BENEFITS OF VARIOUS PIPES AND FITTINGS
Pipes are one of the most significant components in any construction project. The humble cylinder shaped component form the basic structure needed for ventilation, plumbing and general fluid distribution throughout the entire building. In this modern world, plumbing and piping have become integral to public health and sanitation purposes. For effective fitting, extensive planning will be put into designing the pipelines, selecting the proper materials and also the components that are required. While each component and material differs based on specific needs, they are designed to get the job done efficiently.
Here are some of the most common materials and fitting types used in modern piping and plumbing, from malleable iron pipe fittings to SGP pipe fittings.
MATERIALS – Stainless Steel
Stainless steel pipes are some of the most favoured types due to the remarkable qualities of the material. Easy to fabricate, cut, and form, they are suitable to be used in many different conditions due to their resistant nature. They are able to operate under low to very high temperatures without any problems. Other than that, corrosion resistance makes it an ideal material to be used in the food, medical and agricultural sectors as well. Coupling it with stainless steel butt weld fittings will ensure a precise fit.
Carbon Steel
As the name suggests, the material incorporates traces of carbon into the metal to make it harder and stronger. As such, carbon steel pipes and flanges are suitable for heavy industrial usage where conventional steel pipes may struggle under stress. Carbon steel has high tolerance towards both low and high pH values which makes it suitable for transporting chemicals. The heavy duty carbon steel pipes and flanges are also commonly used as underground piping as they are more resistant to pressure and vibrations caused by traffic. Some variants of carbon steel allow for thinner construction due to the sturdier nature which will in turn cut down on material cost.
Galvanized Steel
Introduced as a cheaper alternative to copper pipes, galvanized steel pipes are commonly found in older buildings. In addition to being more cost-effective, galvanized steel pipes also allow for a bigger diameter and better flow rate. However, they are not particularly suitable for household drinking water as corrosion may cause lead to leak into the water.
PVC
Lightweight, cheap and flexible is some of the reasons why PVC pipes are one of the most popular materials despite being the only non-metal on this list. Easy to form, PVC pipes are now used in many households for domestic needs. While lacking the strength of industrial grade materials, they do allow for easy replacements whenever there is damage.
FITTINGS – Threaded pipes
With screw threads on one or both ends of the pipes, threaded connections are most commonly found in steel pipes. Heavy duty and resistant to mechanical wear, they are excellent for usage in buildings to transfer fuel, natural gas and also emergency sprinklers. It is also less prone to accidental damage or vandalism while also being more cost effective. However, the assembly is more tedious as it requires proper planning screwing each piece in sequence.
Flange Fittings
Flange fittings work by connecting two surfaces by a strong compressive force. Available in both welded and screwed options, flanges allow convenient inspection, cleaning and any modification work. They are commonly attached with a gasket to form a secure seal. Carbon steel pipes and flanges are much preferred due to their hardened nature which makes it suitable for long term heavy duty usage.
Soldering/Welding
While both processes involve heat and melting, soldering uses another metal with a lower melting point to fuse the two pipes together. Welding involves directly melting the pipe materials. Components such as stainless steel butt weld fittings have exceptional strength and are mostly used in heavy industrial purposes. While they create remarkably strong and secure joints, they also require very skilled workmanship. The soldering and welding process also deals with hazardous equipment that requires special care while handling to avoid any injuries.
Solvent Welding
Used mostly in plastic such as PVC and ABS, solvent welding works based on the same principle as normal welding. A solvent is applied to the surface to dissolve it slightly before fusing it with and adjacent surface. This method is commonly used with sleeve-type joints and requires less skill than metal welding. However, proper safety precautions should still be taken as most solvents used are toxic and could be carcinogenic.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While there are countless other pipes, fittings, and materials out there, you should find one that is suited for your needs. If you are unsure, you can always engage with professionals from Chuan Foong Hardware. As an experienced valve supplier in Malaysia, they have been supplying a variety of plumbing and piping components for years. From malleable iron pipe fittings to SGP pipe fittings, you will find everything that you need.
