We get to see the use of threaded pipe nipples in a lot of applications, but they are so commonly seen to be used nowadays that people usually do not even notice their existence, a lot of us are not familiar with the fact that there are a variety of pipe nipples that exist in the market and there are some who are not familiar with even the existence of these pipe nipples. Pipe nipples are seen to be found in a variety of applications, and some of the pipe nipples look similar to the other ones; thus, it makes it difficult to know which one we require for our application.
In order to know about the type of pipe nipples that exist in the market, we first need to know what exactly a pipe nipple is.
What is a pipe nipple?
A pipe nipple is a type of fitting that is in the form of a short piece of pipe, it is commonly seen to be used in plumbing and piping. A BSP threaded Pipe Nipple is a piece that is usually provided with a male pipe thread connection that is present at each of end of the fitting that is used in order to make the watertight seal and intact when one thinks of connecting pipe to the threaded fittings, valves or the equipment. Pipe nipples are products that are available in various different lengths they can range from 12” to 2” in terms of length. They are also referred as the ready-cut pipe threads as the specifications are ideal; however, the tolerance on the length is less stringent on ready-cut pipes. Among the type of threaded pipe nipples that are available in the market, the most common ones are in the form of:
Barred Pipe Nipples:
Pipe nipples are also referred to as barrel nipples unless stated; this is because they have a shape like that of a barrel. They are tapered at each end and have an unthreaded section in the middle. The type of nipples with both ends threaded is known as T.B.E nipples, which means’ threaded both ends. Focusing on the length of the nipple is specified by the overall size, including both the threaded and the non-threaded parts.
T.O.E Nipples
The T.O.E stands for threaded one end. As suggested by the name, these are the types of nipples that are threaded from one end. They are typically used as the legs for tankers and other machines, etc. These pipe nipples are often confused with welded nipples, but the actually welded nipples have a beveled end finish to facilitate the welded connections.
Weld Pipe Nipples
Weld pipe nipples are the type of pipe nipples that have no thread present. They are usually connected to the tube fittings with the help of the weld. These are ideal for applications to be used under extreme environments and conditions, like when the application requires vibration, pressure, and temperature changes. The welded nipples are the type of nipples that are not weakened by the cut thread, which can reduce the thickness of the wall as it weakens the structure, sapping the strength.
Weld Pipe Nipples
Weld pipe nipples are the type of pipe nipples that have no thread present. They are usually connected to the tube fittings with the help of the weld. These are ideal for applications that are to be used under extreme environments and conditions, like in cases when the application requires vibration, pressure changes and the temperature changes. The welded nipples are the type of nipples that are not weakened by the cut thread, which can lead to a reduction in the thickness of the wall as it weakens the structure, weakening the strength.
Close pipe Nipple
A close pipe nipple is a type of nipple that is entirely threaded and does not have an unthreaded area. This is used in the case when one requires to screw two female fittings together; once both the female parts are screwed together, very little of the area of the pipe nipples remains exposed. When ordering a closed pipe nipple, their diameter is usually noted to find the product of your choice.
Shoulder Pipe nipple:
These are the types of pipe nipples that are longer than the close pipe nipples as they include a short-unthreaded area between the two threaded regions. However, the remaining unthreaded space does not provide enough space to fit a pipe wrench. When two of the female fittings are screwed into one another, the unthreaded area of these pipe nipples remains exposed.
Hex Pipe Nipple
A hex pipe nipple is a type of pipe nipple with a hexagonal-shaped middle section, as the name suggests. The hexagon shape allows the space to grasp it securely with the help of the wrench. If one comes across a hex pipe nipple, one might also notice some with two different sizes on each end. This type is referred to as the reducer or the unequal nipples.
Right -Left Hand Pipe Nipples
Right-Left Hand Pipe Nipples are a unique type of pipe nipple, featuring a right-hand thread on one side and a left-hand thread on the other. This design is particularly useful in gas pipeline fittings and other applications where unions are not permitted. These pipe nipples can also be connected to female pipe threads, thanks to their union-friendly design.
Swage Pipe Nipples
These are a type of pipe nipples that are used to bring the flow of the fluids from one pipe size to another size of the pipe. These pipe nipples are further divided into various types as they are available in plain, beveled, or threaded structures. As determined by the shape of these nipples, their primary purpose is to connect the two pipes that differ in diameter. It is further divided into two main types that are as:
Concentric swage nipple
These are mainly used for vertical pipelines.
2. Eccentric Swage Nipple
These are the ones that are mainly used for horizontal pipelines.