Plumbers use socket welding (SW) to join pipe sections, including reducers, elbows, and tees. Pipes put into a depression in a valve, clamp, or regulator are welded together using socket weld pipe fittings. Fillet welds seal the joint between the pipe and the fitting after the pipe has been set. In addition to joining pipes of different lengths, diameters, and angles, one can use socket welds to reverse the flow of a pipe network. Due to its high structural strength and low leakage rate, socket welds may be used in many pipe network situations.
To learn more about weld on fittings, please read on.
How Does Socket Welding Work?
Socket welding derives its name from the components that fit the pipes before welding. The pipes are put into the recesses of these fittings before they are welded in place.
When the pipe goes in the socket, you must essentially allow a space between the pipe’s end and the socket’s base. Without adequate space, the pipes will expand with heat and stress. Measure this gap with a tool or by hand. After you position it, you can secure it through fillet welding.
For the transportation of liquids or gases, socket welds provide pipeline systems with high pressure that are resistant to leakage and hermetically sealed. In contrast to the butt, the socket does not require pre-weld machining; clean pipe ends are necessary to ensure a solid welding job.
Benefits of Socket Weld-on Fittings
- The plumber must bevel the pipe before it can be welded.
- In general, tack welds are not required to align pipes accurately. These fittings’ design allows for perfect alignment.
- Since socket weld on fittings have a far lower chance of leaking, the plumber may replace them with threaded pipe fittings.
- There is infiltration of weld metal into the pipe bore.
- Socket weld fittings have cheaper installation costs than butt-weld fittings. Unlike butt-weld components, socket-weld fittings do not require special machining. The low price is due to the less stringent dimensions requirements and the absence of specific machining requirements.
How to Apply and Install Socket Weld Fittings?
Compared to butt-weld fittings, socket welds typically have a lower resistance to force. Therefore, SW fittings are utilised chiefly for tiny pipelines with NPS sizes of 3 or less.
Installation of SW fittings is relatively straightforward. In addition to allowing for thermal expansion, it is typically necessary to provide a space of roughly 1/6 inch at the bottom of the socket access gap. However, the gap might lead to overstressing issues that could shatter the fitting’s fillet weld. In addition, crevice corrosion has been observed to make socket weld troublesome in corrosive fluid service. The application’s medium must be evaluated.
Summary
Socket welding is used to join pipes using a variety of fittings, enabling changes in the direction and size of pipe networks and the creation of branches from existing pipelines.
The pipes are placed into the recess of the socket weld fitting, which makes pipe installation simple. Once the pipe has been put into the cavity, leaving a space at the bottom of the socket to prevent a possible stress failure, it may be secured using fillet welds around its outside diameter.
Socket weld on fittings provide leak-proof connections that can sustain high pressures, give high-flow characteristics, and are mainly employed for smaller pipes. The fittings are available in various designs and materials to accommodate multiple uses. So get your fittings from the best dealer today if you’re a professional plumber or a DIY handyman.
