Pipe
Adapters
Adapters are an extremely important pipe fitting that extend or
terminate pipe runs. They are used to connect dissimilar pipes. These
fittings are somewhat similar to pipe couplings, with the difference
that they connect pipe of different types, one of which is an IPS (Iron
Pipe Size). Flex couplings sometime act like adapters. Pipe adapters may
have either male or female IPS threads on one end and the opposite
gender on the other end, which needs to be welded or soldered onto a
smaller pipe. Adapters are used in a myriad of applications but they are
typically used to connect different pipes to fixtures.
Buying TipsCertain factors are to be taken into
consideration like as follows:
- Size is the most important parameter that has to be
considered while selecting pipe adapters.
- While going for straight threaded adapters, you should be
certain that the compound used is compatible with system and
environmental media.
- The quality of the material used is also an important
consideration while buying adapters for pipe.
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Materials used:
High quality and durable materials are used for making pipe adapters.
Some of the common materials include:
- Steel
- Cast Iron
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Polymers
- Rubber
- Brass
- Bronze etc.
Types of Pipe Adapters:
Adapters are available in various types and while different types of
adapters are required for different applications. While buying adapters
for pipe, the buyer should always select the right type for right
application. Some of the common types of pipe adapter are:
Locking Pipe Adapter: These are special pipe adapters that
are used to attach 6 inches pipe to drain basin of any size, which
requires a straight-line connection.
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Offset Pipe Adapter: These pipe adapters are used to
attach 8 to 10 inches single wall pipe to 9 inches, 12 inches or 18
inches pipes used for drain basins and/or low profile drains, which
require an offset connection.
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Male Pipe Adapter: Male pipe adapters are designed in such
a way that they make minimum volume connection from the female pipe
fittings on pressure gauges and regulators to dead volume internal
fittings.
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Female Pipe Adapter: These pipe adapters make a minimum
volume connection from the male pipe fittings, which are usually
found in gas distribution plumbing to dead volume internal fittings.
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Straight Thread Adapters: These adapters are also referred
as O-ring boss fittings and they are joined on the back of the male
half of the connector against a locking surface of the female port.
These adapters usually have straight threads, which do not seal and
offer resistance for service pressure. Straight threaded adapters
are again divided into two categories:
- Adjustable: As the name suggests, these adapters are
adjustable and include fittings like elbows and tees. Adjustable
straight threaded adapters help the user to change the shape in
the direction as required, before they are tightened for
assembling.
- Non-adjustable: These fittings include plug or
connector and they simply screw into a port and generally
require no adjustment.
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Uses of pipe adapters:
Some important uses of pipe adapters are as follows:
- Adapters are applicable in all sanitary pipes.
- They are food grade rated.
- They are insulated.
- They are plated.
- They provide high purity and excellent chemical resistance.
- Leak-free designs in adapters can withstand high-pressure.
- Adapters are ideal for high-vibration or side-load stressed
applications.
- They offer better flow rates.
- They offer fewer potential leak points, thereby providing a
seamless and convenient transition from piping to tubing systems.
- In some cases, adapters eliminate the need for welded or threaded
connections, which in turn save time and cost.
