Before installing gas or liquid tight connection, it is
crucial to understand what tapered pipe threats are and how they work.
Difference between tube and pipe: Yes
they are not same.
Pipe and tubes have a hollow structure and are typically
designed to provide a track for fluids and gases to pass through.
The significant difference between the pipe
and tube is that pipe walls are much stiffer and thicker making them stronger
than tube walls. Tubing walls are not meant to be threaded because they are too
thin to provide a firm hold. Pipe walls being thicker and stiffer can be easily
used to mould and cut threads and also give a high support.
Threaded pipes are sufficient to provide tight connections to
liquid and gas flow that are also mechanically strong.
Let’s understand the mechanism of pipe threads.
When the pipe fittings are weak, or of a low standard, they
can result in breakage or leakage increasing the production expenses.
Fittings that are effective and firm connect your process
fluid handling system without any restrictions, leakage or production downtime.
Pipe Threads
Pipe threads come in multiple
form and quality ranging from national to international standards. Pipe threads
variation depends on the purpose they are being used for instance fire hose
threads and garden hose threads among the others. There is a whole history of
the development of the “standard” pipe sizes and different shapes of the
threads. The primary example of this is the differences between the British and
American threads: The units of the measure also play a vital part when it comes
to differentiation.
The two basic or we can say significant categories of pipe
threads are:
• Parallel pipe
thread
• Tapered pipe
thread
What Are Tapered Pipe Threads
The primary function of piping
and fittings is to carry gases and liquids, due to this they need to have a threaded pipe nipples connection that
allows a steady flow of gas and fluid. Tapered threads are proven to make
better and strong seals. The form of male and female threads can compress and
wedge themselves together. As a result, the connections formed by these threads
are strong and leak resistant.
The two most widely known standards for tapered pipe threads
are:
• NPT American
National Standard Taper Pipe Thread
• BSPT British
Standard Pipe Taper Thread
NPT pipe thread is known as the most common tapered pipe
thread mostly used in America and Canada. NPT pipe thread is incompatible with
BSPT pipe threads.
Why BSPT and NPT pipe threads are incompatible:
Difference of thread angle or included angle
• NPT threads are
of a 60-degree angle
• Whereas, BSPT
threads are of a 55-degree angle
Difference of Thread Shape
• NPT threads have
flattened surface peaks and valleys
• On the other
hand, BSPT threads have rounded peaks and valleys
Thread pitch (TPI, threads per inch)
• Each BSPT and NPT
pipe thread size contains a specific number of threads per inch
Some common acronyms for American tapered
pipe thread types
• NPT National Pipe
Thread Taper
• FPT, FNPT,
NPT(F)* Female or internal tapered
pipe threads
• MPT, MNPT,
NPT(M) Male or external tapered pipe
threads
• *This is not
NPTF. NPTF stands for National Pipe Taper Fuel. It is also called Dryseal
American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread. The design of NPTF provides
leak-free connections without using sealants.
• There are parallel and tapered pipe threads
for all pipe standards. NPS, National Pipe Straight, is the American standard
for parallel or straight pipe threads.
Why Tapered Pipe Threads Need Sealant
Tapered pipe threads require a sealant for leak-resistant
connections. It can fill many vacant spaces between the two threads that can
cause a spiral leakage. Sealant also functions as a lubricant between the
female and the male threads.
The assembling parts and pipes made out of dissimilar
materials demand special care.
This is due to sealants make it easier to tighten the fittings
over. Extra over tighten fittings are easily prone to get damaged and can also
cause leakage.
Benefits of the Right Fit
Connecting to fluid line
components needs appropriate fittings, and just like tubing and piping
connectors are also available in different materials to cater your different
needs. If you’re looking for softer and flexible tubing go for fittings with
hose barb connections, the soft tubing material tends to relax the barb lip
creating a firm seal. Whereas, the rigid
tubing cannot seal properly with a hose barb and instead demands a compression
fitting.
Conclusion
Having a sound understanding
regarding tapered pipe thread makes it easier to decide the best component,
especially when it comes to tapered pipe fittings. Parts with matching threads
always function better because matching threads are mechanically firmer and
create better gas-tight and liquid-tight seals.
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