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Definition and Details of Socket Weld Fittings ASME B16.11

Socket Weld fittings general

A Socket Weld is a pipe attachment detail in which a pipe is inserted into a recessed area
of a Valve, fitting or flange. In contrast to buttweld fittings, Socket Weld fittings are mainly
used for small pipe diameters (Small Bore Piping); generally for piping whose nominal
diameter is NPS 2 or smaller.
To join pipe to Valves and fittings or to other sections of pipe, fillet-type seal welds be
used. Socket Welded Joints construction is a good choice wherever the benefits of high
leakage integrity and great structural strength are important design considerations.
Fatigue resistance is lower than that in butt-welded construction due to the use of fillet
welds and abrupt fitting geometry, but it is still better than that of most mechanical joining
methods.

Some details of Socket Weld fittings

SW Fittings are family of high pressure fittings are used in various industrial processes.
• They are used for lines conveying flammable, toxic or expensive material where no
leakage can be permitted, and for steam 300 to 600 PSI.
• They are used only in conjunction with ASME Pipe and are available in the same
size range.
• They are used in areas where pipe-work is permanent and are designed to provide
good flow characteristics.
• They are are produced to several ASTM standards and are manufactured in
accordance with ASME B16.11. The B16.11 standard covers pressure-temperature
ratings, dimensions, tolerances, marking, and material requirements for forged
carbon and alloy steel. Acceptable material forms are forgings, bars, seamless pipe,
and seamless tubes which conform to the fittings chemical requirements, melting
practices, and mechanical property requirements of ASTM A105, A182, or A350.
• They are available in three pressure ratings: Class 3000, 6000 and 9000.

TYPES OF SOCKET WELD FITTINGS BY CLASS, SIZE AND WALL THICKNESS

Class Designation
Description
3000 6000 9000

Elbows 45 and 1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2

90 degrees,
Tees, Crosses, Couplings, 1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2
Half-Couplings,
End or Pipe Caps 1/2 - 4 1/2 - 2 1/2 - 2

Pipe Size
SCH 80 / XS SCH 160 XXS
by Wall Thickness

Plugs and Bushings are not identified.

They may be used up through Class 6000 NPS
Advantages and disadvantages of Socket Weld fittings
ADVANTAGES

• The pipe need not be beveled for weld preparation.

• Temporary tack welding is no needed for alignment, because in principle the fitting
ensures proper alignment.
• The weld metal can not penetrate into the bore of the pipe.
• They can be used in place of threaded fittings, so the risk of leakage is much
smaller.
• Radiography is not practical on the fillet weld; therefore correct fitting and welding is
crucial. The fillet weld may be inspected by surface examination, magnetic particle
(MP), or liquid penetrant (PT) examination methods.
• Construction costs are lower than with butt-welded joints due to the lack of exacting
fit-up requirements and elimination of special machining for butt weld end
preparation.

DISADVANTAGES

• The welder should ensure for a expansion gap of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) between de
pipe and the shoulder of the socket.
ASME B31.1 para. 127.3 Preparation for Welding (E) Socket Weld Assembly says:
In assembly of the joint before welding, the pipe or tube shall be inserted into the
socket to the maximum depth and then withdrawn approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm)
away from contact between the end of the pipe and the shoulder of the socket.
 • The expansion gap and internal crevices left in socket welded systems promotes
corrosion and make them less suitable for corrosive or radioactive applications
where solids buildup at the joints may cause operating or maintenance problems.
Generally require butt welds in all pipe sizes with complete weld penetration to the
inside of the piping.
• Socket welding are unacceptable for UltraHigh Hydrostatic Pressure (UHP) in Food
Industry application since they do not permit full penetration and leave overlaps and
crevices that are very difficult to clean, creating virtual leaks.

The purpose for the bottoming clearance in a Socket Weld is usually to reduce the
residual stress at the root of the weld that could occur during solidification of the weld
metal, and to allow for differential expansion of the mating elements.
 Fittings for Socket Weld Pipe systems
FULL-COUPLING
A Full Coupling, joins pipe two
pipe or to a nipple etc..
REDUCING COUPLING
The Reducing Coupling joints
two different outside diameters
of pipe.
HALF-COUPLING
The Half Coupling can be
directly welded to the run pipe,
to make a branch connection.
REDUCER INSERT
Socket Weld Reducer Inserts
are manufactured to MSS SP-
79. They enable quick and
economic combinations of
pipeline reductions to be made
using standard Socket Weld
fittings.
UNION (MSS SP-83)
It is a screwed joint design and ELBOW 90°
This Elbows make 90°
it consists of three
changes of direction in the run
interconnected pieces: two
of pipe.
internally threads and a
centerpiece that draws the
ends together when rotated.
Unions should be screwed
tight before the ends are
welded to minimize warping of
the seats.

TEE STRAIGHT
This Tee makes 90° branch
from the main run of pipe.
ELBOW 90°
This Elbows make 45°
changes of direction in the run
of pipe.
 CROSS
Crosses makes 90° branch CAP (END CAP)
from the main run of pipe. Seals the end of pipe.

REMARK(S) OF THE AUTHOR...

A SIMPLE MANNER TO MAKE A 1/16" GAP...

• Have you ever seen a Socket Weld contraction ring?.

It is a split ring that is engineered and designed to give a pre-measured 1/16"
minimum gap for socket welds. Made from a certified stainless steel, and
resists corrosion from chemicals, radioactive materials and water. Once
inserted into the fitting the ring becomes a permanent part of the joint. It will
not rattle or vibrate even under extreme pressure.
• Another manner is the applying of in water-soluble board. Make rings with a
hole punch with outside and inside diameter of the pipe. Insert the ring into
the flange or fitting and after hydrotesting there is no ring anymore.

For both solutions, ask your customer for permission.

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Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater. ALBERT EINSTEIN