Why Should You Use Brass Pipe Fittings?

Pipe fittings, also known as pipe connectors, are threaded fittings that are available in different shapes that attach one pipe to another in order to lengthen the run or change the flow direction in a plumbing system.  These are used to combine, divert or reduce the flow of fluids, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit the pipe they will connect.  Pipe fittings are also used to join pipe sections together with other fluid control products like valves and pumps to create pipelines.

Pipe fittings are available in a multitude of materials depending on the application. 

• Steel and steel alloy fittings are often extruded or drawn over a mandrel from welded or seamless pipe and are threaded to match threads on the end of pipe.
• Nonferrous fittings are typically made of cast aluminum.  They are available in all the same forms or shapes as steel fittings.
• Concrete pipe fittings are available in a variety of styles suitable to their application in large civil projects such as storm-water control.
• Plastic pipe fittings are available in both socket weld and threaded styles.  Socket weld fittings are designed to be welded in place chemically, making installation quick and straightforward to complete.
• Glass pipe and fittings are used in some specialized industrial process settings.

Thread Types

Most pipe applications are use threaded fittings whose connections can be typically characterized by one of the following standards:

• American National Standard Pipe Threads (NPT)
• British Standard Pipe Threads (BSPT)

The major difference between these two types of threads is the taper angle of the thread itself.  The NPT system uses a thread taper angle of 60 degrees whereas the BSPT systems uses a taper angle of 55 degrees.  In addition to threaded pipe fittings which are tapered, these systems also specify straight pipe thread fittings which do not rely on a taper to seal against pressure loss or leaks.

Fitting Shapes and Styles

Brass Pipe Fittings

Brass has become one of the most popular materials for pipe fittings because of is strong resistance from corrosion when exposed to water, heat, gases, chemicals, acids, minerals and peaty soils.  Brass pipe fittings are come in a wide range of shapes and thread sizes to connect, adapt, or control any liquid or gas in pipes.  In addition to being used in the plumbing industry, brass pipe fittings are also used in automotive applications such as air brakes and fuel line valves.  Brass fittings are also used in ballcock adapters, refrigerator cooler fittings and compression fittings.

5 Reasons to use Brass Pipe Fittings

1. Durability
2. Can withstand high temperatures
3. Malleable
4. Corrosion Resistant
5. Versatile

Brass Pipe Fittings from Midland Industries

Midland Industries’ engineering and design team works closely through distributors with OEM’s in the industrial, automotive, trucking, HVAC, and consumer & commercial electronics, appliance, and fluid industries.  Midland Industries domestic engineering and manufacturing plant is located in Kansas City, MO.  Their fittings are made consistently to a high standard of quality and to exacting specifications.

Midland Industries continues to strive to be an industry leader by complying with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.  In addition, Midland Industries products and facilities are certified as complying with NSF and NSF/ANSI 61 and all applicable requirements.  Their products appear in the NSF official listing and are authorized to bear the official NSF mark making Midland Industries of the few, officially certified NSF companies.

Midland Industries Brass Pipe Fittings available from Scott Equipment Company.