Three different connection methods for thin-walled stainless steel pipes

There are many types of stainless steel pipes, and thin-walled stainless steel pipes are a common type of pipe material, mainly referring to stainless steel pipes with a wall thickness to outer diameter ratio of no more than 6%. Its connection methods are mainly divided into three types:

1. Features of card convex type: easy installation, no deformation inside and outside the connection, belonging to flexible connection, easy to maintain. Scope of application: Cold water system, pipeline direct drinking water system, water treatment equipment system. Surface installation is more suitable, mainly considering the replacement of the sealing ring after installation, and the hot water system should be avoided as much as possible. The advantage of this type of connection is that it is easy to install, convenient, and easy to maintain. When the sealing ring inside the pipe ages, it needs to be replaced relatively simply by loosening the nut. The disadvantage is that it is suitable for a single occasion, and the aging of the sealing ring in the hot water system is more prominent, resulting in a higher cost. Concealed pipelines and hot water systems are generally not recommended for use.

2. Compression characteristics: Easy to install, the external pipe and internal rubber ring at the connection are evenly pressed into a hexagonal shape. Scope of application: Cold water systems, pipeline direct drinking water systems, and exposed pipelines are more suitable. The advantages are: simple and convenient connection, short working hours, and moderate cost. The disadvantage is that it has a single applicability and is difficult to maintain. When the sealing ring inside the pipe ages, it needs to be replaced, which is quite troublesome because it is already stuck during connection. To replace it, it is necessary to saw off both ends of the pipe fitting before replacing it. The use of hot water systems should also be avoided as much as possible, mainly due to the uncertainty of the service life of the sealing ring in the hot water system. Therefore, concealed pipelines and hot water systems are generally not recommended for use.

3. Characteristics of socket welding type: Installation is slightly more complicated than the above two types, but it is a joint free connection, safer and more reliable. There is no sealing ring inside, which is a dead joint. Widely applicable, both visible and hidden installations are suitable. It is suitable for both cold water and hot water systems, and once installed, it is a one-time solution without the need for maintenance. This type of connection has been used on copper pipes for many years, and the Ministry of Construction now recommends this type of seamless connection for stainless steel connections.

(1) The order of cost price and sales price from high to low is: ①>②>③.

(2) ①② belongs to on-site assembly type (requiring the use of special tools) installation, fast and simple, suitable for open installation. When the function of the rubber ring is lost, ① the nut can be removed for replacement, ② the dead connection should be sawed off before replacement. ③ Suitable for concealed and embedded walls, of course, it can also be installed openly.

Thin walled stainless steel water pipes in China are a new type of pipe that emerged in the late 1990s. Due to their safety and hygiene, high strength, good corrosion resistance, durability, long service life, maintenance free, and aesthetic characteristics, stainless steel pipes are currently developing rapidly and have been widely used in building water supply and direct drinking water pipelines.