Detailed Explanation of Reducers: Types, Standards, Applications, and Differences
Table of contents
- Preface
- Common Materials for Reducers
- Reducing Pipe Connections
- Reducing Pipes vs Reducers
- Reducing Pipe Standards
- How to Choose the Right Reducer
- Summary
Preface
Reducers are widely used in industrial piping connections. Understanding reducers can help us choose the right one.
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Common Materials for Reducers
Reducers come in a variety of materials. In industrial applications, common reducer materials can be divided into two main categories: metallic materials and non-metallic materials.
Metallic Materials
Carbon steel: such as Q235 and 20# steel, is relatively inexpensive, has good toughness and weldability, and can withstand certain pressures. It is widely used in general industrial piping systems.
Alloy steel: such as 15CrMo and 1Cr5Mo, the addition of alloying elements gives it better high-temperature resistance, high-pressure resistance, and corrosion resistance. It is often used in special high-temperature and high-pressure applications such as power generation and petrochemicals.
Stainless steel: such as 304 and 316, has excellent corrosion resistance, is aesthetically pleasing and durable, and is widely used in industries with high hygiene and corrosion protection requirements, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Non-metallic Materials
Plastics: such as PVC and PP, are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive, and are widely used in building water supply and drainage, agricultural irrigation, and other fields.
Ceramics: have high hardness, good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, but are brittle, and are often used in high-wear, high-corrosion material conveying pipelines in industries such as mining and power generation.
Reducing Pipe Connections
In pipe connections, there are several common connection methods for connecting pipes of different diameters:
Reducers
They are divided into concentric reducers and eccentric reducers, and are often used in applications involving large-diameter pipe changes, and are mostly connected by butt welding.
Reducing Short Sections
Reducing stubs are designed specifically for small-diameter pipes and are typically used for pipes with a diameter of DN50 or less. In such applications, only concentric reducing stubs are usually selected, and they can be installed by butt welding or external thread connection.
Reducing Couples
Reducing couplings are suitable for small-diameter pipes below DN40, and are a viable option, especially when reducing short sections cannot be used.
They offer flexible connection options, allowing for both end socket or internal thread connections.
Half-pipe Fittings
Half-pipe fittings are designed for small pipes less than 1.5 inches in diameter. Their function is to extend a branch pipe from a main pipe and simplify the welding process by increasing the fitting size.
These fittings allow for both socket welding and threaded connections and are ideal for connecting small branch pipes to large main pipes, thereby enhancing the connection strength.
Reducing Pipes vs Reducers
The main differences lie in their diameter ranges:
Reducers have a wider diameter range, currently ranging from DN15 to DN3400 (1/2″ to 136″) in current standards.
Browser reducers, on the other hand, range from DN6 to DN300 (1/4″ to 12″), with DN100 being the most common maximum.
The raw materials differ:
Reducers are made from seamless steel pipes or plates. Seamless reducers are made from steel pipes, while welded reducers are made from steel plates.
Browser reducers are made from round steel bars or steel billets.
The manufacturing processes differ:
Seamless reducers are manufactured using hot pressing or cold pressing, while welded reducers are manufactured using hot rolling.
Browser reducers are manufactured using a forging process.
The end types differ:
Reducers almost always have beveled ends, with very few having flat ends.
Browser reducers offer a wider variety of end types; the ends can be the same or different, depending on site or design requirements. End types include beveled, flat, and threaded.
Reducing Pipe Standards
The reducers conform to multiple international industrial standards, including DIN, ISO, SMS, 3A, and IDF.
Diameter Control:
Complies with DIN standards (DN10-DN150), 3A/IDF standards (1/2″-6″), and ISO standards (Ф12.7-Ф152.4).
International Standard Certifications:
Products conform to multiple international industrial standards, including DIN, ISO, SMS, 3A, and IDF.
Material Selection:
Manufactured using high-quality materials such as 304, 316, and 316L stainless steel.
How to Choose the Right Reducer
Selection Recommendation: Pressure, medium, temperature, and cost should be considered comprehensively.
Professional Reference: Internationally accepted standards include ASME B16.9 and EN 10253; Chinese standard reference is GB/T 12459-2017.
Summary
Through the article above, we have gained a general understanding of the classification of reducers, common pipe connection methods, standards, and differences between reducers and concave pipes. This will help us better select the appropriate pipe fittings for our projects.
If you need to purchase pipe fittings or steel pipes, please contact Metleader. We will provide you with comprehensive services and guarantee that all products meet standards, protecting your rights.
We are willing to work with global partners to jointly complete industrial construction and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
