What are pipe fittings, why it is needed and how some modern
Let's start with a clear definition: pipeline valves are the products with the help of which the flow of working media inside one or another pipeline is controlled. That is, to put it simply, such products regulate the degree of passage of liquids or other substances inside the pipes, distribute them, completely block the flows or, on the contrary, allow them.
The simplest types of pipeline fittings are valves on gas "routes" or taps installed on water supply systems. But in fact, the range of such parts is very large, which allows you to choose a fitting for almost any task.
Let's take a closer look at what pipe fittings are like. This will be useful, at a minimum, because after studying such information, the probability of purchasing a poor quality or inappropriate product will be significantly reduced.
Let's start with the most important moment.
Gradation of products by function
For convenience, consider this in the table:
| Part Name | Purpose |
| 1. Shutoff valves. | It works according to a very simple principle - with the help of a crane, the bore area of a highway is reduced or increased. Up to the complete overlap of the channels of passage of substances. At the same time, the locking fittings are also divided into drain and control. The former are needed to discharge the working media from the system, and the latter control the flow of substances into the instruments. |
| 2. Regulatory. | These fittings have only one function - they regulate the degree, power, amount of substances passing along the “route”. |
| 3. Protective. | Such fittings are often called shut-off or shut-off. We need it to protect the system from emergency situations. In case of changes in any parameters, it completely or partially blocks the passage of masses inside the pipeline. |
| 4. Safety. | It differs from the previous version in that when the permissible pressure inside the system is exceeded, the flow relief valve is automatically activated. |
| 5. Distribution and mixing. | The simplest example of such a product is an ordinary mixer. The essence of his work lies in the distribution of flows in the right directions or mixing them. |
| 6. Phase separation. | Such distributors are designed to direct flows in one direction or another, depending on their physical state. That is, for example, the liquid starts up in one line, and the evaporation in another. |
It is worth noting that the types of pipe fittings also differ in the field of application.
In particular, there are such fittings:
- For gas lines.
- For steam and water systems.
- For oil pipes.
- For chemical and energy industries.
Please note that almost all products of this type can be controlled both manually and automatically. Consider this feature while planning the system - it is possible that by installing automatic valves you will be able to make it more flexible and comfortable to maintain.
With a complete classification, we have roughly figured out, now let's consider the options that can be used in particular cases, and not in industry.
Fittings for private needs
As a rule, such products are in demand:
- Valves. These are fittings that either regulate the degree of flow or even block the pipe.
- Gate valves. Products also block the passage of media within the system using a perpendicular valve (relative to the direction of flow).
- Gates. Constipation has a disc shape, which, if necessary, rotates inside the tube and forms a very tight lock.
It turns out that the repair of pipeline fittings at home in most cases involves working with valves. That is, they are the most popular products at such sites.
Therefore, the review of the valves should stay in more detail.
Valves
These parts have a locking device, which is like "mounted" on a vertical axis. The “tighter” such a tap is, the greater the tightness of the lock.
As a rule, standard valves can operate with either gas or hot or cold water. Usually the maximum allowable pressure for such products should not exceed 2500 kg / cm2.
The properties and features of the valves mainly depend on what metal they are made of. Let's take a look at this information.
Steel products
They are used to adjust and block the passage of media from water, liquefied gas, steam, as well as ammonia or carbon dioxide. Differ in high reliability and durability of metal thanks to what such fitting serves long and without breakages of fine details.
Steel pipe fittings can withstand 425 degrees of heat and pressure up to 6.3 MPa. These properties allow the use of such fittings in very stressful operating conditions.
Typically, these parts are made of stainless steel alloyed grades. Options in which there are no alloyed components are better not to acquire, since their quality is not up to par in the conditions of use in pipelines.
In general, despite the fact that the price of steel valves is not very low, for home systems or for small industrial premises they are most often chosen. (See also the article Sewage in the cottage: features.)
Because these fittings can function normally under these conditions:
- With sudden pressure drops.
- With constantly high pressure.
- Ability to work in any position.
Pay attention also to the fact that steel products are also good because they are very maintainable. Therefore, buying them, you can be sure that they will last a really long time.
Now let's talk about analogues.
Brass constipation
Products are intended for installation in water supply systems and have a moving mechanism of gradual blocking of flows. At the same time, in whatever position the valve is located - it will not change this position under the influence of pressure.
These valves are available in two types - ball and crane. The first option as a constipation is like a metal ball, and not a disk. With the help of the ball you can adjust the volume of flow inside the highway in a very high quality.
Brass pipe fittings are easy to install with your own hands, only they are not as strong as steel, for example. Therefore, if the metal for the manufacture of parts is used very cheap, then the tap in the end it turns out quite fragile. And this means that saving is definitely not worth it - buy products of only well-known brands.
And there is another popular type of valves.
Products for metal pipes
Armature for metal pipes, as a rule, consists of several components. This is steel or brass, plastic and plastic "control knobs" fitting.
The peculiarity is that for mounting parts of this type two types of connections can be used - soldering and threaded joining.
The instruction of spikes of such constipations with the system is very simple:
- The end of the pipe is wiped with a cloth. It is necessary to remove all the dust and third-party small particles.
- Heats up a soldering iron.
- The pipe and the fitting itself are put on the working end of the soldering iron. The tool interacts with the material in just a few seconds - it melts the plastic, as it were, and then retracts to the side.
- The reinforcement for polypropylene pipes and the pipeline are inserted into each other, tightly pressed and, in principle, after that the coupling is considered complete.
Plus the fact that the spike allows you to get a very tight and durable connection, which will not need constant close monitoring during operation of the system.
As for the threaded parts, they are mounted as standard:
- A little tow is wound onto the end of the pipe.
- The fitting “slides” onto the end of the thread and twists with a wrench.
Tip: if the design of the constipation provides for the presence of a rubber gasket inside the fitting, then the tow is not necessary to apply. Density, tightness of the connection, and so will be on top.
Let's summarize.
Conclusion
We have dealt with very thoroughly what the pipeline fittings are, and what options are most often used to build or repair domestic highways. We hope that the information is useful to you, and you can use it in practice. Well, if you want to know more, you can also watch the video in this article.