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Pipe fittings cover many components that connect pipe ends for in-line, offset, multi-port, and mounting configurations. Pipe and pipe fittings are manufactured from a wide variety of materials for the transport of an equally wide variety of solids and fluids. Fitting cross sections are often, but not necessarily, circular in shape to mate with the pipe sections they are connecting; systems are typically configured with straight sections connected by fittings or specially-formed connections and joints. They are used in pressurized applications and non-pressure applications such as drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems. Pipe fitting construction and material specifications are application-dependent; user consultation with fitting suppliers is typical for optimization of component selection.
Common types of pipe fittings include adapters, pitless adapters, bulkhead fittings, caps, compression fittings, rigid couplings, flexible couplings, cross or 4-way fittings, 90 degree elbows, 45 degree elbows, reducing elbows, end bells, expansion joints or couplings, ferrules, flanges, nipples, offset fittings, plugs, concentric reducers, eccentric reducers, returns or traps, side outlet elbows, side outlet tees, standard tees, reducing tees, bullhead tees, unions, standard wyes, and reducing wyes. Some pipe fittings have a swivel feature that allows one or more fitting ends to rotate or swivel.
Hydraulic Fittings
Hydraulic fittings use high pressure, fluid power and are designed and rated specifically for hydraulic lines. The fittings must be able to withstand higher temperatures, very high pressures in demanding environments where leakage or failure will cause work stoppage and, possibly, be injurious.
Hydraulic fittings are used to join tubing and hose used in hydraulic applications such as where special fluid is used, under high pressure, to control heavy equipment, braking systems, and bridging different stands together – such as an O-ring boss to a hydraulic JIG. Hydraulic fittings also used to incorporate bulkhead hardware, and to allow for proper component orientation. Other, unlisted uses of hydraulic fittings may also be available.
Fittings come in a variety for styles, depending on the application. Common styles include adapter, cap or plug, coupling, cross or 4-way, 45 or 90° elbow fittings, 30 or 60° fittings, pitless adapter, quick couplers, return or trap, tee, union, well cap, and wye.
When choosing hydraulic fittings, connection selection is an important consideration that should be made based on the application. Some common examples of hydraulic fitting connections include ball and sleeve, cam-lock (male or female), crimp connections, flange or flare connections, threaded (male or female), straight or tapered connections, luer lock, and compression fitting. There are other, unlisted connection types that may also be considered.
Another factor to consider when choosing hydraulic fittings is the material type used. Fittings can be made from a variety of materials including aluminum, brass or bronze, composite fiberglass or graphite, ceramic, copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), fluroresin, glass, cast or ductile iron, rubber or elastomer, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), carbon or alloy steel, and stainless steel.
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