With the installation of piping systems comes other things as well that hold the pipings in the place together. Without these components, the piping system is incomplete because they join the pipes together and help the whole system to be more efficient in its application. Pipe Elbow and Pipe Cap End are fittings used in piping applications to form a full-fledged qualitative piping system. The fittings are fabricated pieces of pipe that are used to change or redirect the flow of the pipe. Pipe fittings are important for piping industries. Do you want to know why pipe elbow and pipe end cap is necessary and how it works with the pipe? Then you need to read this blog till the end. This blog will provide you with an insight into what these things are and how to select the best one as per your requirement.
Pipe Elbow
Pipe Elbows are industrial fittings that change the direction of piping. It is used when the two pipes are needed to join to propagate the material. Pipe Elbows come in different types in terms of angles that are 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The ends may be machined for buttwelding, threaded (usually female), or socketed. When the ends differ in size, it is known as the reducer elbow. Reducer elbow variations exist only when the piping diameters being connected are different. A pipe cap is used to close the end of the pipe either by using butt weld, socket weld or threaded connection. The pipe end cap has a female thread. Pipe end caps prevent the leakage of the pipe and are used to stop the flow of the pipe. This acts as a protective shield for the pipe so the material can stay inside the pipe and does not flow off. Pipe end caps come in different shapes and sizes and are widely accepted due to the outstanding benefits it gives along.
Categories of Pipe Elbow
Pipe elbows have been categorised into four types which are Long Radius Elbow, Short Radius Elbow, 90-degree Elbow, 45-degree Elbow.
- A long radius
Elbow is an elbow whose radius is 1.5 times the diameter of the pipe. These elbows are generally the best fit for high-pressure applications and also for the low turbulent areas.
- A short radius
Elbow is an elbow whose radius is 1.0 times the diameter of the pipe. Short elbows are generally used for low-pressure applications and in physically tight conditions.
- A 45-degree
Elbow can also be called a 45 bend. With the name itself, one can understand that this piping elbow is used to change the direction of the pipe at an angle of 45 degrees. 45-degree elbows are commonly used in the water supply applications, food and chemical industry’s piping system, agricultural system etc.
- Reducing Elbow
Reducing Elbow is used to change the direction of the pipe at an angle of 90 degrees. It is also commonly used for changing the size of the pipe. These are used in gas piping systems, chemical fertilisation applications, etc.
Pipe End Cap
A pipe end cap is used to close the end of the pipe either by using butt weld, socket weld or threaded connection. The pipe end cap has a female thread. Pipe end caps prevent the leakage of the pipe and are used to stop the flow of the pipe. This acts as a protective shield for the pipe so the material can stay inside the pipe and does not flow off. Pipe end caps come in different shapes and sizes and are widely accepted due to the outstanding benefits it gives along.
Types of pipe ends and caps
As the pipes have different types of end engraved upon them as per their use for the specific requirement, pipe caps also come in different designings to fit at the end of the pipe perfectly. The pipe end caps are well versed with different types of pipes that are Plain End, Threaded ends, Bevelled ends and Grooved ends.
- Plain End
Pipes possess an end 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe. Plain end pipes are put into use by combining them with socket welding or buttwelding so that the pipes can be connected to produce a more sealed network.
- Bevelled End
Bevelled end pipe is used where buttwelding is done. The end of the pipe is chamfered in a particular direction. Bevelled end pipes have a 37.5-degree bevel at the end and are not perpendicular to the pipe.
- Threaded End
The pipes that possess threaded ends are typically used for domestic purposes or water systems. Threaded end pipes are most safe in terms of leakage problems as it combats it so well after getting closed by the threaded end cap that allows for an excellent seal.
- Grooved End
Grooved end pipes have grooves at the end of the pipe. These grooves are made with the help of a grooving machine. The grooved end pipes are time-saving as the grooves at the end makes it easy to pull the pipe cap close and apart as needed.
Conclusion
The pipe elbows and pipe end caps are the most important fittings because the function they perform is used for safety and efficiency purposes. Pipe elbows redirect the flow of pipes and as per the requirements, it comes in different types with different angles and radius. If pipe elbows were not there then it would not have been possible to help the fluids reach their required places, with its deviation in angles, the pipes operate with the optimum ease and can withstand pressures and the environment differently. On the other hand, pipe end caps are required to seal the end of the pipe to prevent leakage and avoid any error in the piping network. The best thing about the pipe end caps is that just the way pipes come with different endings, the caps are also manufactured the same way with different designings so that the caps can easily fit in and hold the whole piping network.
