Types of Pneumatic Fittings_ Pneumatic fittings are components used to connect divisions of pipe, tube, and hose in pneumatic systems (pressurized gas). Compared to hydraulic fittings, pneumatic fittings are typically identified by tighter seals and lower pressure specifications. They are generally used in pneumatic logic control systems and instrumentation.
The Linquip website offers everything you need to know about pneumatics, from the basics to the most advanced systems. Whenever you need assistance with a pneumatic fitting, our experts are available to help. Read Linquip’s article “What Is Pneumatics?” to gain a basic understanding of these industrial devices.
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What Are Pneumatic Fittings?Pneumatic power systems involve any type of mechanized or automated processes or machinery in which action is driven by pressurized gas or compressed air. The clear counter-reference here would be hydraulic operations, in which action is driven by liquids kept under similar compression forces in a sealed system.
‘Pneumatic’ denotes the delivery of power explicitly through the controlled flow of pressurized gases (including air). In every pneumatic-powered system, the pressurized gases that run the required mechanisms are delivered to wherever they are required through an airtight network of robust hoses, rigid pipes, or lengths of flexible tubing.
The vast majority of these channels are connected to each other and several devices are powered by a wide diversity of pneumatic fittings, valves, couplings, and adaptors. As a piece of general information, a pneumatic fitting can be any connector designed to join components or devices in a sealed and pressurized dry-air arrangement.
These systems and fittings are generally applied today in all industries and purposes, ranging from assembly and production line setups to a wide type of industrial machinery, construction, handheld gadgets and workbench equipment. In many workplace circumstances, the power that a pneumatic system presents can often prove more reliable, versatile, cost-effective and safer than a comparable setup powered by different electric motors and actuators.
Click HEREPicking the correct Pneumatic Fitting Type for a special application depends on many factors. These factors are:
Once these decisions have been made, there are a wide collection of fitting kinds to choose from. Here a listing of the more popular styles is available with a description of their applications.
What Are Pneumatic Pipes, Tubes, and HosesIt is essential to distinguish what type of vessels are being used in the system to determine what fittings are suitable.
There are vast types of fittings installed in pneumatic systems which act in different functions. The most common types are described below:
Some of The Fittings are used for making a much longer line or for blinding it.
Adaptor_ Connects two different pipes by solvent welding, soldering, or threading.
Coupling_ Connects two similar pipes by solvent welding, soldering, or threading.
Union_ It is a Couplings that can be disconnected without cutting. Their connection (typically threading) provides for easy release.
Caps_ Covers the end of a division, attaching to the pipe by a weld, thread, solvent, or solder.
Plug_ Closes off the flow at the end of a part, fastening inside the pipe by a weld, thread, solvent, or solder.
Some of The Fittings are used for changing the direction or having multiple branches of a line.
Elbow_ Changes the direction of a flow at various angles. The most common angles are 45° and 90°, but 22.5° elbows are also designed.
Tee_ Connects three flow divisions in a T-shaped intersection. This allows fluid flow to be merged or split apart.
Cross_ 4-way connections, presenting one inlet and three outlets or vice versa.
Some of The Fittings are used for changing line size, such as Reducers that Cover all connections which join between two or more vessels of various sizes.
Some of The Fittings have specific functions in a system, as described below.
Nipple_ Allows two separate fittings to be attached to each other. Regular nipples are straight, including male threads on both ends.
Valve_ Connects vessels with the addition of a valve for controlling flow.
Types of Pneumatic Fittings Based on the ConnectionPneumatic fittings can be categorized based on the connection they have with lines and each other.
Compression fittings are all types of fittings which use compressive force to connect the vessel to the fitting.
This type uses metal gaskets, rings, or ferrules that seal the vessel through compression. The compression is performed by tightening a nut onto the fitting over the piping and ferrule, securing and compressing the vessel inside. Standard compression fittings do not need tools to assemble, making them suitable for quick field installations. Characteristics of this type are:
They are compressive fittings that include a sharpened ferrule that “bites” the tube when compressed and presents the seal. Like standard compressive fittings, Bite-type fittings require no special tools to assemble but present a more robust, higher pressure connection.
This type is two-ferrule assemblies. The back ferrule holds the vessel while pressing up against the head ferrule, which spring-loads the front ferrule and produces a seal between the piping and fitting body. We can reassemble these fittings multiple times without damaging parts or piping. They have excellent resistance to mechanical vibration.
This type consists of a body with a flared or coned head. Special flaring instruments are used to connect the vessel inside the flared end, producing a deep seal. Flare fittings can handle higher pressures and a wide range of working parameters than standard compression fittings.
Preassembled fitting including a captive sleeve for high-pressure applications (1000 to 4300 P.S.I.)
Tube Compatibility: Available in inch dimension only
Thread availability: Male pipe, Female pipe
Body material: Brass, Copper, Brass, Seamless Steel, Thermoplastic
The push-to-connect fitting has ends that are designed to take tubing by pushing it into the end. These fittings typically disconnect by some sort of collar retraction. These connections are useful for applications in a system needing frequent reconnection and disconnection.
this type is one of the push to connect types with the following characteristics:
this type is one of the push to connect types with the following characteristics:
this type is one of the push to connect types with the following characteristics:
As the name indicates, the threaded fittings have screw threads on their inner (female) or outer (male) surfaces intended to accept connections with mating threads. Threads that provide a simple connection but no assured seal are known as straight threads. Tapered threads are designed to present a tight seal which is essential for pneumatic purposes. These precise threads produce a “dry fit”, expressing they seal without the requirement for an additional sealant, which is vital in applications where sealant addition could make contamination or corrosion.
We should improve straight threads in pneumatic fittings by adding a coating or seal tape (Teflon). In utilisation where adding a coating could cause corrosion or contamination, use tapered threads.
The thread size is based on the inside diameter of the vessel. Few thread size standards are BSP (British Standard Pipe) and NPT (National Pipe Thread), though many other standards and usage often vary by country and industry. Each thread size compares to a unique number of threads per inch (TPI). You can find pipe thread sizing in various references, including this link which provides an excellent overview of pipe thread sizing.
Ball and sleeve fitting joins an outer sleeve to an inner (ball) fitting. The sleeve retracts to disconnect the two ends of the fitting. Some ball and sleeve fittings perform as push-to-connect fittings, which are suitable for applications demanding frequent disconnection and reconnection of the hose part.
Crimp fittings include putting a hose over a tubular end and crimping it with a ring, sleeve, or crimp socket. These fittings typically need crimping tools or instruments to make the connections.
End fittings present specific surfaces for uniting vessels in pneumatic systems.
Clamp ends: they are fittings that provide hoses or tubes to be clamped over the section.
Plain ends: they are fittings with surfaces that allow tubes or pipes to be connected by solder, adhesive, welding, or other permanent means.
Sizing
Once the type of fitting expected has been determined, the most fundamental feature of pneumatic fittings can be approached: proper sizing. Proper sizing is necessary to the successful fitting preference, as oversized or undersized parts will both be wholly incompatible or will seal or connect inefficiently.
The two measurement systems are Metric (mm) and English (“, inch). The first action to proper sizing is choosing the appropriate measurement system for compatibility with the tools or assembly being fitted.
The size of vessels defines the sizing of a pneumatic fitting it connects to. Tubes, hoses, and pipes are sized based on the outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID), measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in). A fitting produced to connect to a tube with a 2” OD is considered as a 2” OD fitting. Inside diameter measures the diameter of the hollow part of the cylinder, while the outside diameter includes the tubing wall thickness.
OperationPneumatic fittings are often determined for certain temperatures, and pressure ranges depend on what they are designed to handle.
The operating pressure range is the practical range of pressures or the pressure classes at which the fitting was designed to work. The operating pressure is typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Operating beyond or below this rating may cause the fitting to fail; for example, it could break, leak or lose its seal).
The operating temperature range is the operating range of temperatures or the temperature classes at which the fitting was designed to work, measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Operating beyond or below this rating may cause the fitting to fail.
Types of Pneumatic Fittings based in MaterialsFitting material is crucial in determining several physical properties of the part as well as gas compatibility. Material options include:
Fittings can be manufactured with metal materials such as Aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel
Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It has low tensile strength and is accepted for its low density and corrosion resistance in low-pressure applications. It is mixed with zinc, silicon, copper, manganese, and/or other metals to increase its strength and hardness.
Brass is strong, corrosion-resistant, durable, has high-temperature ductility and good conductivity. Brass is a combination of copper and zinc. It is the most typical metal for smaller compression and threaded fitting standards of pneumatic systems due to its machinability and its outstanding performance properties.
Steel is durable and strong and has high resistance to heat. Steel is a combination of iron and carbon; it is usually alloyed with other metals to increase its corrosion resistance. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc for rust protection and chemical resistance.
Stainless steel is a strong material with superior chemical and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is a combination of steel that comprises over 10.5% chromium. It has the durability and strength of steel while also presenting excellent corrosion resistance, however at a higher cost.
Fittings can be manufactured with plastic materials such as Polypropylene, Fluororesins.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are fluorocarbon-based polymers typically used for temperature conditions above 500°F (250°C). They present excellent chemical resistance and dielectric properties.
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic material used extensively for pneumatic fittings due to broad material compatibility, price, and durability. It shows excellent cold flow, bi-axial strength, and yield elongation features and can be used in exposed applications as it is resistant to weathering, UV, and ozone.
Composite fittings are made from combinations of materials, such as fiberglass, carbon, and graphite. These materials have high melting points and are construction materials for applications that need high-temperature durability and chemical resistance. They also display thermal conductivity and low electrical .
Different Features of a Pneumatic Fittings
Pneumatic fittings may have other characteristics which add the functionality required for certain applications.
Here some of the benefits of these fittings are presented.
Without fittings, we can not use a compressor at all. Just imagine filling a tire without having a fitting. The fittings are essential to connect all the components of the compressor. They direct the air into the line so that we have the desired pressure.
If we do not have the proper fitting for a function, the air compressor is a whole lot less valuable. These small pieces are responsible for connecting specific tools to their pneumatic source.
You have Possibly used your compressor just as a tire inflator (a convenience item). But preparing controlled air pressure has practically endless applications, such as operating a nail gun at a worksite to paint a car, restoring wheels, or driving advanced power tools. Having the right fittings introduces a world of possibilities.
Proper fittings present a better seal. That indicates less air is wasted and less energy is used to do the same amount of work. Every little bit helps not only the ecosystem but your wallet too. Proper fittings are an investment.
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