Polyethylene is one of the popular thermoplastic materials which finds use in piping and plumbing installations. The use of polyethylene accounts for almost one-third of all plastic used around the world and this has to do with the advantageous properties of PE, not the least of which is its durability. Applications of PE pipes range from water supply to wastewater drainage and in the installation of PE pipe networks, a number of fittings are employed to secure the connection. There are different types of PE connectors or fittings which are used at different junctures in the pipeline to secure the pipe connection. Let us take a look at the common fittings of PE:
- Elbows: The most common PE fittings are elbows which are used when the pipe networks are to be bent. For PE pipes, elbows may be of both compression and insert type and can have slip or threaded ends for ease of installation using butt welding or electrofusion method.
- Tees: For making three-way connections, PE fittings known as Tees are installed. As the name suggests, these types of PE fittings are shaped like the English alphabet ‘T’ and can be of compression or insert type. They can be used to combine connections or divert them as per the requirement.
- Adapters: The adapter type of PE fittings have a combination of insert fitting or compression fitting at one end and a slip or thread joint at the other to help pipes of different widths and diameters connect with ease. They can be used for any system where the pipes to be joined are of varying diameters.
- Couplings: A simple connector for joining two PE pipes is known as a coupling. Usually these are of insert type and in case the pipes are of different diameters, then a reducing coupling may be used which will help make the connection seamless.
- Crosses: Four-way connectors are known as crosses. They are shaped like a cross, or an X, and hence the name. In PE pipes, generally insert type of crosses are used to ensure the joint is accurate and does not slip. These are secured using butt welding or electrofusion method.
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