Pipe fitting is a process that is used at the most basic level to connect pipes together. Pipes are fit together using a wide range of materials that come in different shapes and sizes based on the project that you are working on. There are all different types of pipe fittings, from valves to sleeves to couplings to elbows.
#1 Pipe Fittings Are Identified By Three Primary Elements
With so many different types of pipe fittings on the market, you need a way of identifying all the different fittings. Pipe fittings are generally identified first by the material they are made out of.
Secondly, pipe fittings are identified by the measure of both the inner and outer diameter of the pipe. It is important to know both the inner and outer diameter of the pipe fitting in order to get a good fit.
Third, pipe fittings are identified by the type of thread it has, which will be either male or female.
#2 Elbows Provide Clean Turns
Elbows are a type of pipe fitting that is used to create a clear turn with a pipe. An elbow provides a 90-degree bend, that can be used to redirect your pipes in a new direction.
Elbow pipe fittings are generally short in length and are designed to connect securely to both ends of your pipes, allowing you an easy way to change the direction of your pipes.
#3 Outside Diameters Can Vary
When fitting a pipe, you want the inside diameter to be the same. The outside diameter of the pipe fitting may vary though based on the manufacturer that made it. For example, a pipe fitting with a 1-inch interior diameter could come with a variety of different exterior diameters.
The difference in exterior diameter is there so that you can vary the thickness of the pipes. For example, for pipes that operate in really cold conditions, you may want to use a thicker pipe. Thus a pipe with a larger exterior diameter will allow you to provide more insulation while maintaining the interior diameter of the pipe set-up.
#4 Pipe Fittings Have A Visible Line On Them
Pipe fittings have a visible line on them. This line is not a crack in the pipe fitting. This is a knit-line. A knit-line is part of the injection molding process and is just a visible reminder of the fabrication process. This line will not compromise the integrity of the pipe fitting.
