Molding process

Hot pressing process, cold extrusion process, molding process, etc., through the proportion of different types of mold, mandrel, intermediate frequency coil to complete the product molding production.

Production range:DN10-DN3400

Main material

Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, low temperature steel, nickel base alloy and other materials.

Application condition

Petrochemical, natural gas, Marine platform, heat pipeline, fire, water supply and drainage, electricity, etc

Product characteristics

Advanced production equipment and testing equipment ensure that the products are in line with industry standards and international standards, and can be customized according to customer needs.

Product introduction

Stainless steel tee for pipe fittings, pipe connectors. Used in the main pipe to branch pipe. The stainless steel tee has equal diameter and reducing diameter, and the nozzle end of the equal diameter tee is the same size; The main pipe size of the reducing tee is the same, and the nozzle size of the branch pipe is smaller than that of the main pipe.

Stainless steel tee is a pipe fitting for pipe branches. For the use of seamless pipe manufacturing tee, the process is usually used hydraulic expansion and hot forming two kinds. Hydraulic expansion of stainless steel tee is a forming process in which branch pipe is expanded by axial compensation of metal material. The process is to use a special hydraulic press to inject liquid into the tube blank with the same diameter as the tee. Through the two horizontal side cylinders of the hydraulic press, the tube blank is extruded synchronously. The volume of the tube blank becomes smaller after being extruded, and the liquid in the tube blank increases with the volume of the tube blank. The metal material flows along the inner cavity of the die under the double action of the liquid pressure in the side cylinder and the tube blank and expands the branch pipe.

The hydraulic expansion process of stainless steel tee can be formed at one time, and the production efficiency is high. The wall thickness of the head and shoulder of the stainless steel tee has increased.

Due to the large tonnage of equipment required for the hydraulic expansion process of stainless steel tee, it is mainly used for the manufacture of stainless steel tee with standard wall thickness less than DN400 in China. Its suitable forming materials are low carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel, including some non-ferrous metal materials, such as copper, aluminum, titanium and so on.

According to manufacturing standards can be divided into national standard, electrical standard, water standard, American standard, German standard, Japanese standard, Russian standard, etc. Specific as follows: GB/T12459, GB/T13401, ASME B16.9, SH3408, SH3409, HG/T21635, DL/T 695, SY/T 0510, DIN 2615.

A pipe tee is one of the most widely used pipe fittings in plumbing, industrial piping, and mechanical systems. Its primary function is to connect three sections of pipe, allowing fluid or gas to flow in multiple directions. The fitting is shaped like the letter “T,” with one inlet and two outlets or vice versa, which makes it highly versatile for branching or combining flow. Pipe tees are crucial in applications where direction changes or fluid distribution is needed, making them an indispensable element in piping systems across various industries.

Types of Pipe Tees

Pipe tees come in several types depending on the application, pressure requirements, and design specifications:

1. Equal Tee (Straight Tee)
   An equal tee has three outlets of the same diameter, making it ideal for situations where the flow needs to be split evenly into two directions. Equal tees are commonly used in water supply lines, HVAC systems, and chemical plants where symmetrical flow distribution is necessary.

2. Reducing Tee
   A reducing tee has a branch that is smaller than the main run, allowing the system to connect pipes of different diameters. This is particularly useful when a main pipeline needs to supply fluid to smaller distribution lines. Reducing tees are widely applied in oil and gas pipelines, industrial process systems, and municipal water supply networks.

3. Lateral Tee
   Lateral tees are designed to split flow at a 45-degree angle rather than the traditional 90-degree angle. This design minimizes turbulence and pressure drop, making it suitable for high-velocity pipelines and systems requiring smoother flow transitions.

4. Barred Tee / Threaded Tee
   Some pipe tees are equipped with threaded connections rather than welded or flanged ends. Threaded tees are easier to install and remove, making them suitable for low-pressure applications, temporary piping systems, or maintenance-intensive setups.

Materials Used for Pipe Tees

The choice of material for a pipe tee depends on the medium, temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel – Resistant to corrosion, high temperatures, and chemical attack. Stainless steel tees are often used in chemical processing, food and beverage industries, and pharmaceutical pipelines.

• Carbon Steel – Offers strength and durability at a lower cost, commonly used in high-pressure systems such as oil, gas, and steam pipelines.

• Copper – Excellent for plumbing applications, especially hot and cold water supply, due to its thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for low-pressure water supply, drainage, and irrigation systems.

• CPVC (Chlorinated PVC) – Able to withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC, often used in hot water distribution systems.

• Ductile Iron – Strong and durable, typically used for municipal water and sewage systems.

Standards and Specifications

Pipe tees are manufactured in accordance with various international standards to ensure safety, reliability, and compatibility. Common standards include:

• ASME B16.9 – Covers factory-made wrought steel buttwelding fittings, including tees, elbows, and reducers.

• ASTM A234 / A403 – Defines material and manufacturing requirements for steel pipe fittings.

• DIN 2615 – German standard covering dimensions and tolerances for steel pipe tees.

• ISO 9001 – Certification for quality management systems, ensuring that pipe tees meet high-quality production standards.

Applications of Pipe Tees

Pipe tees are used in virtually every sector where fluid transport is required. Key applications include:

1. Oil and Gas Industry
   In oil refineries and gas distribution networks, pipe tees allow for the branching of pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas, or refined products. Reducing tees are particularly useful when connecting pipelines of varying diameters.

2. Water Supply Systems
   Both municipal and industrial water systems rely on tees to distribute water to multiple branches efficiently. Equal tees are commonly installed in potable water systems, while reducing tees are used for connecting main lines to smaller service lines.

3. Chemical Processing Plants
   Chemical plants use pipe tees to connect reactors, heat exchangers, and storage tanks. Stainless steel tees are preferred to prevent corrosion caused by aggressive chemicals.

4. HVAC Systems
   Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems use tees to split or combine flow in ductwork and piping. They are essential for distributing chilled water, hot water, or refrigerants across multiple zones.

5. Power Generation
   In power plants, pipe tees help in steam distribution, cooling water lines, and fuel supply systems. Their ability to handle high temperatures and pressures makes them essential components in energy infrastructure.

6. Food and Beverage Industry
   Stainless steel tees are commonly used in hygienic piping systems to transport milk, juices, beer, or other liquids while maintaining sanitary conditions.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation of a pipe tee is essential for system efficiency and longevity. Installation considerations include:

• Ensuring proper alignment with the connected pipes to prevent leaks and undue stress.

• Using appropriate joining methods: welding, threading, or flanging, depending on the pipe material and pressure rating.

• Applying gaskets, sealants, or Teflon tape for threaded connections to prevent leakage.

• Following recommended torque specifications for bolted connections to avoid damage or deformation.

Maintenance involves periodic inspection for corrosion, cracks, or pressure drops. In high-pressure or chemically aggressive environments, non-destructive testing (NDT) such as ultrasonic testing or radiography may be performed to ensure integrity.

Advantages of Using Pipe Tees

• Versatility: Can connect three pipes of equal or different diameters.

• Flow Distribution: Efficiently splits or combines fluid flow.

• Wide Material Selection: Suitable for corrosive, high-temperature, or high-pressure applications.

• Industry Compliance: Manufactured according to international standards for safety and performance.

Conclusion

A pipe tee is more than just a simple connector; it is a critical component in the design and operation of piping systems. Its ability to manage flow directions, handle high pressures, and resist environmental challenges makes it indispensable in industries ranging from oil and gas to food and beverage. Whether using an equal tee for balanced distribution or a reducing tee for diameter transitions, these fittings ensure that pipelines operate safely and efficiently.

Choosing the right material, size, and type of pipe tee can significantly affect the performance and longevity of a piping system, making careful selection and proper installation paramount.

In modern industrial and domestic applications, the pipe tee continues to be a reliable and versatile solution, demonstrating the importance of this simple yet crucial component in the global infrastructure of fluid and gas transport.