Piping System
The piping components consist of fittings, pipes and valves
Piping system is considered as a group of parts which help in the transmission of fluid to meet the process demand. The piping components include the fitting, pipes and valves. Piping design engineer shall have detailed knowledge of types of fittings that are; elbow, tee, reducer, flange etc., Pipes used in process piping and common valves used in refineries. This is why one is able to establish that having a good knowledge on fittings & valves is essential when it comes to the qualification of being a piping design engineer.
Types of pipe fittings and valves
Pipe fittings and valves therefore are parts of a piping system that allows for regulation, branching, and joining of the fluid or gaseous media. As for the types of pipe fittings and valves, there are many of them and they are classified according to their intended use and purpose.
Fittings of pipe
Elbow: An elbow is generally used to make a given pipe change the direction it is taking. The standard angles are 45 degrees and 90 degrees; however, specific degrees can be ordered.
Tee: Tees allow the branching of a pipe into two directions. They come in various configurations, including equal tees and reducing tees.
Reducer:Connectors whose function is to join pipes having different diameters are known as reducers. They can be concentric that they will have the same straight center line and eccentric that it will have offset center line.
Coupling: Connecting pieces that hold two pipes of the same diameter are couplings. They are commonly utilised in repair works or for making additions to the length of pipes in circulation.
Union: Unions are similar to couplings but provide a removable connection. They are useful for maintenance and repairs.
Cross: Y fittings have four passages to enable the diversification of a pipe in four means.
Cap: Fittings are parts that are provided to join or connect two pipes with each other while tees, reducers, bushes, spheres, and plugs are used to modify the flow of the pipe or line and caps are employed to close the end of the pipe. It is also a common application of hoses in the closing off of the open ends of pipes that are not in uses.
Plug: Caps are like plugs but are usually of threaded type that are used to seal off the opening of a pipe for sometime.
Nipple: Nipples are short pipes with threads female at one end and thread male on the other. They are employed in applications such as increasing the pipe lengths or joining the fittings.
Socket Weld Fitting: These fittings are specifically suitable for socket weld type applications and are used particularly in applications with high pressure.
Threaded Fitting: Threaded fittings have got female threads and these are suitable for use with pipes having male threads or valves having male threads.
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Gate Valve: The gate valves in particular work by having a vertical or an inclined flat barrier known as the gate that is inserted within a slot within the valve’s body. They are very adaptable and when closed they offer a very secure fit.
Ball Valve: Their function is based on a spherical ball that has an opening in it through which the flow is regulated. These are characterized by easy operation in matters touching on on/off and the capability to seal tightly.
Butterfly Valve: These valves have a quoit shaped closure disc working on the tilting axis to regulate the flow of fluids or gases. These are preferred especially in large pipe diameter applications.
Check Valve: These contain check valves which enable flow in a certain direction but does not allow a reversal of flow. Their common application is to determine the direction of the flow in the pipelines.
Globe Valve: Globe valves use a disk that sits across the path of the fluid that is to be regulated. They offer accurate control of the flow of either the liquid or the gas being transported.
Diaphragm Valve: Diaphragm valves work on the basis where the flow is regulated via a flexible diaphragm. It is important for using in the corrosive or abrasive fluids.
Pressure Relief Valve: Safety relief valves work without control and let off excess pressure which may harm the system.
Control Valve: Control valves use changes in the physical size of the passage to which fluid is flowing through to control it. They are utilized typically in Process Control systems.
Plug Valve: The flow in plug Valves is regulated through the use of a cylindrical or tapered plug that the valve can be turned to either open or close it.
Needle Valve: Needle valves are those that have a long narrow spindle called the ‘needle’ which offers precise control on the flow rate.
Here are only some of the many types of pipe fittings and valves; each of them has its purpose and is suitable for use in certain places and industries. Some of the elements that dictate the choice of the fittings and valves include: the type of fluid or the gaseous material being transported, pressure rating and suitable temperature, and purpose of the system.
Pipe fittings and their functions
Pipe fittings are related Sub-assemblies as they are indispensable in the construction of piping systems and systems used for transportation of fluids or gases. Depending on the type of the system, each type of fitting is designed to perform a particular duty. Here are some common pipe fittings and their functions:Here are some common pipe fittings and their functions:
Elbow:
- Function: Rotates the flow direction by certain degrees (for example, 90, 45 and etc.). Turns are used when one needs to transport something around a particular object or when it is required to bend or create curves from a pipeline.
Tee:
- Function: Refers to a procedure of coming with a pipe and splitting it into two or more sections at a right angle. Tees are utilized when the pipeline splits off into another branch, or when establishing a distribution point or two individual flows are merged into one.
Reducer:
- Function: Connects pipes of different sizes, allowing for a smooth transition in diameter. Reducers are used to adapt the pipeline to varying flow rates or to fit into equipment with different connections.
Cross:
- Function: Joins four pipes at right angles, allowing for flow in four directions. Cross fittings are less common but are used when necessary for complex piping configurations.
Coupling:
- Function:This joint is applied to link two pipes of equal diameter lying in a straight line. This couplings are mostly required in cases where pipes require repair, to join them when they are being extended or in cases where long distance pipes are required.
Union:
- Function: Connects two pipes but the connection is can be a slipped off readily to facilitate disassembly for purposes of cleaning or other minor pipe modifications that do not require the pipe to be cut.
Cap:
- Function: Closes the end of a pipe, sealing it off. Caps are used to prevent the flow of fluid or gas and protect the pipe's interior.
Plug:
- Function: Similar to caps, plugs are used to close off pipe openings temporarily. They can be easily removed for access.
Nipple:
- Function: A short length of pipe with male threads on both ends. Nipples are used to extend pipe lengths or connect fittings.
Socket Weld Fitting:
- Function: Intended for the socket weld joint, these fittings are employed in applications that require high pressure to ensure a well made connection in a fitting.
Threaded Fitting:
- Function: Features female threads for connecting pipes or valves with male threads. Threaded fittings are common in a wide range of applications.
Olet (Weldolet, Sockolet, etc.):
- Function: These branch fittings provide a way to connect smaller pipes to a larger main pipe, often used in pipelines for distribution.
Swage Nipple:
- Function: Used to connect pipes of different sizes, with one end having a larger diameter and the other a smaller diameter.
Expansion Joint:
- Function: Minimises stress due to change in temperature in the piping system thus protecting the pipes from damage due to thermal expansion and contraction.
Blind Flange:
- Function:A type of fitting that closes off a pipe or a vessel and is utilized more often where entries and exits are not an issue.
It is therefore important that pipe fittings are selected according to the requirements of the system that is going to be serviced, for example the fluid or the gas that is to be transported, the working and operating pressures as well as the working temperature, size of the pipe and the desired flow pattern. To avoid dangers, which can be connected with the use of fittings, it is necessary to choose and install them correctly.
Valves used in plumbing
For instance, in plumbing systems, there exists some forms of valves which include the control valves used to modulate the flow rate of water or any other fluids and the shut-off valves that are used to separate sections of the plumbing systems and the pressure regulating valves. This implies that the option that is appropriate to use will depend on the application in question, and the function that the valve is expected to perform. Here are some common types of valves used in plumbing:Here are some common types of valves used in plumbing:
Ball Valve:
- Function: There is a spherical ball with an aperture in it allowing the regulation of the water circulation with ball valves. They are characterized by the ability to be turned on and off very fast as well as able to seal well. STP’s are used in plumbing both in residential buildings and in industrial systems.
Gate Valve:
- Function: Gate valves operate by lifting or lowering a gate that is situated in the valve body to regulate/deflect the flow of water. When closed they provide a leak-tight closure and are more commonly used in tem where full flow or shut-off is desired.
- Function: The check operate to allow the water to flow in just one direction and to act as a barrier to the water to flow in the opposite direction. They are frequently employed in the control of flow direction for sump pumps, sewers, and particular supply pipelines.
Globe Valve:
- Function: They come in the Globe valve which utilizes a disk that is positioned in a right angle to the direction of flow. They are commonly employed in areas that need fine control of the rate of flow, as in taps and shower mixers.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV):
- Function: They lower the pressure of the incoming water from the main supply to a much lower level that can easily be managed by the PRVs. They are useful in management of water pressure in systems that serve domestic needs of water delivery.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV):
- Function: TMVs blend hot and cold water to keep outlet water temperature steady and, therefore, safe specifically for showers and faucets. They help prevent scalding.
Angle Valve (Stop Valve):
- Function: An angle valve is installed in order to close the water stream to certain facilities including those used in washing, defecation and food washing among others. These are generally housed under or behind these fixtures.
Pressure Relief Valve (PRV):
- Function: They are adopted in systems like the plumbing framework so that pressures do not build up to hazardous levels in the system. It can be resident in water heaters, boilers, and similar systems.
Float Valve (Ballcock):
- Function: Float valves regulates the amount of water which is in tanks and reservoirs; the operation of valves is dependent on the change of water level. They are usually applied in toilet cisterns and other water supply tanks.
Butterfly Valve:
- Function: Butterfly valves are those that manage the water supply with the help of a round disk element that is rotated for the purpose. It is often applied in sections with large diameter pipes.
Solenoid Valve:
- Function: Solenoid valve is a type of valve which is operated electrically to open or close it to allow water to flow through it. It is common in auto irrigation and use in appliances like washing machines.
Diaphragm Valve:
- Function: Diaphragm valves of water work with the help of a flexible diaphragm which controls the flow of water. They are typically applied where the valve needs to be immune to corrosion or possibly getting contaminated.
They are some of the frequently used valve types when plumbing a building or a dwelling. The right valve is chosen based on the plumbing requirements, pressure class, flow capacity, and the degree of the valve’s control or shut off.
Valve fitting type
Flanged Connection:
- Flanged joints include connecting of the valves to the pipes using flanges which are flat with circular-shaped rings and bolt holes around the circumference. The valve is fixed between two flanges and bolts and nuts are tightened to get a tight and leak proof joint. This type of connection will afford easy connection and disconnection of the valve as and when maybe required.
Threaded Connection:
- Threaded connections entail generation of screw threads on the valve as well as the pipe or the fitting. Depending on the type of thread, valves with female thread means can be screwed on the male thread of the pipe or fitting. Screwed connections are used in relatively small valves and low working pressure ones.
Socket Weld Connection:
- The routine weld connections need to be made with valves that can be used with socket welding. The valve end is inserted into the socket of a pipe or fitting and then the two joined with welds. More specifically, socket weld connections are popularly used in high pressure applications.
Butt Weld Connection:
- Butt weld connections are made use of with valves that are constructed to be used in butt welding applications. Its end is frequently beveled and then fused to the pipe or fitting. Such connection is typical for the conditions characterized by high pressure and high temperature.
Compression Connection:
- Screwed connections can be also applied to a valve where a valve is connected to the pipe with the help of compression fittings. In these fittings, a nut and the ferrules get squeezed around the pipe thus having a secure and leak proof connection. These are generally used in plumbing applications and system of instrumentation.
Soldered or Brazed Connection:
- Valves that are intended for soldering or brazing are used alongside soldered or brazed connections. Here, the solder or the brazing material is used on the joint in question then heated to allow the formation of the union between the valve and the pipe. It is commonly applied in copper piping systems.
Grooved Connection:
- The grooved connections on the valve are couplings and gaskets that ensure the joining of the valve to the pipe. Joint grooves are fast to make and are used extensively in fire protection systems and several industrial uses.
Push-Fit Connection:
- Push-fit connections are used together with valves that are compatible with push-fit, or push-to-connect fittings. The valve end is inserted into the pipe or fitting, and internal parts make a leak-tight and mechanically secure union. Such connection type is easy to use andhall commonly applied in the residential pipelines.
Clamp or Quick-Clamp Connection:
- Clamp connections employ clamps or quick – clamp fittings to fasten the valve to the pipe. These connections can be easily connected and disconnected and are preferred in applications such as hygienic and sanitary.
The type of fitting tube to be used on a valve depends on the installation design, material, mode of application, and overall requirements for the pipe line. In order to get the right piping system, it requires the right valve fitting to be selected and installed accordingly.
Valve fitting type
Valve fittings, also known as valve connections or valve end connections, refer to the methods or configurations used to connect valves to the piping system. The choice of valve fitting type depends on the specific valve design and its intended application. Here are some common valve fitting types:
Flanged Connection:
- Flanged connections involve attaching the valve to the pipe using flanges (flat, circular discs with bolt holes). Bolts and nuts are used to secure the valve between the flanges, creating a tight seal. This type of connection allows for easy installation and removal of the valve.
Threaded Connection:
- Threaded connections involve the use of threads on the valve and the pipe or fitting. Valves with female threads can be screwed onto male threads of the pipe or fitting. Threaded connections are common in smaller-sized valves and low-pressure applications.
Socket Weld Connection:
- Socket weld connections are used with valves designed for socket welding. The valve end is inserted into the socket of a pipe or fitting, and then the joint is welded to create a secure connection. Socket weld connections are often used in high-pressure applications.
Butt Weld Connection:
- Butt weld connections are used with valves designed for butt welding. The valve end is beveled and welded directly to the pipe or fitting. This type of connection is common in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
Compression Connection:
- Compression connections involve using compression fittings to secure the valve to the pipe. These fittings typically consist of a nut and ferrules that compress around the pipe when tightened, creating a leak-proof seal. Compression fittings are commonly used in plumbing and instrumentation systems.
Soldered or Brazed Connection:
- Soldered or brazed connections are used with valves designed for soldering or brazing. In these connections, solder or brazing material is applied to the joint and heated to create a bond between the valve and the pipe. This method is often used in copper piping systems.
Grooved Connection:
- Grooved connections involve the use of grooved couplings and gaskets to connect the valve to the pipe. Grooved connections are quick to install and are commonly used in fire protection systems and some industrial applications.
Push-Fit Connection:
- Push-fit connections are used with valves that have push-fit or push-to-connect fittings. The valve end is pushed into the pipe or fitting, and internal components create a secure and watertight connection. This type of connection is user-friendly and often used in residential plumbing systems.
Clamp or Quick-Clamp Connection:
- Clamp connections use clamps or quick-clamp fittings to secure the valve to the pipe. These connections are easy to install and remove and are commonly used in hygienic and sanitary applications.
The choice of valve fitting type depends on factors such as the valve design, the material of construction, the intended application, and the specific requirements of the piping system. Proper selection and installation of valve fittings are essential to ensure the integrity and functionality of the piping system.