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Guide to SS 316 Pipe Fittings (NPT & BSP) | Glory Engineering
Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings Assortment Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Union (UU) SS 316 Threaded Elbow Fitting

Pipe Fittings

Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings are the standard for high-performance piping systems. They are used to connect, branch, change direction, or seal pipes in environments that demand high corrosion resistance and purity. Unlike standard steel, **SS 316** contains Molybdenum, giving it superior resistance to chlorides (like salt water) and acids.

This guide from Glory Engineering Supplies serves as a complete technical reference for our **Stainless Steel 316** threaded fittings. It covers the common types (Elbows, Tees, Unions), thread standards, and pressure ratings to help you build a reliable, leak-proof system.

Why Choose SS 316 Fittings from Glory?

Premium 316L Stainless Steel

We stock 316/316L Stainless Steel, the premier material for chemical, marine, and food-grade applications, offering the highest corrosion resistance.

Precision Threads (NPT & BSP)

Our fittings feature clean, precise threads (NPT & BSP) to ensure a tight, leak-proof seal when properly installed with sealant.

High-Pressure Rated

Our standard fittings are "investment cast" and rated for 150# (or 3000# for forged), suitable for most industrial and chemical applications.

Full Inventory in Stock

We maintain a massive inventory of all fitting types—Elbows, Tees, Unions, Nipples, Sockets, and more—ready for immediate dispatch.

Common SS 316 Fitting Types

Fittings are used to build and configure any piping system. All types are available from Glory in Stainless Steel 316.

SS 316 Threaded Elbow (90 & 45 degree)

Elbow (90° & 45°)

Used to change the direction of flow. Available as Female x Female or Male x Female (Street Elbow).

SS 316 Threaded Tee (Equal & Reducing)

Tee (Equal & Reducing)

Creates a 90-degree branch from a main line. An "Equal" tee has all ports the same size.

SS 316 Pipe Union (UU)

Union (UU)

A three-part fitting that joins two pipes, but allows for quick disconnection without cutting the pipe.

SS 316 Coupling / Socket

Coupling / Socket

A short fitting with two female threads, used to join two male-threaded pipes of the same size.

SS 316 Hex & Barrel Nipple

Nipple (Hex / Barrel)

A short piece of pipe with male threads on both ends, used to connect two female fittings.

SS 316 Reducer / Bushing

Reducer & Bushing

Used to connect pipes of two different sizes. A "Bushing" is a compact reducer with one M x F thread.

SS 316 Pipe Cap & Plug

Cap & Plug

Used to seal the end of a line. A "Cap" (female) fits over a male pipe; a "Plug" (male) fits into a female fitting.

SS 316 Hose Nipple / Barb

Hose Nipple (Barb)

Connects a threaded pipe system to a flexible hose, secured with a clamp. (Often a "UMC" or Hose Mender).

Materials & Standards

Understanding the material and thread standard is critical for compatibility.

Specification Standard Glory's Offering
Material ASTM A351 (Casting) / A182 (Forging) We stock Stainless Steel 316 / 316L. This grade contains molybdenum, giving it superior corrosion resistance over 304, especially against chlorides and acids.
Pressure Rating ASME B16.3 Our standard threaded fittings are rated to 150# (Class 150). We also stock higher-pressure fittings (e.g., 3000# / 6000#) for hydraulic and high-pressure use.
Thread Standard ASME B1.20.1 / ISO 7-1 We stock fittings in both major thread types: NPT (American Tapered) and BSP (British Standard Pipe). These are *not* interchangeable.

How to Identify Threads

NPT and BSP are the two most common but are not compatible.

  • NPT (National Pipe Taper): The most common standard in the US. The thread valleys and peaks are flat. The taper (60°) creates the seal.
  • BSP (British Standard Pipe): Common globally. Threads are rounded (55°). A "BSPT" (Tapered) thread seals on the taper. A "BSPP" (Parallel) thread requires an O-ring or gasket.

How to Install (Sealing)

Tapered threads (like NPT) require a sealant to create a leak-proof joint.

  1. Clean: Ensure both male and female threads are clean and free of debris.
  2. Apply Sealant: Wrap **PTFE Tape (Teflon Tape)** 2-3 times around the *male* threads in the direction of the threads.
  3. Tighten: Engage the threads by hand. Use a wrench to tighten 1-2 full turns past hand-tight.
  4. Do Not Over-tighten: Over-tightening can crack the female fitting.

Common Applications for SS 316 Fittings

  • Chemical & Petrochemical: Transferring corrosive chemicals, acids, and solvents.
  • Food & Beverage: Product lines, water lines, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems.
  • Marine: Saltwater, ballast, and cooling lines where SS 304 would corrode.
  • Pharmaceutical & Medical: High-purity water (WFI) and product lines.
  • General Industry: Compressed air, water, and hydraulic lines in corrosive environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Stainless Steel 304 and 316?

The main difference is the addition of **Molybdenum** (an alloy) in 316. This gives SS 316 vastly superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides (like salt water, de-icing salts) and many industrial acids. 316 is the standard for chemical and marine applications.

What does 150# (Class 150) mean?

This is a pressure class, not a direct pressure rating. Class 150 threaded fittings are generally rated for up to **150 PSI (10 Bar)** for steam or high-temp applications, but can often handle up to 500 PSI or more for cold, non-shock water/air applications. For high-pressure hydraulics, you must use 3000# or 6000# rated forged fittings.

Can I mix NPT and BSP threads?

No. While some sizes are close, the thread angle (60° vs. 55°) and pitch are different. Attempting to connect them will damage the threads and create a leak. Always verify your thread type.

What is a Pipe Union (UU)?

A Union (often called "UU" for Union to Union) is a three-part fitting. It has two female-threaded ends and a center "nut". This allows you to connect two pipes, but more importantly, allows you to **disconnect** the pipes in the middle for maintenance without having to cut or unscrew the entire pipe run.

Get Your SS 316 Fittings Today

From a single elbow to a full project bill of materials, Glory has the high-quality Stainless Steel 316 fittings you need. Contact our technical team for a consultation or request a quote today.

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