What are Socket Weld Fittings?
A socket weld is a pipe attachment method that involves inserting a pipe into a depression in a valve, fitting, or flange. A socket is a pipe fitting that fits over the end of the pipe. A 1″ socket end will fit on a 1″ pipe. Socket weld fittings come in sizes ranging from 1/8 to 4 inches. In contrast to buttweld fittings, socket weld fittings are typically used for small pipe diameters (Small Bore Piping), typically piping with a nominal diameter of NPS 2 or less. Solid steel that has been forged and machined is used to make these fittings.
Types of Socket Weld Fittings:
- Full coupling:
- Half coupling:
- Reducing coupling:
- Socket weld union:
- Socket weld elbow:
- Socket weld tee:
- Sockolet:
- Socket weld cross:
- Socket weld cap:
- Socket weld Fittings:
Full coupling: A Screwed Full Coupling, on the other hand, can be defined as a short length of pipe with two female National pipe threads (NPT) or two male or female British standard pipe threads.
Half coupling: A threaded pipe half coupling is a connector that can be used to connect two pieces of pipe with threaded rings. Only one end of a threaded half coupling 1/2 is threaded. The threaded half coupling size’s other end could be welded or otherwise fastened to the piping.
Reducing coupling: Pipe fittings known as reducing couplings allow pipes of different diameters to be joined together. These fittings are commonly used to connect small consumer or process feeder lines to large supply circuits or to install small diameter fittings.
Socket weld union: Socket Weld Unions made of stainless steel are used in low-pressure piping where the pipe must be dismantled frequently. A screwed joint is a Forged Socket Weld Union. It is made up of three parts that are linked together. When rotated, the ends of this fitting are drawn together by two internal threads and a central piece.
Application of Socket Weld Fittings:
Because the pipe ends glide into the joint’s socket, socket Weld fittings are easier to use on small pipelines, and the pipe ends do not need to be beveled.
With socket welded fittings, there is no risk of the weld protruding into the pipeline and impeding flow or causing turbulence.
No tack welding is required for alignment because the connection and pipe are self-aligning.
It can be used in place of threaded fittings, reducing the risk of leaks that are common with threaded fittings.
Other welded systems are more costly and difficult to put together. Joints that are properly constructed do not leak.
In the following industries, socket weld pipe fittings are commonly used in high-pressure pipeline systems:
• Petrochemicals with oil and gas
• Medical research.
• Electric or nuclear power plants.
• Controlling the environment.
• Structures for the aerospace industry.
• Fire-fighting equipment.
• Slurry from the mining industry.
• Construction of ships.
Source: Best Quality Forged Socket weld & Threaded Fittings Manufacturers