Take advantage of the unique properties of copper in your pipe systems with fittings built to your project’s specs and available on demand.
Hold Your Pipe Together With Copper Tube and Fittings
Your choice of material for your pipe fittings matters as much as their size and shape in ensuring that your equipment remains tightly connected and your flow control systems operate efficiently and safely.
From thermally conductive pipe for HVAC systems to biostatic flow control systems for food and beverage processing, copper pipe fittings hold it all together.
Why Choose Copper Pipe Systems?
Copper is a unique material for PVF—easily formed and welded, highly corrosion-resistant and thermally conductive, and boasting hygienic biostatic properties—that make it not only a sturdy and reliable choice of material, but one with unique advantages in certain industries. When your operating environment and fluid media call for the unique properties of copper, matching your copper pipe and tube to copper fittings means your pipe system reaps the full benefits of:
Corrosion Resistance
Thermal Conductivity
Antimicrobial Properties
Exploring Types of Copper Fittings
Due to the unique properties of copper compared to other metals used in industrial PVF, there are some unique designs for copper fittings that make full use if its capabilities, such as:
Solder Fittings
These copper pipe fittings rely on a copper-tin solder and flux to form a strong, tight, leak-free, and permanent joint that can stand up to high-pressure and high-temperature operating environments.
Brass Compression Fittings
Brass fittings use a nut and ferrule instead of soldering to provide a non-permanent bond for copper piping that is still strong and leak-proof. These fittings make disassembly easy.
Press Fittings
Similar to soldered fittings, copper press fittings can withstand high pressures and temperatures. The bonding agent is not as strong as solder, but these fittings are more cost-effective and faster to install.
Threaded Brass Flanges
With a threaded pattern running along the inner bore, these brass fittings can be assembled onto copper pipe without welding, making them easy to install in low-pressure applications.
How to Choose the Right Copper Pipe Fittings
With so many unique types and applications of copper pipe, selecting the right fittings depends on choosing not only the most appropriate type, schedule, and pressure rating for your application, but also the fittings that match the particular type of copper pipe your system uses, such as Type K, Type L, or Type M. When choosing the right fittings, make sure to keep in mind:
Sizing Options
The right fit ensures system stability and prevents leaks and other safety issues. We stock ¼” – 4” copper products and have access through 8”, including both solder and press fittings in domestic and import.
Pipe Compatibility
Each type of copper pipe varies in wall thickness and is suited for different pressure ratings and applications. Make sure to select copper fittings that will fit your existing pipes and form reliable, leak-free seals.
Application Requirements
Matching the operating pressure, temperature, and the nature of the fluids transported through your system to the appropriate fittings ensures the safety and longevity of your pipe system.
Maintenance Requirements
Take stock of whatever environmental constraints there may be on your ability to maintain and install the system, consider how easy disassembly and reassembly will have to be, and select parts that meet your needs.
Get the copper fittings your project needs ASAP.
The Industrial Uses of Copper Fittings
The diverse and special properties of copper provide especially unique use cases for copper pipe fittings and tube, including:
Food and
Beverage
Processing equipment relies on copper pipe, fittings, and valves due to the temperature consistency and cleanliness they offer.
Chemical
Processing
Due to the non-reactive properties of copper, it makes an ideal material to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of corrosive substances.
Steam Condensate
Systems
Copper can withstand corrosive, high-temperature steam condensate, making these fittings and tubes especially useful in industrial settings.
Medical Gas Systems
Copper fittings ensure efficient, leak-free transfer of gases like nitrous oxide and oxygen without risks of contamination.
Industrial HVAC
Copper fittings provide sturdy, leak-free joins for refrigerant lines, with their thermal conductivity enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Oil and Gas
Copper fittings provide reliable and long-lived joins in heat exchangers, condensers, flare systems, and other processing environments.
Best Practices for Copper Pipe Fittings
Making the most of your fittings and tube—ensuring maximum efficiency and minimum operational costs through their entire service lifetime—means making sure to follow best practices through installation, operation, and maintenance:
Copper Fitting Installation
- Before installation, make sure that both the pipe and fittings are clean, dry, and free from any debris or oils to ensure a good bond during soldering or a tight seal for mechanical fittings.
- Measure and cut pipes accurately to ensure that they fit properly within the fittings.
- If soldering or welding is required, apply a proper amount of flux and use the correct type of solder for copper based on the environment and application.
Operation
- Regularly check that the operating pressure and temperature are within the limits specified for copper fittings to prevent failures or leaks.
- Use hangers and other structural supports to prevent any external mechanical forces that could stress the fittings, such as heavy vibrations or sudden impacts, that can compromise joint integrity.
- Ensure that there is no electrolytic action occurring due to dissimilar metals in proximity. Use dielectric unions if different metals must be connected to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Regularly inspect the your copper pipe fittings for signs of corrosion, wear, or leaks to prevent major failures.
- Keep the fitting surfaces and threaded areas clean and lightly lubricated (if applicable) to prevent seizing and to ease disassembly and reassembly.
- Periodically replace any parts that show signs of deterioration, such as thinning or corrosion, to maintain system integrity.
- Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, installations, and any adjustments or replacements made.
Why Choose American Stainless for Copper Pipe Flanges?
With so many unique types of copper pipe, fittings, and valves to choose from, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages, having the exact right part available for your project when you need and knowing you can depend on it for years of faithful service it is essential to delivering pipe solutions that meet your expectations.
American Stainless combines a comprehensive inventory of copper fittings, partnerships with leading PVF manufacturers, and a second-to-none quality system focused on speed and accuracy to ensure your projects are completed on-time and under-budget with the best possible results.