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Pipe fittings connect pipes that are used either in residential or industrial applications. Essentially, they are connectors, but they also provide a leak-proof and tight seal that is of utmost importance in sewerage, chemical, marine, natural gas and petroleum applications. Irrespective of which industry they are used in, threaded fittings perform a similar function. They fit over pipes which have been threaded and act as a juncture, joint bend or extension. Pipe fittings are available in a variety of materials ranging from brass, steel, copper, rubber, nyglass and PVC as well. The kind of threaded fittings you use will be dependent on the application they are being used for. Threaded fittings are very common in marine applications or boating, in particular brass fittings with good corrosion resistance. As a pipe or fitting material, brass has a distinct advantage over steel. It is stronger and cheaper than steel. There are of course, some grades of steel that surpass brass in its quality but the prices are way beyond the reach of most budgets. Even when steel pipes manage to meet budgetary requirements, they may still have to be coated with an anti-corrosive zinc solution. This raises the cost even further. In industries where brass pipes and fittings are used to carry harsh chemicals, they are coated with nickel. This keeps it safe from most acidic reactions. Brass also tends to conduct energy 45-50 percent more efficiently. In some applications, gas or oil is transferred at great speeds or under high pressure. Brass offers higher levels of conductivity and efficiency, is strong, can bear high-pressures and is immune to temperature changes. The petroleum industry relies very heavily on brass pipelines and fittings. Since crude oil is generally found in desert regions the temperatures there are highly variable right round the year and the metal that is used in building this extensive and massive maze of pipelines has to withstand the extreme weather changes. This is where brass becomes the obvious choice of material in most applications. Technically speaking, brass is around 10 percent denser than most steel-grades. This factor is a significant one as the strength of a metal, to a large extent depends on its density. It is also more tensile and easy to work with. It is anti-corrosive and largely maintenance-free. On the other hand, steel fittings have to be monitored and checked constantly for corrosion and wear. As a material, steel is expensive but its high rates are also attributed to the fact that it is very difficult to work with. Brass is easy to work with and its scrap-value is higher as well. This is because it is very easy to recycle brass. The main thing to keep in mind is that the pipes and fittings you use should be of a high-grade. Always use the prescribed specifications. This ensures that you obtain the highest possible efficiency levels. Using the right kind of fitting in every application also means that it extends the life of the fitting itself which eventually adds to its value. Never compromise on quality even when you are getting fittings for residential applications. It can be very tedious and a strain on the pocket to replace worn-out or damaged fittings. Buy all the Pipe Fittings that you need, from King Fittings. The Threaded Fittings that you buy to fit pipes should be of a high quality.
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