diameter is NPS 2 or smaller.

To join pipe to valves and fittings or to other sections of pipe, fillet-type seal

welds be used. Socket-welded Joints construction is a good choice wherever the

benefits of high leakage integrity and great structural strength are important

design considerations.

Fatigue resistance is lower than that in butt-welded construction due to the use

of fillet welds and abrupt fitting geometry, but it is still better than that of most

mechanical joining methods.

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 SOME DETAILS OF SOCKET WELD FITTINGS

SW Fittings are family of high pressure fittings are used in various industrial

processes.

 They are used for lines conveying flammable, toxic or expensive material

where no leakage can be permitted, and for steam 300 to 600 PSI.

 They are used only in conjunction with ASME Pipe and are available in the

same size range.

 They are used in areas where pipe-work is permanent and are designed to

provide good flow characteristics.

 They are produced to several ASTM standards and are manufactured in

accordance with ASME B16.11. The B16.11 standard covers pressure-

temperature ratings, dimensions, tolerances, marking, and material

requirements for forged carbon and alloy steel. Acceptable material forms are

forgings, bars, seamless pipe, and seamless tubes which conform to the

fittings chemical compositions, melting practices, and mechanical property

requirements of ASTM A105, A182, or A350.

 They are available in three pressure ratings: 3000lbs, 6000lbs and

9000lbs.

TYPES OF SOCKET WELD FITTINGS BY CLASS, SIZE AND WALL THICKNESS

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Description Class Designation

 3000 Lbs 6000 Lbs 9000 Lbs

Elbows 45 and 90 degrees, ½-4 ½-2 ½-2

Tees, Crosses, Couplings, ½-4 ½-2 ½-2
Half-Couplings,
½-4 ½-2 ½-2
End or Pipe Caps
Pipe Size
SCH 80 & XS SCH 160 XXS
by Wall Thickness

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOCKET WELD FITTINGS

Advantages

 The pipe need not be beveled for weld preparation.

 Temporary tack welding is no needed for alignment, because in principle

the fitting ensures proper alignment.

 The weld metal can not penetrate into the bore of the pipe.

 They can be used in place of threaded fittings, so the risk of leakage is

much smaller.

 Radiography is not practical on the fillet weld; therefore correct fitting and

welding is crucial. The fillet weld may be inspected by surface examination,

magnetic particle (MP), or liquid penetrant (PT) examination methods.

 Construction costs are lower than with butt-welded joints due to the lack

of exacting fit-up requirements and elimination of special machining for butt

weld end preparation.

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 Disadvantages

 The welder should ensure for a expansion gap of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)

between de pipe and the shoulder of the socket.

ASME B31.1 para. 127.3 Preparation for Welding (E) Socket Weld Assembly

says:

In assembly of the joint before welding, the pipe or tube shall be inserted

into the socket to the maximum depth and then withdrawn approximately

1/16"  (1.6 mm) away from contact between the end of the pipe and the

shoulder of the socket.

 The expansion gap and internal crevices left in socket-welded systems

promotes corrosion and make them less suitable for corrosive or radioactive

applications where solids buildup at the joints may cause operating or

maintenance problems. Generally require butt welds in all pipe sizes with

complete weld penetration to the inside of the piping.

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  Socket welding are unacceptable for Ultrahigh Hydrostatic Pressure (UHP)

in Food Industry application since they do not permit full penetration and

leave overlaps and crevices that are very difficult to clean, creating virtual

leaks.

The purpose for the bottoming clearance in a socket weld is usually to reduce

the residual stress at the root of the weld that could occur during solidification

of the weld metal, and to allow for differential expansion of the mating

elements.

FITTINGS FOR SOCKET WELD SYSTEMS

1. SW Full-Coupling

Termed Coupling, joins pipe two pipe or to a nipple etc

2. SW Half-Coupling
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 The Half Coupling can be directly welded to the run pipe, to make a branch

connection.

3. SW Reducing Coupling

Joints two different outside

diameters of pipe.

4. SW Reducer Insert

Socket Weld Reducer Inserts are manufactured to MSS SP-79.

They enable quick and economic combinations of pipeline reductions to be

made using standard socket weld fittings.

5. SW Union (MSS SP-83)

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 Unions are primarily used for maintenance and installation purposes.

It is a screwed joint design and it consists of three interconnected pieces:

two internally threads and a centerpiece that draws the ends together when

rotated. Unions should be screwed tight before the ends are welded to

minimize warping of the seats.

6. SW Elbow 90°

This Elbow makes 90° changes of direction in the run of pipe.

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7. SW Elbow 45°
 This Elbow makes 45° changes of direction in the run of pipe.

8. SW Tee

This Tee makes 90° branch from the main run of pipe.

9. SW Cross

SW Crosses makes 90° branch from the main run of pipe.

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 10. SW Cap (End Cap)

Seals the end of pipe.

END
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