The use of piping in industry and the home and the need to route it, join it, control the flow or just cap it off has led to a bewildering array of fittings on the market today. As with the piping itself, these fittings come in a wide range of materials, depending on the substance the pipe carries, they can be made of anything from PVC to stainless steel. Here we will look at the most common types.
Controlling the flow.
The most common pipe fitting is the elbow joint, which, as the name suggests, is a bend to divert the flow. Most come in a 90 degree or 45 degree angle. A combination of these can get the piping close to its final destination, even in the tightest spaces. Detailed analyses and pictures can be seen here:
Next is the coupling. A coupling is commonly used when a burst or damaged section of pipe needs replacing. The damaged part can be removed, and a new piece of pipe is fitted and coupled at either end to the existing pipe, saving the need to replace the entire pipe. Many home central heating systems are repaired using these copper pipe connectors.
Closely related to the coupling is the union fitting, which joins two pipes together but can be easily removed for access by the use of a male and female threaded joint. Pipes made of different materials can be joined using this type of joint.
Next is the valve, used to stop the flow of whatever liquid or gas the pipe is carrying, allowing work to be carried out upstream or providing a more permanent closure if required. Valves are made of materials strong enough to withstand the build-up of pressure this can create.
A cross fitting allows a liquid to be diverted in four different ways, ideal in the use of home or garden water sprinkler systems.
Finally, there is the humble end cap which is generally fitted by the use of welding or glue but some can be threaded when a less permanent closure is required. A range of copper pipe connectors and fittings can be seen here https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems.
Practical solutions.
As you can see, a wide range of pipe fittings has been designed to overcome almost any installation and maintenance problem and get the liquid or gas to where it needs to be.