Cast iron pipe fittings play an essential role in piping systems by connecting pipes and allowing changes in direction, angle and flow. Cast iron fittings are made from gray or ductile iron and joined to pipes using threaded, flanged or mechanical couplings. They are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications due to their strength, durability and value.
Within China pipe fittings elbow malleable cast iron provide a cost-effective option for changing pipe direction.
Types Of Cast Iron Pipe Fittings
- Tees – Connect three pipe lines at 90 degree angles, branching the flow in two directions.
- Elbows – Change the direction of pipes in either 45, 90 or 180 degree angles. Elbows are available in long or miter (short) radii.
- Couplings – Connect two lengths of pipe together. They are available in threaded or flange styles.
- Unions – Connect two pipe ends and can be separated for maintenance or repairs.
- Caps and plugs – Seal open pipe ends to prevent leaks or contamination.
- Bushings – Join pipes of different sizes together with a tapered inner diameter.
- Reducers – Connect pipes of two different sizes, tapering the inner diameter.
- Adapters – Join pipes or fittings of different types, shapes or sizes.
The Benefits of Malleable Iron Elbows
Within cast iron pipe fittings, malleable iron elbows provide benefits like:
- Strength – Malleable iron is 4-5 times stronger than standard carbon steel, allowing elbows to withstand higher pressures.
- Impact resistance – The material’s ductility makes malleable iron elbows more resistant to impact forces than plain cast or ductile iron fittings.
- Flexibility – Malleable iron elbows can be bent and formed at the installation site to adapt to challenging piping layouts.
- Durability – Properly made malleable iron elbows can last for decades with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Compatibility – They can connect to a variety of pipe materials including steel, copper, brass and plastic.
Applications For Cast Iron Pipe Fittings
The industrial-grade performance of cast iron pipe fittings makes them well-suited for:
- Industrial plants – In piping systems carrying chemicals, water, steam and other gases/fluids.
- Commercial buildings – For plumbing systems transporting waste, water and compressed air.
- Wastewater treatment facilities – Throughout the plant in pipes carrying sludge and effluent.
- Power plants – In networks conveying steam, cooling water and other process fluids.
- Mining operations – To connect piping carrying slurries, reagents and other substances.