PIPE FITTINGS – Reducer, Nipples, Coupling and Unions

1
OBJECTIVES:

2
 What are Pipe Fittings?
•Pipe fitting also known as pipe connectors or pipe
adapters are used to connect several pipes
together to lengthen a plumping/piping system.
However, their function is not limited to simply
lengthening a plumping/piping system. They also
serve as mean of diverting, reducing, and combing
the flow of liquids withing a system.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

3
 Pipe Fittings Cont’d…

 Characteristics of pipe fitting include fitting are reducers, nipples, couplings and unions.
being available in a variety of sizes which may
be useful for connect pipes of various sizes.
They also serve as transition in cases where
pipes of different sizes are to be
connected within a system, that is, each end of
the fitting is of a different diameter to combine
pipes of different size to create one system.
For today's discussion we will be looking at

4
 Reducers

A reducer is a pipe fitting used in Concentric & Eccentric.

process piping that reduces the pie
size from a larger bore to a smaller
bore (inner diameter).
Reducers change pipe size to meet
hydraulic flow requirement for the
system.
Two Types of Reducers:

5
 Reducers Cont’d…
 Concentric Reducers achieved by decreasing the diameter of the fitting at a
constant rate over a specified length, maintaining one
 In Concentric Reducer the reduction of the pipe size is side of the fitting horizontally. An eccentric pipe
achieved by decreasing the diameter of the fitting at a reducer fitting is manufactured with the smaller outlet
constant rate over a specified length, maintaining off center to the larger end, which allows it to align
symmetry around the fitting. Concentric Reducers are with only one side of the inlet. The same fitting can be
used to join pipe or tube sections of different used in reverse as an eccentric expander.
diameters on the same axis. They provide an in-line
conical transition between pressurized pipes of
differing diameters. Thus, concentric reducers connect
pipes of unequal size but have a common
centerline. The same fitting can be used in reverse as a
concentric expander.

 Eccentric Reducers

 In Eccentric Reducer the reduction of the pipe size is

TEACH A COURSE 6
 Reducers Cont’d…
 Concentric & Eccentric Reducers uses
In horizontal gas / vapor / steam piping, eccentric
reducer must be installed with flat side down which
allows condensed water or fluid to drain at low points.
Eccentric reducers are used at the suction side of
pumps to ensure air does not accumulate in the pipe.
The gradual accumulation of air in a concentric reducer
could result in a large bubble that could eventually
cause the pump to stall or cause cavitation when drawn
into the pump.
Reducers in vertical lines are generally concentric
unless the layout dictates otherwise.

TEACH A COURSE 7
 Nipples

 A nipple is a type of pipe fitting that consists of a short piece
of pipe fused with two male pipe threads at each end. Pipe
Nipples are mainly used in low-pressure piping systems
where they serve as adapters connecting one pipe to another.
There are generally five types of pipe : Close Nipple /
Running Nipple, Hexagonal Nipple, Reducing Nipple /
Unequal Nipple, Hose Nipple and the Welding Nipple.
Close Nipple
 In pipe nipples where there is a little space between both the
threaded ends, there may have a hexagonal section in the
center for a wrench to grasp the nipple. These nipples are
called as “hexagonal nipple”. This hexagonal section in the
middle functions like a nut that can be gripped by a normal
wrench, providing a greater mechanical advantage than
normal rounded pipe nipple. A hexagonal nipple with more
distance between the threaded ends is called a “long hex
nipple”.

The most basic form, there is no unthreaded pipe between the

two connecting ends. When connected to a female counterpart
no thread is visible (the pipes appear to be connected directly)
the pipe nipple is called a “close nipple” or a “running
nipple”.

Hexagonal Nipple

TEACH A COURSE 8
 Nipples Cont’d…

Reducing / Unequal Nipple Piping systems which requires to be connected to welded

For piping systems which require a change in pipe
dimension, “reducing nipple” or “unequal nipple” is used.
Reducing nipple takes a female fitting with a larger connection
and attaches it to a smaller one.
Hose Nipple
For piping systems which require pipe connection to
tubing, “hose nipple” is used. Hose nipple features a male
threaded connection on one end and a hose barb on the other
end. The hose barb may be the same size as the pipe
connection or it may be of reduced size.
pipes or fittings, “welding nipple” is used. Welding nipple has a
threaded connection on one end and normal cut pipe at the
other end. The unthreaded end of the pipe provides more
surface area for the use of welding materials to make the
stronger connection. One main benefit of welding nipple is
that once the unthreaded end is connected, connecting pipes
or other fittings to the threaded end becomes much more
easy.

Welding Nipple

TEACH A COURSE 9
 Coupling

A coupling (or coupler) (used in piping or

plumbing) is a very short length of pipe or tube,
with a socket at one or both ends that allows
two pipes or tubes to be joined, welded (steel),
brazed or soldered (copper, brass etc.) together.

TEACH A COURSE 10
 Coupling Cont’d…

Pipe Couplings Types

There are three types of coupling available

Full Coupling

Half Coupling

Reducing Coupling

Compression Coupling

Slip Coupling / Repair Coupling

TEACH A COURSE 11
 Unions

Pipe unions are connector that combine two separate

pipes, which only require on pipe to be mobile when
being removed from the union. These connectors
usually prevent metal corrosion between two
dissimilar metals. While similar in function to
couplings, it is the ease or removal and the ability to
allow two different metals to connect without
corrosion that distinguishes them. Unions are usually
made of plastic thus acts as a physical separation
between the two metal pipes. In metal unions there
are small plastic barriers that cover the metals pipes.

TEACH A COURSE 12
 Union Cont’d…

TEACH A COURSE 13
 Thank You!

TEACH A COURSE 14