Pipe Fitting

Module No. 7 : Piping systems Unit No.
2 - Pipe fitting
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UNITS IN THIS COURSE

UNIT 1 PIPING SYSTEMS
UNIT 2 PIPE FITTINGS
UNIT 3 VALVES
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Module No. 7 : Piping systems Unit No. 2 - Pipe fitting
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Para Page
2.0 COURSE OBJECTIVE 3
2.1 PIPE FITTINGS 4
2.2 FLANGES 8
2.3 GASKETS 10
2.4 BLINDS 14
2.5 FILTERS 18
2.6 STRAINERS 25
2.7 STEAM TRAPS 29
2.8 TYPES OF STEAM TRAPS 31

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2.0 COURSE OBJECTIVE
This course introduces the students to all major items of static equipment relating to
a plant site. Upon completion of the course the trainees will have a general
understanding of the following.
Equipment Terminology.
Theory of operation.
Equipment construction.
Hands on operation.
safety features.
Equipment interaction with the overall process.

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2.1 PIPE FITTINGS
Pipe fittings are classed according to the way they are joined to section of pipe. The
three main types of pipe fittings are:
Screwed.
Flanged.
Welded.
Screwed or flanged fittings must be used if the pipe has to be opened up or taken
apart for cleaning, inspection or maintenance. The advantages and disadvantages
of each are as follows:
Screwed Fittings (Advantages)
Simple design.
Quick to install or remove.
Easy to open for cleaning or maintenance.
Cheaper to install.
Easy to repair / or replace.
Screwed Fittings (Disadvantages)
More leak problems.
More chance of corrosion at the threads.
Threads make pipework weaker.
Flanged Fittings (Advantages)
Strong.
Quick to open for cleaning and for repair.
Low corrosion possibility.

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Flanged Fittings (Disadvantages)
More possibility of leaks occurring.
Prone to leaks if gaskets are not installed correctly.
Expensive to buy and install.
Heavy.
Difficult to insulate.
Figure 2-1 Pipe Fittings
Figure 2-1 shows the most commonly used pipe fittings in a plant piping system.
Table 1 explains what these fittings are used for.

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NAME DESCRIPTION AND USE
Coupling This is a female fitting. Joins piping in a straight

line.
Union. This is a female fitting which can be taken apart
Elbow (45 or 900 angle). Changes the direction of the piping by 45 or 90
Bushing. Different size Internal and external thread. Joins a

large pipe to a smaller pipe
Tee (T) joint.
Joins two or more branches together
Y joint . Joins two or more branches together
Cross ( +) joint. Joins three or Four branches together
Plug A solid threaded male fitting. It screws into another

fitting to plug an opening.
Cap An internally threaded female fitting. It screws onto

the pipe to seal the end.
Nipple This is a male fitting. A short section of threaded

pipe. It often Joins two fittings
Reducers. Female fitting which reduce the size of the pipe.

Most of the above fittings can be used as reducers

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Table 1 Types of Fittings and Their Uses

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Welded Joints
Figure 2-2 Welded Pipe Joints
Figure 2-3 Screw, Flange and Welded Fittings
All fittings can be screwed, flanged or welded (See Figure 2-2 and 2-3). A properly
welded joint is as strong as the pipe itself. A welded system does not leak and
needs no maintenance. This is important on high pressure systems. The joints are
much smoother on a welded system so insulating this type of system is easier.

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For all permanent installations welding is used to join the sections of pipe and / or
the pipe fittings. Welded joints may be Butt-welded, Fillet welded or Sleeve-welded.
Butt welding is the most common type of welded joint. Figure 2-2 shows some
typical welded pipe joints. Butt-welded joints prevent leaks and give fewer corrosion
problems.
The advantages of welded joints are:
Very Strong.
Leakproof.
Maintenance free.
Smooth / small joints
Easy to insulate.
The disadvantage of welded joints is that they cannot be taken apart easily.
2.2 FLANGES
Flanges are connecting devices on vessels, tank equipment and piping which give
quick and easy connections and leakproof seals.
A flange has a contact surface which can be joined to another flange. Flanges have
holes around the edge so they can be bolted together.
Flanges are attached to piping in different ways. They can be screwed or welded.
Welding is the strongest and most permanent. Figure 2-4 Shows different flange
surfaces
Flat Face (Plain) For low pressures and temperatures.
Raised Faced (Serrated) For high pressures and temperatures.
Ring Joint (Grooved) For high pressures and temperatures.
Tongue and Groove For high pressures and higher temperatures.
Flanges can be over 48" in diameter. They are made of different materials for
different purposes. They are rated according to the pressure they must hold. They
are stamped with this rating.

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Figure 2-4 Different Types of Flange Faces
Rating Rating
150 Low Pressure to 260 PSIG up to 200 C 300
300 Intermediate Pressure to 675 PSIG up to 200 C 700
600 High Pressure to 1350 PSIG up to 200 C 1300
900 Very High Pressure to 2000 PSIG up to 200 C 2000
1500 Very Very High Pressure to 3375 PSIG up to 200 C 3000
2500 Maximum Pressure to 5625 PSIG up to 200 C 5600
As the operating temperature increases, the allowed operating pressure of the

flange decreases. For example a 150 flange at 200 C operating temperature is
rated for 260 psig.
Higher flange ratings use more connecting bolts. The higher the flange rating the
more connecting bolts / studs are used.
The whole area of a flat face flange is joined to the opposite flange.
Only a small inner part of a raised face flange is joined to the opposite flange face.
The outer flange edges do not come in contact with each other.
A ring joint has a ring on one face that fits into a circular groove machined on the
opposite flange face.

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Figure 2-5 Blind Flange
Blind flanges are used to close off the ends of piping, valves and equipment
openings. (See Figure 2-5) The flange bolts pass through the blind flange and the
mounted flange. After a gasket has been installed the bolts are tightened to the
normal operating specification to make a leakproof seal.
2.3 GASKETS
Gaskets are a thin plates which fit between the faces of two flanges. They are
especially important when joining two flat metal faces. It is hard to machine two
metal faces so that they fit together without leaking. Thermal expansion and
pressure causes the metal to lose its shape. The gaskets prevent leaks by filling in
the small gaps between the metal surfaces.
Many different types of gaskets are used in the plants. Gaskets are made from
different materials. The material that is used must resist the temperature and
chemical action of the fluid in the pipe. Gasket materials may be metallic or
non-metallic.. Some non-metallic gasket material is bought in sheet form and cut to
size. Many gaskets for special applications are already cut to size. Table 2 shows
some different gasket materials and the different fluids they are used with.
FLUID GASKET MATERIAL
Water Rubber. Asbestos.
Cold Oil Cor, Neoprene
Hot Oil. Asbestos. Ingot Iron
Gas (Low Temperature). Rubber
Gas (High Temperature) Asbestos.
Acids. Sheet Lead / Steel.
Table 2 Gasket Materials and Applications

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Metallic Gaskets
Flat metallic gaskets are made of lead, copper, iron, steel, aluminium and monel.
Flat metallic gaskets are a simple and cheaper method of sealing . They are strong
enough for high temperature and pressure conditions. They can be used for
pressures up to approximately 500 psig.
Tightening the bolts around the flanges forces the gasket material into the small
spaces in the flange faces to form a leakproof seal. Gaskets are made in different
shapes and different materials to suit any process.
The following are examples of non-metallic gasket materials and applications:
Asbestos High temperature / pressures.

Rubber / Neoprene Low temperature / pressures.
Cork Low temperature / pressures.
Viton High / low temperatures / high pressures
Teflon High temperatures / pressures
The following are examples of metallic gasket materials and their applications:
Stainless steel. High temperature / pressures.

colonel High temperature / pressures.
Aluminium High temperature / pressures
Lead Low temperature / pressures.
Tin Low temperature / pressures.
Figure 2-6 shows the most common types of metallic gaskets available for use in
the process plant.

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Figure 2-6 Metallic Gaskets
Spiral Wound Gaskets
Spiral wound gaskets are made of metallic strips in a special V shape. They
are put together with an asbestos material between the Vs. The V's are
compressed between the two metal rings. The asbestos filled V's form a good
compressible seal for the flange face.
They are used where expansion and contraction of the metal parts is
common. Most spiral wound gaskets can be used for pressures up to 1200
psig

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Ring Joint Gaskets
Ring joint gaskets are made of stainless steel, iron, nickel, monel and copper.
Ring joint gaskets give a seal like a welded joint. However, they are, better
than a welded joint because they can be taken apart easily. The ring joint
gasket fits into a-special groove machined into the flange face.. These
gaskets are very good for very high pressures and temperatures. These
gaskets can be used for pressures up to approximately 5000 psig.
Corrugated Gaskets
Corrugated gaskets are made of aluminium, copper, steel and monel. These
gaskets require very low bolt tightening force for a leakproof seal. These
gaskets are limited to approximately 300 psig.
Jacketed Gaskets
Jacketed gaskets are made of a soft non-metallic filler material covered by a

metallic case. The filler material is usually asbestos or rubber. These gaskets
are used where metallic parts expand and contract due to temperature
changes. They can be used for pressures up to approximately 1200 psig.
Flat Metallic Gaskets
Flat metallic gaskets are made of lead, copper, iron, steel aluminium and
monel. Flat metallic gaskets are a simple and cheaper method of sealing .
They have a good mechanical strength for high temperature and pressure
conditions. They can-be used for pressures up to approximately 500 psig.
Gaskets are used when joining the following:
Flanges.
Manways to vessels.
inspection ports / hand holes to vessels.
Heat exchanger parts. e.g., tube bundles , bell ends and end
plates.
Pump /turbine cases.
Any metal to metal face joint that requires a leakproof seal.

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Gaskets must be able to handle the following:
Various fluids.
High and low temperatures.
High and low pressures.
Thermal expansion.
Vibration / compression forces.
Always be sure to use the correct gasket for the process application. The gasket
must be the correct:
Right Size.
Right Shape.
Right Material.
Right Thickness.
Installed correctly.
Metallic gaskets are used for high temperature and high pressure applications. The
following table lists some of the metals used in gaskets and their maximum
operating temperatures.
Material c Material C
Tin 93 Stainless Steel 538
Lead 100 Titanium 538
Bronze 260 Silver 649
Aluminium 427 Monel 816
Special metallic gaskets are available for temperatures up to 1100C.
2.4 BLINDS
A blind is a circular metal plate which is placed between two flanges. It stops the
flow of liquids. It is used to isolate a section of piping, usually for maintenance.
After the blind and gaskets have been installed, the flange bolts are tightened to
make a leakproof seal. The bolts are tightened to the normal operating specification.
The blind fits inside the circle of flange bolts as shown in Figure 2-7

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Figure 2-8 Blank Blind Installed Between Flanges
Sometimes vessels and pipework need to be opened for inspection, cleaning and
repair.
Before a piece of equipment can be opened it must be totally isolated from the
process. Blinds are used to isolate the equipment. Blinds are circular metal plates
installed between two flanges or at the end of a pipe to stop any fluid from passing
a certain point. They are installed with a gasket on each side to ensure no fluids can
leak past and cause a safety hazard for the maintenance workers.
As an operator you must be able to isolate correctly any piece of equipment or unit
in your section of the plant to ensure the safety of all workers. When isolating a
piece of equipment or pipework the following must be performed.
Depressurise and purge all lines with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) before
opening any line or piece of equipment.
Blind all lines-to and from the equipment.
Make a blind list to ensure that all blinds are installed correctly and removed
when the work is complete.
Use the correct type and size of blind.

Purge all the air from the lines using an inert gas (usually nitrogen) before
starting the equipment or process.

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Blinds are made in three different types: See Figure 2-9
Figure 2-9 Blinds.
Blank Blind Temporary installation only. Installed between

two flanges.
Spectacle Blind Permanent installation between two flanges.

It is easier to open and close.
Blind Flange Permanently installed at the end of a pipe or

vessel nozzle to stop fluid flow.

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Figure 2-10 Typical Blinding of a Vessel
Process Line Blind in Blind Out

Oper. Initials Oper Initials
Feed Inlet (1)
Feed Inlet (2)
Reboiler Outlet
Reboiler Inlet
Vapour Inlet
Product Inlet

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Table 3 Blind List for the Vessel in Figure 2-10.

Unit No. 2 - Pipe fitting
Module No. 7 : Piping systems

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Table 3 is a blind list for the vessel in Figure 2-10
Before you sign the blinds in, as an operator you must:
Check to make sure the blind is in the correct position.
Check that there is a gasket installed on each side of the b
Check to make sure the nuts and bolts on the flange are tight
Before you sign the blinds out, as an operator you must:
Ensure all the work on the equipment is complete.
Check that the inside of the vessel is clean and free from t
Check that all the blinds have been removed.
Check that new gaskets have been installed between the .
Check that all flanges are aligned.
Check that all nuts and bolts have been tightened to the cc specification.
YOU MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT BLINDS ENSURE THE SAFETY OF

EVERY PERSON WORKING IN OR ON A PIECE 0F EQUIPMENT. YOU MUST
ENSURE THAT THEY ARE INSTALL CORRECTLY AND HAVE BEEN REMOVED
WHEN THE WORK COMPLETE.
2.5 FILTERS
The most common types of filter are:
Edge Type Filter.
Sock Type Filter.
Cartridge Type Filter.
Mixed Bed Filters.

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A filter is a device used to remove unwanted substances from the process fluids and
from a system within the process e.g., amine, glycol, air. To do this the fluid is
passed through a material which allows the fluid to pass but catches any solid
contaminant. The filter material is usually cloth, paper or wire mesh. The thickness
and porosity of the surface of the material is very important. It determines both the
amount of fluid which can be handled by the filter and the size of the contaminant
which will be filtered out.
Filters do the following:
They prevent abrasive material entering pumps and turbines. They reduce pipe
wear due to erosion.
They keep valves clean so they can operate freely.

They keep process fluids pure so that treating chemicals
operate properly.
They keep towers and vessels clean.
They keep heat exchangers and reboilers free of dirt.
They keep contaminants out of the sales products.
Filters also maintain good / correct instrumentation operation
They keep contaminants from blocking air lines to and from control valves.
They keep contaminants from blocking or damaging small instrument orifices.
They keep contaminants from blocking gauge glasses or level control column
legs.
All filters are made up of two main parts:
The housing (the outside case) which contains the fluid and the filter internals.
The filter element or elements. through which the fluids pass. This is the part
that traps the contaminants.

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Some filters can be removed and cleaned when they become contaminated. Most
filters have replaceable elements. These elements are specially designed to fit the
particular filter. When the element becomes contaminated it is changed. The used
element is thrown away.
Most filters cause the fluid flowing through them to make a sharp turn. The larger
particles to be removed are too heavy to make the sharp turn. These drop to the
bottom of the filter. Other particles are trapped in the filter element.
Figure 2-11 Edge Type Filter
A filter in which the element is not changed is shown in Figure 6-24.
This is called an edge type filter. It is used to remove impurities from an oil line. This
filter is also called a full flow filter. That means all the oil flows through the filter. The
filter has a metal case with a large number of thin metal plates inside. The plates
are arranged on top of each other. The plates have small bumps on the surface.
Every second plate is connected to a shaft which can be rotated. The fluid flows
down, across and between the plates.. Any particles or contaminants are trapped
between the plates and the small bumps.

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To clean the filter the shaft is turned manually. This turns 50% of the plates so the
contaminants drop to the bottom of the case. These contaminants collect in the
bottom of the filter (the sump). These contaminants can be drained off by removing
the drain plug when necessary.
Figure 2-12 Paper Filter / Cartridge Filter
In cartridge type filters either the filter element or the whole filter are replaceable.
The housing can be bolted in place or it is threaded so it can be screwed onto the
filter body. When the element becomes contaminated it is thrown away and a new
element is installed.
The cartridge type filter has a large metal housing. The cartridge elements are
ridged cardboard or metal. They have cloth or paper type material inside. They are
strong and will not break under high differential pressure. These filters are used in
process fluid systems.

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Sock Type Filter
Figure 2-13 Sock Type Filter
These filters have a large metal housing. They have sock type filter elements. These
are long circular tubes of cotton or cloth material through which the fluid passes.
The particles / contaminants are trapped in the fibres of the materials.
These filters are very good for handling large quantities of particles / contaminants.
They are used for low differential pressures. This type of filter will break under high
pressure. When the filter elements become blocked they are thrown away and
replaced. This type of filter is used in Amine systems.

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Mixed Bed Filters
Figure 2-14 Example of a Mixed Bed Filter
These filters have a large circular metal housing. They are filled with layers of
different materials. e.g., gravel, sand and anthracite. The particles / contaminants
are trapped between the grains of gravel, sand and anthracite. The filter is cleaned
when the fluid flow is reversed, The reversed flow forces the particles /
contaminants out to drain. This type of filter is used for water purification.
Filters must be cleaned and replaced regularly. A blocked / plugged filter restricts
the fluid flow in a line and this must not be allowed to happen. A defective filter
system may allow contaminants to remain in the line. You must not forget to
maintain filters.

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Precoat Filters
Figure 2-15 Principle Operation of a Precoat Filter
Precoat filtration is used to remove very small solid particles, oil particles, and even
bacteria from water. This method is only used for small quantities of water which
contain small quantities of contaminants.
Precoat filtration may be used after the normal clarification processes. It produces
water which contains very small amounts of suspended solids. It is used for specific
purposes. For example, precoat filters are often used to remove oil from
contaminated steam condensate.

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In precoat filtration, the precoat material can be organic, (contains living cells). This
acts as a membrane between the two fluids. The base must prevent passage of the
precoat material without restricting the flow of filtered water. It must be able to
operate under high pressure differentials. Filter cloths, porous stone tubes, and wire
wound tubes are used as base materials.
The supporting base material is first precoated with a slurry of precoat material.
More slurry (body feed) is usually added during the filter run. When the material
removed by the filter has built up there will be a big pressure drop across the filter.
Then the filter coating is removed by backwashing. The filter bed is then precoated
and returned to service. Chemical coagulants are not usually -needed. However, if
an extra pure effluent is needed, they may be used.
MICRON RATING
There are a number of different types of filters for different fluids and contaminant
problems. All filters are marked with a micron rating.
The micron rating tells you the size of the holes in the filter or the size of the
particles the filter will trap. A low micron rating means the filter element has small
holes. A higher rating means larger holes. The holes in ratings below 40 micron
cannot be seen with the naked eye.
2.6 STRAINERS
A strainer is a wire mesh screen. It is used to remove solid particles from a fluid. The
fluid may be water, oil, gas, steam or any other fluid carried by a piping system.
Strainers are usually installed in front of valves, pumps or regulators for protection.
Particles allowed to flow through a piping system will cause pipe walls and piping
system to become worn. They may also cause valves, pumps and regulators to
block so they cannot operate properly.
The size of the wire mesh used in a strainer will determine the size of the particles
which will be removed or blocked by the strainer. The strainers used in piping
systems are usually designed to allow free fluid flow through the system with very
little pressure loss. Most strainers contain a blow-out or clean-out plug. This allows
the strainer to be cleaned.

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There are various types of strainer:
Figure 2-16 Circular Strainer
Circular Strainers are made of two circular screens separated by a small space.
The inner screen has larger holes than the outer screen. The fluid flows from the
inside out. These are used upstream of steam traps.
Figure 2-17 Disc Strainer
A Disc Strainers is a round plate or disc with holes in it. It is installed between two
flanges. It will hold small volumes of large particles. It is cheap to make and easy to
install and remove. It is installed before pumps.

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Figure 2-18 Cone Strainers
Cone Strainers are made in the shape of a cone. It can handle a large volume of
particles / contaminants. This type of strainer is difficult to install and remove. It is
mainly' used to protect equipment during the start-up phase of a process.
Figure 2-19 Cone Strainer Installed between a Flange

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Figure 2-20Y-Type Strainer
Y-Type Strainers are usually used in pipelines of three inches or less. The fluid
flows through the screen located in the leg. Any sediment is trapped there.
The screen can be removed and cleaned by opening the leg cover. The leg cover is
either threaded or flanged for this particular purpose. These Y-type strainers can be
installed in the horizontal or vertical position. However, the leg must always point
Downwards.

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Figure 2-21 Simplex Basket Strainer
Basket Strainers are generally used in larger piping systems but can sometimes be
used in smaller piping systems. This type of filter allows a basket type screen to be
inserted or removed through the top of the strainer. It is usually flanged or has a
yoke type cover which can be removed quickly. Basket strainers are installed either
as a simplex or duplex. The simplex is used where the line can be shut down long
enough to allow time for cleaning the basket. The duplex permits continuous
operation and does not require the system to be shut down for cleaning.
2.7 STEAM TRAPS
A steam piping system may contain a small amount of water along with the steam.
This water must be removed from the steam line. Steam is used to operate high
speed turbines and other equipment. Water in a steam line can damage high speed
Turbines.
Water may also erode valve faces and seals. Impurities in the water can also cause
erosion and damage.
The steam traps main function is to remove condensate (water) from the steam line
and to prevent steam from entering the condensate lines.

A steam trap is an automatic valve. It is installed in a piping system. It allows
the release of water (condensate) and air without releasing steam. There is
no drop in line pressure when a steam trap operates.
Steam traps are installed in lines if the condensate must be drained off as
quickly as it collects. They allow the condensate to be recovered
for heating, for hot water or for return to the boilers. They are used in steam
piping, separators and all steam heated or steam operated equipment.
Water Hammer
If water is allowed to remain in a steam line it can cause problems such as

water hammer, erosion, corrosion and loss of efficiency.
Water hammer is a series of shocks produced by a sudden change in the

speed of the water flowing in a pipeline. This sudden change in the speed of
the water may be caused by a valve opening or closing very quickly. It can
also be caused by very fast condensation of a pocket of steam within the
pipe.
If a pump stops suddenly because of a power failure this can cause water
hammer. This happens because the water in the pump discharge line will stop
and reverse its direction of flow. The rapid closing of the check valve at the
pump will cause water hammer.
Water hammer will also happen if steam goes into a pipe that contains some
water or condensate. As the steam passes over the water it condenses.
This-rapid condensation causes a vacuum to form in the pocket. the water
rushing into this vacuum will produce water hammer. This can cause damage
to the pipework and fittings.
Erosion can occur when water enters high speed turbine blades. This causes
erosion damage (rapid wear) to the turbine blades.
Corrosion can occur when water lays in low sections of pipework and turbine
casings.
Loss of efficiency will occur when water enters reboilers and heat exchangers
because it lowers the heat energy that is available. Loss of efficiency will also
occur when water enters steam ejectors as it reduces their pumping
efficiency.
2.8 TYPES OF STEAM TRAPS
THERMOSTATIC TRAP
Figure 2-22 Thermostatic Trap
The thermostatic steam trap responds -to The Temperature difference between the
steam and the condensate. Both steam and condensate may enter the trap. When
steam enters -.he trap the fluid inside the bellows expands and evaporates. This
expands the bellows and closes the valve. (See Figure 2-22)
When the fluid in the trap cools and condenses to water the fluid in the bellows
condenses This makes the bellows contract. This opens the outlet valve and the
condensate escapes into the condensate line. When hot steam re-enters the trap it
again expands the bellows and closes the valve.
Figure 2-23 Float Thermostatic Trap
FLOAT THERMOSTATIC TRAP
When hot steam enters the trap inlet it cannot move the float. So, the trap remains
closed. When the steam condenses to water, the water will cause the float to rise.
This will open the outlet and allow the condensate to leave the trap and enter the
condensate line.
INVERTED BUCKET TRAP
Figure 2-24 Inverted Bucket Trap
When there is only steam in the trap, the steam pressure will hold the bucket up and
keep the outlet valve closed. When the bucket fills with condensate the bucket will
sink to the bottom of the trap and open the outlet valve. This allows the condensate
to leave the trap.
Figure 2-25 Open Bucket Trap
THERMODYNAMIC TRAP
Figure 2-26 Thermodynamic Trap

Thermodynamic traps use the heat energy in steam or in hot condensate to open
and close the trap. When cool condensate or air enter the trap they flow upward
No. 2 - Pipe fitting
through the inlet orifice. They tilt the disc upward to pass through a hole in the seat
plate. They then flow through the discharge ports to the trap outlet. If steam enters
the trap it flows at high speed under the disc. This causes pressure to build up in the
chamber above the disc.
The build-up of pressure forces the disc down which closes the trap. If hot
fitting
condensate enters the trap it will flash into steam as it leaves the inlet orifice. This
flash steam will also flow at high speed under the disc. This causes a reduction in
Unit
pressure and flash steam above the disc will again force the trap to close. The trap
Unit No. 2 - Pipe
stays closed until the steam above the disc condenses.
Figure 2-27 Trap operation
Method of checking steam trap operation
Listen to it:
A properly working steam trap will be silent except when it opens to allow the
condensate to pass out.
Check upstream and downstream drains:

No. 7 : Piping systems
Upstream should be straight steam.

Downstream only hot water.
Piping systems
Module No. 7 :Module
Check upstream and downstream pressure gauges:
Upstream should have steam header pressure (250 psig). Downstream should have
condensate pressure only (35 psig).
Check temperature before and after the steam trap (Wearing gloves)
Upstream side should be hotter
Where are steam traps installed:
Bottom of large steam headers.
End of steam headers.
Before steam turbines.
Bottom of steam turbine cases.
Outlet of steam turbines.
Before reboilers.
On all steam lines.

Figure 2-28 Typical Steam System
Steam Separators
Figure 2-29 Typical Steam Separators
Steam separators, (sometimes called steam purifiers) are devices which purify
steam. When they are installed in the steam line they will remove moisture droplets
and other suspended impurities in the steam. To do this, the separator causes the
steam to suddenly change its direction of flow it causes the steam to start circulating
quickly. Both of these actions cause the moisture and other particles to be thrown
out of the flow of steam. The moisture particles collect at the bottom and pass out
through a drain.

Pipe Fitting

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Module No. 7 : Piping systems Unit No.

July 1999- Rev.0

UNITS IN THIS COURSE

UNIT 2 PIPE FITTINGS

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 2/37

July 1999- Rev.0

2.0 COURSE OBJECTIVE 3

2.1 PIPE FITTINGS 4

2.7 STEAM TRAPS 29

2.8 TYPES OF STEAM TRAPS 31

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 4/37

July 1999- Rev.0

Equipment interaction with the overall process.

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 6/37

July 1999- Rev.0

Screwed Fittings (Advantages)

Quick to install or remove.

Easy to open for cleaning or maintenance.

Easy to repair / or replace.

Screwed Fittings (Disadvantages)

More leak problems.

More chance of corrosion at the threads.

Threads make pipework weaker.

Flanged Fittings (Advantages)

Quick to open for cleaning and for repair.

Low corrosion possibility.

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 8/37

July 1999- Rev.0

More possibility of leaks occurring.

Prone to leaks if gaskets are not installed correctly.

Expensive to buy and install.

Figure 2-1 Pipe Fittings

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 10/37

July 1999- Rev.0

NAME DESCRIPTION AND USE

Coupling This is a female fitting. Joins piping in a straight

Union. This is a female fitting which can be taken apart

Elbow (45 or 900 angle). Changes the direction of the piping by 45 or 90

Bushing. Different size Internal and external thread. Joins a

Y joint . Joins two or more branches together

Cross ( +) joint. Joins three or Four branches together

Plug A solid threaded male fitting. It screws into another

Cap An internally threaded female fitting. It screws onto

Nipple This is a male fitting. A short section of threaded

Reducers. Female fitting which reduce the size of the pipe.

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 12/37

Table 1 Types of Fittings and Their Uses

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 13/37

July 1999- Rev.0

Figure 2-2 Welded Pipe Joints

Figure 2-3 Screw, Flange and Welded Fittings

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 15/37

July 1999- Rev.0

The advantages of welded joints are:

Smooth / small joints

Flat Face (Plain) For low pressures and temperatures.

Raised Faced (Serrated) For high pressures and temperatures.

Ring Joint (Grooved) For high pressures and temperatures.

Tongue and Groove For high pressures and higher temperatures.

July 1999- Rev.0 Page 17/37

July 1999- Rev.0

Figure 2-4 Different Types of Flange Faces

As the operating temperature increases, the allowed operating pressure of the