O'let Branch Connections

Branch Connection Fittings general

Branch Connection fittings (also known as O'lets) are fittings which provide an outlet from a
larger pipe to a smaller one (or one of the same size). The main pipe onto which the branch
connection is welded is usually called the Run or Header size. The pipe to which the branch
connection provides a channel is usually called the Branch or Outlet size. Branch connections
are in all sizes, types, bores, and classes, in a wide range of stainless steel, chrome-moly, and
other alloys.

Perhaps you know, Bonney Forge has been supplying quality branch fittings (O'lets) for
many years. In 1943 when Bonney Forge pioneered the "Shape of Reinforcement" for branch
connections, who would have thought it would fast become a recognized industry standard.
Today, Bonney Forge Branch Connections offer complete run pipe reinforcement while
avoiding cracks, fillet welds, and sharp re-entrant corner reinforcement tapering at the sides,
thus preventing abrupt changes in thickness where the fitting joins the header pipe.

Bonney Forge fittings meeting the 100% reinforcement requirement of applicable piping
codes i.e. ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4 and B31.8. They also meet the 2001 edition of MSS-
SP-97 Standard- "Integrally Reinforced Forged Branch Outlet Fittings".
Types of Branch Connection Fittings

Weldolet® is the most common of all branch connections, and is welded onto the outlet pipe.
The ends are bevelled to facilitate this process, and therefore the weldolet is considered a
butt-weld fitting. Weldolet's are designed to minimize stress concentrations and provide
integral reinforcement.

Sockolet® utilizes the basic Weldolet® however the branch affixes by way of a socket inside
the olet. The bore matches the outlet bore, and the existence of a counter bore roughly the
size of the OD of the outlet provides a socket where the pipe can sit, facilitating installation
and welding. The Sockolet® is considered a socket fitting, and manufactured in 3000#,
6000# and 9000# classes.
Thredolet® utilizes the basic Weldolet® however the branch affixes by way of a thread just
inside the top of the olet. The bore matches the outlet bore, and the existence of this threading
facilitates installation, as no welding is necessary. The Thredolet® is considered a threaded
fitting, and manufactured in 3000# and 6000# classes.

Latrolet®, used for 45° lateral connections, is available butt-weld to meet specific
reinforcement requirements, and 3000# or 6000# classes for Socket Weld and threaded
applications.

Elbolet® is used on 90° Long Radius Elbows (can be manufactured for Short Radius
Elbows) for thermowell and instrumentation connections. Available butt-weld to meet
specific reinforcement requirements, and 3000# and 6000# classes for Socket Weld and
threaded applications.
Nipolet® is a one piece fitting for valve take-offs, drains and vents. Manufactured for Extra
Strong and Double Extra Strong applications in 3.1/2in to 6.1/2in lengths. Available with
male-socket weld or male threaded outlets.

Sweepolet® is a contoured, integrally reinforced, butt-weld branch connection with a low

stress intensification factor for low stresses and long fatigue life. The attachment weld is
easily examined by radiography, ultrasound and other standard non-destructive techniques.
Manufactured to meet your specific reinforcement requirements.

Insert Weldolet® is another contoured butt-weld branch connection used in less critical
applications. Like the Sweepolet®, the attachment welds are easily examined by radiography,
ultrasound and other standard non-destructive techniques. Manufactured to meet your
specific reinforcement requirements.
Brazolet® is designed for use with KLM and IPS brass or copper tubing. Available with
socket or threaded connections.

Coupolet® fittings are designed for use in fire protection sprinkler systems and other low
pressure piping applications. manufactured with NPT female threads for 300# service and are
UL Listed and F.M. approved.

Specifying the Schedule of both the Run and Branch

Generally the schedules of the run pipe and branch pipe are identical and thus specification of
the equivalent schedule Weldolet assures the proper fitting being used.

Example:
16" Standard weight x 6" Standard weight is specified as a 6" standard weight fitting.
Where the schedule of the run is greater or less than the schedule of the branch, it is essential
that both schedules be specified since (a) The Weldolet's reinforcing characteristics are a
function of the run pipe wall thickness, which in turn designates the schedule of the basic
Weldolet® fitting to be used;(b) The wall thickness of the outlet or branch end must match
the wall thickness of the branch pipe.
Example:
16" Extra strong x 6" Standard weight
16" Standard weight x 6" Extra strong
Special care is suggested to avoid confusing schedule 40 and standard weight as being
identical (above 10" schedule 40 is heavier) and schedule 80 and extra strong (above 8"
schedule 80 is heavier).

Example:
8" Schedule 80 x 4" Schedule 80 fitting or extra strong fitting.18" Schedule 80 x 4" Schedule
80 is a considerably heavier fitting, because the reinforcement is for 18" schedule 80 pipe
with a wall thickness of approximately 1".
The Weldolet® is available in standard code designs for all combinations of run wall
thicknesses up through 3.1/2" thickness and branch wall thicknesses up through double extra
strong. Designs for thicknesses greater than these can be developed on request.