A butt weld pipe fitting is designed to be welded on site at its end(s) to connect pipe(s) together and allow change in direction or pipe diameter, or branching or ending. This fitting then becomes part of a system for transporting fluids (oil, gas, steam, chemicals etc) in a safe and efficient manner, over short or long distances. Other types of fittings can be threaded or socket welded.

Types of Buttweld Fittings

1) Pipe Bend

A pipe bend works similar to an elbow, only the difference is in the uniformity of change in direction. Elbows have an instant change of direction, whereas butt weld bend changes the direction without sudden angle deflection. This helps in retaining the pressure level, which is a main concern in metal elbows.

2) Pipe Caps

A pipe end cap is used to cover or block the end of a hose or pipe. It is also commonly known as pipe plugs. Metal ends caps are very widely used in number of applications.

3) Pipe Cross

A pipe cross is similar to a junction for pipes that are intersecting. These are also known as four way fittings or cross branch lines. It normally has a single inlet with three outlets or vice versa. Crosses are commonly used in applications wherein thermal expansion stress is not an issue, such as fire sprinklers.

Crosses are available in two types that are straight cross and reducing cross depending upon its application of use.

4) Pipe Coupling

As the name suggests, a butt weld pipe coupling is used to connect two different pipes or hoses. It is very common type of fittings used in day to day applications. Stainless steel pipe couplings are the most used types. These butt weld fittings are used in all the applications wherever pipes are involved.

5) Pipe Elbow

A pipe elbow is a type of pipe fitting installed between two pipes mainly to change the course of direction. These butt weld fitting elbows are normally available in 90°, 60°, and 45° angles. However, nowadays, there are many other degrees of elbows available. Reducing elbow, also known as reducer elbow, is a certain type when both the ends of elbow differ in sizes. This is normally used to connect two different sizes of pipe with a significant turn.

6) Pipe Reducer

A butt weld pipe reducer is used to connect two pipes or hoses of different diameters. It is one of the most common type of pipe fittings used in market. Steel pipe reducers are the most common ones among all the materials. Pipe reducers are majorly classified into two different categories viz. concentric and eccentric. Concentric reducers resemble a cone whereas eccentric reducers are apt at places where pipes are aligned in off-shaft manner.

7) Pipe Tee

A pipe tee is a fitting used to join three different pipes forming a junction. It is also normally called as ‘3-way fitting’. It symbolizes an alphabet ‘T’, wherein two inlets and single outlet is involved, or vice versa. These pipe fittings are further classified as a reducing tee and straight tee. Reducing tee is used where pipes of different diameters are used, whereas in straight tee same diameter pipes are involved. The most common material used is stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, and titanium.

8) Lap Joint Stub End

Stub Ends are fittings used in place of welded flanges where rotating back up flanges are desired and can be supplied in standard and non -standard ANSI dimensions. Stub ends find their usage in Petroleum, Chemical, Power, Gas, Construction, Metallurgy, Ship-building etc. The stub ends are provided with a standard weld bevel and can be available in squared, flanged, Victaulic and threaded ends in all sizes and thickness.