Connecting industrial pipe pieces that don’t overlap both reliably and economically is easy thanks to butt-weld fittings which are designed and manufactured to demanding standards.
A butt-welding joint is created by a hot forming process which is the slow heating of two weld ends before they are joined together under pressure. The fitting is then ground to a smooth finish after which it can be sent to a processing machine or simply sold as a completed product.
There are several types of butt-weld fittings or joints, which are named for their particular shapes such as elbows, end caps, reducers, stud ends and tees. A butt-weld is much stronger than a typical fitting because it is welded directly to a pipe rather than being bolted on. This allows for less friction resistance and better flow.
Due to their bursting strength which makes for leak-proof pipe fabrication, butt-weld fittings are the preferred choice for pipelines transporting corrosive or hazardous fluids such as chemicals and oils. They are also commonly found in long-distance pipelines, underground piping systems as well as medium and high-pressure systems where pipe joints are not changed and assembled.
Because butt-weld fittings require up to 75% less material than other connections, they weigh less and take up minimal space by being more compact, which makes perfect sense when it comes to cutting costs but at the same time preserving pipe integrity.
Designed to be welded on-site, butt-weld fittings also allow for a change in pipe diameter or branching at ending. And thanks to the smooth inner surface and gradual directional changes, there is also reduced turbulence and pressure loss in pipelines.
Steelmor is the leading supplier and manufacturer of stainless steel in South Africa and stocks a wide range of welded and seamless butt-weld fittings in grades 304/L, 316/L and 321/H, and sizes ranging from ½” to 36”. We can also manufacture bigger size on request. Give us a call today for advice and products to meet your needs.
