Types of Gas Line Fittings

When working with gas lines, whether in oil and gas exploration or vehicle engines, ensuring the proper fit between the gas line and any connected pipes and equipment is crucial. A gas line fitting is specifically made to serve that purpose. These parts are often reverse threaded, only allowing connections between the right lines — no air, water or vent lines can attach.

If you’re searching for gas line fittings, choosing the appropriate type for your application makes a significant difference in project safety and success. It’s also important to understand the differences between gas line fittings and other pipe components, such as pipe valves. Learn more about the types of gas line fittings below.

Pipe Valves vs. Gas Fittings: What’s the Difference?

Though pipe valves and their applications can seem similar to gas fittings, each component serves a unique purpose. A pipe valve controls the flow of liquids and gases through the pipe, with the ability to start, stop and regulate flow. In comparison, gas fittings simply connect pipes and equipment in an overall gas system. With the right type and size of gas fitting, users can create a tight seal to prevent leaks.

In many cases, pipe valves and gas fittings are used throughout the same system. For example, gas fittings will connect the necessary lines to provide gas for a gas stove, and a pipe valve may be installed to help control the flow of gas. If the gas supply to the stove needs to be cut, the pipe valve can help temporarily turn it off. Overall, pipe valves can be present in a variety of systems, including gas lines, but gas fittings are only suitable for gas systems.

Types and Uses of Fittings for Gas Pipes

Numerous types of gas fittings are available, including:

• Adapter fittings: These components connect different gas pipes. Most gas systems include a variety of lines and equipment with different materials, sizes and threads, making adapter fittings necessary to complete the setup. For example, you can use an adapter fitting to connect a steel pipe to a copper pipe.
• Cap fittings: Cap fittings are used to seal the end of a pipe. These components fit over the outside, providing a tight closure that prevents leaks. While they can be used in working gas systems, they also apply when sealing unused gas lines.
• Coupling fittings: These components join pipes of the same size. If two of the same pipes are running in a straight line, you can connect them with a coupling fitting. These parts are often used to make gas lines longer.
• Plug fittings: Similar to cap fittings, plug fittings create a tight seal by screwing into the exposed end of a fitting, ensuring no gas leakage.
• Sleeve fittings: Sleeve fittings are mainly used to seal a damaged pipe section. If replacing that section is impossible, a sleeve fitting can be slipped over the pipe and secured with fasteners, soldering, welding or compression to seal it.
• Union fittings: These fittings offer a secure gas line connection with easy removability. They are generally used to attach gas lines to appliances, such as water heaters. If the appliance needs to be serviced, it’s easy to remove the appliance from the union fitting without disturbing the rest of the gas system.

Some gas fittings assist in changing directions in gas lines, such as transitioning from a horizontal line section to a perpendicular line section. These fittings include elbows, cross-connections, tees and wyes. In environments where insulation and cleanliness are essential, you can use insulated and lined fittings.

Reach out to a Mertius Gas expert today to learn more about the right gas fittings for your needs.

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Common Gas Line Fitting Applications

Depending on the application, gas lines can differ in complexity and require many fittings. It may also be necessary to choose a specific material type for your fittings. Here are some examples of gas line systems in multiple industries:

• Automotive: For vehicles powered by natural gas or propane, gas fittings are necessary to complete the fuel system. These fittings are commonly used to connect the fuel tank to the engine and regulators. The gas fittings used here must be able to withstand high pressures for safety purposes.
• Chemical processing: In chemical plants, gas fittings facilitate the flow of different gases throughout the building. For example, they can attach gas lines to reactors and storage tanks. Given their potential chemical exposure, gas fittings for chemical processing should be corrosion-resistant.
• Healthcare: Many medical gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, are used in healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. With proper gas fittings, gas lines can be connected throughout the building and to medical equipment. One common use is for anesthesia machines.
• Manufacturing: This industry has various uses for gas fittings. Between hydrogen, natural gas, nitrogen and other gases, gas fittings can help supply several different gases for power generators, industrial furnaces and additional types of equipment.
• Oil and gas: Transporting natural gas requires gas lines. As a result, gas fittings are essential in oil and gas. Some common use cases include connecting gas lines to drilling equipment, installing gas lines in refineries and fitting natural gas pipelines.

How to Choose the Right Gas Line Fitting

When browsing gas line fittings for your application, keep in mind that not all gas fittings fit all pipes. While some gas fitting threads might only connect to certain pipes, you must still choose the right size fitting for your gas system. Consider the size of the pipe you’re working with to find the best fit — the pipe’s diameter in millimeters or inches should lead you to a secure gas line fitting.

Along with size, assess the gas that will be moving through the pipe. Since pipe fittings can come in various materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel and some plastics, you want to choose a fitting that’s compatible with said gas. Otherwise, you may encounter serious issues like corrosion and leaks.

Find Quality Gas Pipe Fittings From Meritus Gas Partners

No matter what kind of gas system you’re overseeing, using high-quality, properly fitted gas fittings is essential for creating a safe, tightly sealed gas line. Meritus Gas Partners works with a trusted network of reliable suppliers to connect customers with gases, welding supplies and related equipment, including gas pipe fittings. If you need help finding the best fitting for your specific system, our professional team members are here to assist, whether you need standard or custom options.

Learn more about our partners and the industries we serve, and contact us today to get started.