Popular Connecting Components And Stainless Steel Pipe Connectors Explained

To get the job done right, companies require functional, efficient, and durable stainless steel pipe connectors, fittings, and pipework systems. However, it all depends on the installation requirements and the type of application. This is why it is important to choose the right type of pipe connector to ensure no issues arise after the installation has finished. These issues can include pipes not being properly aligned because of a loose connection, a tight seal not being created, and more.

To ensure you are using the right connecting component, here is a break down of some of the most common types:

Earthing bridges

Earthing bridges are a type of connecting pipe component which replace traditionally used earthing lugs and are designed to work with all types of pull-rings. Once two parts of a pipe have been connected together with a pull-ring, an earthing bridge then connects onto the pull-ring, ensuring there is complete earthing continuity by providing a tight connection.

Earthing is a crucial factor when ensuring that the discharge of any electrical energy is directly transferred into the earth. If earthing has not been established, it can result in serious consequences such as electrical energy discharging directly into the machine operator, causing fatal and serious injuries.

Pull-rings

One-part and two-part pull-rings are popular stainless steel pipe connectors that are designed for the dismantling and installation of piping systems. Pull-rings are typically manufactured with galvanised steel or stainless steel, depending on the installation requirements. To help mount the pull-ring when installing, a hexagon cap screwdriver is used.

There are also types of pull-rings that have been designed to combine both the extended profile and joint, making it very easy to place the pull-ring over the lipped ends of a pipe when connecting. In addition to this, pipe connecting components are quickly and easily dismantled, changed, and assembled without the sacrifice of precision or speed.

O-rings

O-rings are a common type of pipe component which aren’t used for connecting various sections of a pipe together. Instead, o-rings are used for ensuring that there is a fixed length and aren’t any gaps within the pipe connection itself. This type of pipe connector is used in pumps, push-in pipes, cylinders, valves, pull-rings, fittings, and many more.

The most common type of material they are made from includes blue silicone, NBR (Nitrile Rubber), silicone, FKM, and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer). Because FKM is a fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber, o-rings made from this material provide a longer-lasting and extremely durable seal.

O-rings can also withstand an incredible amount of pressure and are very durable. They are ideal when used in machinery and pipework systems that have hydraulic cylinders. As they move at a rapid rate, o-rings can handle a large amount of rapid and intense moving pressure. Because of this, o-rings are extremely common in the automotive and aerospace industries.

There are also manufacturers that incorporate tiny metallic and magnetic particles into the material of their o-rings. If the o-ring breaks down during operation, all of the particles in the material are quickly and easily detected using X-rays or metal detectors. Once all the particles have been detected, they can be quickly retrieved using separators or by hand.

Without this incredibly safe and efficient feature, machine operators would have to stop production, shut down the machine and then conduct a lengthy visual inspection to ensure all foreign particles have been removed before resuming

U-seals

A u-seal is a type of pipe connector that is used for ensuring that there is a tight connection when joining two sections of a pipe together, much like an o-ring. U-seals are designed to be used with two-part pull-rings. They are manufactured in a variety of materials such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer), silicone, NBR (Nitrile Rubber), and Viton.

Pipe flanges

Pipe flanges are a cast or stainless steel ring which is designed to connect or join together certain sections of piping to different equipment pieces such as pressure vessels, valves, pumps, and more. A tight seal is ensured by bolting two pipe flanges together with gaskets. When any modifications, inspections, or scheduled cleaning are required, they allow easy access to the pipework system.

There are various types of pipe flanges such as a weld-neck pipe flange, which can be easily attached because of the neck being welded to the pipe. It is highly used with high-stress applications due to the neck greatly reinforcing the flange. To reduce any erosion or turbulence, the flange’s bore is created to match the pipe’s bore.

In summary

Whether you are searching for stainless steel pipe connectors, pipes, transition pieces, or more, search online for a leading pipework systems manufacturer in the UK to ensure they are made from high-quality and superior materials.

About This Author

Jacob UK Ltd Joined: February 17th, 2021