Oil & Gas Material/Equipment Cateogry

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Fitting : Defenition

A pipe fitting is defined as a part, used in a piping system to change direction or function, which is mechanically joined to the system. Probably the simplest way to achieve this end would be to bend the pipe in the direction required, but this process will stretch and thin the outer wall whilst tnickening and wrinkling the inner wall. This results in flow resistance and accelerated wall erosion.

A second method sometimes used is a mitred joint, where pipes are cut to the correct angle and welded together to achieve the desired change. Whilst the cross-section area and wall thickness are maintained a great deal of efficiency is lost due to friction and turbulence resulting from the severe changes in direction; for example a single-mitred bend offers about six times the resistance of a swept elbow.


For these reasons swept fittings are preferred on most piping systems, particularly where internal pressure, flow and corrosion are major considerations.

No comments:

Post a Comment