A butt weld tee is a type of pipe fitting used in piping systems to create a branch connection. It is shaped like the letter "T" and allows fluid or gas to flow in two directions from the main pipeline.
A Butt Weld tee is a type of butt weld fitting used in piping systems. It is designed to allow a 90-degree branch off from a running pipe, enabling the connection of auxiliary equipment or branching to smaller pipes.
The term "butt weld" refers to the method of welding two pieces of metal together end-to-end, which is a common and versatile type of joint welding.
In the context of a Butt Weld tee, the fitting itself is welded to the main pipe, creating a secure and durable connection. This type of fitting is essential for creating complex piping systems where multiple branches or connections are required.
Equal Tee: All three openings are the same size.
Reducing Tee: The branch connection is smaller in size than the main pipe.
Design: It has three openings—one inlet and two outlets (or vice versa)—positioned at a 90-degree angle to each other.
Connection Method: The ends of the tee are beveled to allow for butt welding, a process where the ends of the pipes and the tee are aligned and welded together.
Materials: Butt weld tees are made from materials compatible with the pipes, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or other metals.
Sizes: They are available in various sizes and schedules (wall thicknesses) to match the piping system.
Parameter | Details |
Dimensions | Sizes: 1/2" to 48" (15 mm to 1200 mm); ASME B16.9 for dimensions. |
Manufacturing Process | Hot forming, cold forming, welding (seamless or welded), heat treatment. |
Wall Thickness | Schedules: Sch 5, Sch 10, Sch 40, Sch 80, Sch 160, XXS. |
Materials | Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, duplex steel, nickel alloys. |
Standards | ASME B16.9, MSS-SP-43, ASTM A234, ASTM A403, ASTM A815, ASME Section IX. |
Surface Treatment | Pickling, passivation, sandblasting, galvanizing, painting. |
Applications | Oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, water treatment, HVAC. |
Feature | Butt-Weld Tees | Threaded Tees | Socket Tees |
Connection Method | Welded (butt-welding) | Threaded (screwed) | Socket weld or solvent weld |
Applications | High-pressure, high-temperature systems | Low to medium-pressure systems | Medium-pressure, small-bore piping |
Strength | Very strong, leak-proof | Less robust, prone to leaks | Stronger than threaded, less than butt-weld |
Installation | Requires welding, skilled labor | Easy, no welding required | Easier than butt-weld, requires welding/adhesive |
Maintenance | Permanent, difficult to disassemble | Can be disassembled and reused | Semi-permanent, harder to disassemble |
Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost | Moderate cost |
ASME B16.9:
Description: This standard specifies the dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements for factory-made wrought steel butt welding fittings, including tees. It covers a wide range of sizes and schedules.
MSS SP-43:
Description: This standard is used for forged steel fittings, including tees. It provides specifications for dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements.
API 590-605:
Description: This standard is used for pipeline fittings, including tees, and provides guidelines for their design, manufacturing, and testing.
EN10253-2:
Description: This European standard specifies the requirements for steel fittings for pipelines, including tees, and covers material properties, dimensions, and testing
Carbon Steel pipe tees:
Standard: ASTM A234
Common Grades: WPB, WPHY 42, WPHY 46, WPHY 52, WPHY 60, WPHY 65, WPHY 70.
Stainless Steel pipe tees:
Standard: ASTM A403
Common Grades: WP304, WP304L, WP316, WP316L, WP321, WP347, WP904L.
Alloy Steel pipe tees:
Standard: ASTM A234
Common Grades: WP1, WP5, WP9, WP11, WP12, WP22, WP91.
Duplex and Super Duplex Steel:
Standard: ASTM A815
Common Grades: UNS S31803, S32205, S32750, S32760.
Nickel Alloys pipe tees:
Standard: ASTM B366
Common Grades: NICKEL 200, MONEL 400, INCONEL 600, INCONEL 625, HASTELLOY C276.