A socket weld fitting is a pipe attachment detail that joins or connects pipes or valves to another section of the pipeline. One needs to use seal welds or fillet types to join one section of a pipe to another.
The socket weld and butt weld are two of the most popular connecting weldable stainless fittings. While both of them have their unique purposes, we shall discuss the types of socket weld fittings in greater detail.
So, socket weld fittings are a great choice for maintaining structural strength and leakage integrity while designing a pipeline project.
Types of Socket Weld Fittings
Socket Weld Couplings
Socket weld couplings exist in four forms: full coupling and half coupling reduced coupling and reduced insert.
- Full coupling- The pipe joins two pipes or to a nipple.
- Half coupling- The weldable stainless fitting is to be welded into the run pipe and make a branch connection.
- Reducing coupling- it is meant to connect two separate outside diameters of a pipe.
- Reducer insert- These help to enable economic and quick combinations of pipeline reductions and can be created with standard socket weld fittings.
Sockolet
It is a standard socket weld fitting that is used to weld small diameter pipes into larger diameter pipe bodies. The sockolet is quite a unique socket as it has the socket inside the olet.
It is perfectly suitable for welding, creates a 90-degree turn, and is able to endure high pressure.
In a sockolet, one bore is connected to the outlet bore, while the counter bore spans the OD of the outlet. It supports the pipe that is sitting on the socket and offers stability to the installation and welding strength.
Socket Weld Union
The union consists of 3 interconnected pieces. The screwed joint design includes two internal threads along with a centerpiece that draws the ends together when rotated. One must tightly screw the unions before welding the ends together. It will reduce the chance of warping the seats.
Socket Weld Elbow
The SW elbow is available in 45 degrees and 90 degrees types. It is manufactured in forging processes similar to forged stainless steel flanges.
It is also available with long radius and short radius variants. Socket weld elbows are commonly used in pipelines from changing the direction of fluid flow.
Socket Weld Flange
The socket weld flange also known as the SW flange is most commonly used for smaller pipes in high-pressure situations. The forged stainless steel flanges consist of a recessed shoulder at the inner bore.
This leads the pipe into the shoulder after which the joint is welded to connect the pipes and flanges. The welded structure ensures a great transmission for high-pressure liquids in pipelines.
The socket wed flanges are available in raised face, flat face, ring tenon joint, and has pressure ratings of 150#, 300#, 600#, and up to 2500#.
So, make sure you call a reputed plumber to assist you while purchasing the right socket weld fittings and creating a well-structured pipeline.
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