Threaded Connections in Piping: Threaded Pipe
Fittings (With PDF)
whatispiping.com/threaded-connections-in-piping-threaded-pipe-fittings/
Anup Kumar Dey
Threaded Connections are widely used for small bore piping having nominal
diameters NPS 2 or smaller. This is the oldest pipe joining method and still highly
popular. Threaded pipe fittings are used for non-critical applications with lower
temperatures and pressure services. The majority of threaded fittings are used in
the plumbing industry. The American Standard ASME B1.20.1 serves as the
dimensional standards for taper pipe threads providing a number of threads per
inch, pitch diameter, and normal engagement lengths for all pipe diameters.
Threaded steel fittings are made by forging. They are available in various thread
types like NPT, BSPP, BSPT, PF, PT, MPT. Even though threaded fittings are mostly
used for small bore piping connection, threaded fittings are available up to 4” (NPS
4) sizes and sometimes used.
Threaded Fitting Types
ASME B 16.11 threaded fittings are available in Class 2000, 3000, and 6000. The
schedule of pipe corresponding to each Class designation of threaded fitting for rating
purposes is given below.
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Fig. 1: Threaded Fitting Types, Classes and Sizes
Use of Threaded Fittings
Threaded fittings are not suitable for higher pressure and temperature and cyclical
operations. Hence these are used for less critical, low-pressure applications as listed
below:
Fire Protection
Water Distribution
Cooling Systems, etc
Fittings for Threaded Pipe systems
Various threaded fittings are available for threaded piping systems. They are:
Threaded Elbow:
Two types of threaded elbows (Fig. 2) are available as mentioned below:
Threaded 90° Elbow: These Elbows are used for a 90° changes of direction in the
run of pipe.
Threaded 45° Elbow: These threaded Elbows help the main pipe to make a 45°
direction change.
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Fig. 2: Threaded Elbow
Threaded Tee Connection:
Threaded Tee (Fig. 3) as pipe fitting makes a perpendicular branch from the main pipe
run. They are available in two types
Equal Tee: Main pipe and Branch pipe size are equal.
Reducing Tee: Branch Pipe Size is smaller than main pipe
Threaded Cross:
Threaded crosses or cross tees are also known as four-way fittings. It has one inlet and
three outlet connections. So the flow in pipe crosses (Fig. 3) is distributed in three
directions. Threaded crosses make two 90° branches from the main run pipe direction.
Crosses have female threads and make secure pipe connections with male piping
elements.
Fig. 3: Threaded Tee and Cross
Threaded Couplings:
Threaded couplings are forged fittings for joining pipes. They are available as full
couplings or half couplings.
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Fig. 4: Threaded Coupling
Threaded Cap:
Threaded caps are used to close or cover piping ends. So threaded piping caps (Fig. 5)
are used for sealing purposes.
Threaded Plugs:
Threaded plugs are also used for sealing or blinding purposes. they are available in three
variants:
Threaded Square Head Plug: The shape of the head is square.
Threaded Hex Head Plug: The shape of the head is hexagonal.
Threaded Round Head Plug: The shape of the head is circular (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5: Threaded Cap and Threaded Plug
Threaded Bushings:
Threaded bushings have hexagonal heads and are used for joining to threaded pipes of
different size. So, threaded bushing can aid in size reduction.
Threaded Unions:
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Threaded unions are designed based on MSS-SP 83. Threaded unions consist of three
interconnected elements and used for installation and maintenance purposes. Unions are
available in the male to female, female to female types, lug nut, and Rockwood design.
The lug nut connected both the pieces.
Fig. 6: Threaded Bushing and Threaded Unions
Standards for Thread connections
Following Standards are used for designing threaded pipe fittings
ASME B16.11: Forged Fittings, Socket Welding and Threaded.
MSS-SP-83: Class 3000 Steel Pipe Unions, Socket-Welding and Threaded
ASME B16.3: Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings
ASME B16.4: Gray Iron Threaded Fittings
ASME B16.39: Malleable Iron Threaded Pipe Unions
ASME B16.34: Valves — Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
ASME B16.39: Malleable Iron Threaded Pipe Unions, Class 150, 250, and 300
Materials for threaded fittings
Threaded fittings can be manufactured from following materials
Carbon Steel (A-105)
Alloy Steel (A-182)
Stainless Steel (A-182)
Low Alloy Steel (A-350)
Duplex Stainless Steel and
Cooper Nickel
Advantages of Threaded Fitting Connections
The main advantages of threaded fittings are
Quick installation.
Suitable for low-pressure applications, leakage integrity is good.
Installation is easy, Special installation skill is not required.
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Less force is required for joining.
Parts can be detached.
Economic as cheaper.
Disadvantages of Threaded Connections
However, there are few disadvantages of threaded piping connections as listed below:
Not suitable for high temperature-pressure applications.
Threads may suffer from corrosion in a corrosive environment.
Temperature changes may cause leakage problems.
Fatigue damage can occur for cyclic services.
Strength is less as compared to welding.
B31.3 recommendations for threaded connections
Threaded joints should be avoided in corrosive and erosive environments or where
cyclic loading may occur.
The layout of piping employing threaded joints should minimize stress on joints,
giving special consideration to stresses due to thermal expansion and operation of
valves.
Threaded components of a specialty nature that are not subject to external moment
loading, such as thermometer wells, may be used under severe cyclic conditions.
Table 314.2.1 of ASME B 31.3 provides the minimum Schedule of Components
With External Threads
Threaded Fittings vs Socket Welded Fittings
The major differences between threaded and socket welded fittings are tabulated below:
Threaded Fittings Socket Welded Fittings
Threaded fittings are screwed into piping or Socket welded fittings are joined
piping components. by fillet welding.
Less reliable More reliable
Strength comparatively less; prone to More Strength and long lasting
leakage connection.
Available in pressure class 2000#, 3000# and Additional pressure class 9000#
6000# available
Threaded fittings vs Socket Welded fittings
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