SPLIT TEE

A split tee is a type of pipe fitting that allows fluids or gases to be divided into two paths or combined from two inputs into one output. Split tees have a T-shape with 3 openings that are designed to be connected into piping systems to route flow.

Split tees are commonly used in plumbing, refrigeration, fire suppression sprinkler systems, HVAC, irrigation, industrial process piping, drains and vents. They enable dividing or merging fluid flow in straight sections of pipe or at branch connections. 

The split tee gets its name from the split down the middle of the fitting, allowing it to be spread open so that it can be installed over existing straight pipe without needing to cut the pipe. This allows easy retrofitting or modifications of piping systems without disrupting entire sections. Once placed over the pipe, the split tee is tightened around the pipe with bolts or bands on the split ends.

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Split tees are pipe fittings that allow branching of piping systems into two directions. They have the following key properties:

Materials – Split tees are commonly made from materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, cast iron, and thermoplastics like PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF. The material is chosen based on the medium, pressure rating, and temperature requirements of the application.

Dimensions – Split tees are available in a wide range of sizes from 1/2″ to 12″ or more for larger piping systems. Dimensions like center to end distance and bolt holes are standardized based on international standards. The dimensions vary based on nominal pipe size.

Pressure Ratings – Split tees can have different pressure ratings like 150#, 300#, 600# or more depending on the material and size. The pressure rating denotes the maximum internal pressure they are designed to withstand at a given temperature.

Temperature Resistance – Different materials offer varying degree of temperature resistance. For example, carbon steel has a maximum temperature resistance up to 700°F, stainless steel up to 1550°F, and engineered thermoplastics usually up to 180°F. This allows usage for a wide range of temperatures.

By selecting the appropriate material, size and pressure rating, split tees can be customized for the temperature, pressure and medium requirements of the piping system. Their branching capability with good structural strength allows efficient distribution in fluid transfer systems.

Split tees provide several key features and benefits that make them a versatile option for pipe systems:

Allows branch connections: The split tee design allows for a branch line to be connected without needing to cut into the main pipe. This simplifies the process of adding branches.

Compact design: Split tees have a compact shape with no protruding parts, allowing them to fit into tight spaces. Their lower profile also reduces weight and material requirements.

Versatile applications: Split tees can be used in a wide variety of piping systems, including plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinklers, compressed air, irrigation and more. They are available in many sizes and materials to suit the application.

Easy installation: Split tees can be installed using standard methods for threaded or welded pipe connections. The split in the fitting enables it to be placed over existing pipe without needing to disconnect the main line.

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For Stainless Steel Split Tee:

– ASTM A403 WP316/316L

– ASTM A403 WP304/304L

– ASTM A182 F316L, 304L

– DIN 1.4301, DIN1.4306

– DIN 1.4401, DIN 1.4404

– 304H, 309, 310

– 316, 316L, 317L

– 321, 347, 904L

For Carbon Steel Split Tee:

– ASTM A234, ASME SA234 WPB

– WPBW, WPHY 42, WPHY 46

– WPHY 52, WPH 60, WPHY 65

– WPHY 70

For Alloy Steel Split Tee:

– ASTM A234, ASME SA234 WP1 / WP5 / WP9 / WP11 / WP22 / WP91

For Duplex Steel Split Tee:

– ASTM A815, ASME SA815 UNS No S31803, S32205

For Super Duplex Split Tee:

– ASTM A815, ASME SA815 UNS No S32750, S32950

For Nickel Alloy Split Tee:

– ASTM B336, ASME SB336

– Nickel 200 (UNS No. No2200), Nickel 201 (UNS No. N02201)

– Monel 400 (UNS No. N04400), Monel 500 (UNS No. N05500)

– Inconel 800 (UNS No. N08800), Inconel 825 (UNS No. N08825)

– Inconel 600 (UNS No. N06600), Inconel 625 (UNS No. N06625)

– Inconel 601 (UNS No. N06601)

– Hastelloy C 276 (UNS No. N10276)

– Alloy 20 (UNS No. N08020)

– Titanium (Grade I & II)

– Cupro-Nickel 90/10 & Cupro-Nickel 70/30

– CuNi10Fe1Mn, CuNi30Mn1Fe

For Low Temperature Carbon Steel Split Tee:

– ASTM A420 WPL3, A420 WPL6

The manufacturing process for split tees involves several key steps:

Casting 

The split tee bodies are cast from materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex and super duplex stainless steels, nickel alloys etc. Sand casting, investment casting or centrifugal casting processes may be used depending on the material, quantities and size. The casting process produces a high quality body with excellent metallurgical properties.

Machining  

Once cast, the body of the split tee undergoes meticulous machining on CNC machining centers. The bores are machined to tight tolerances to ensure leakproof performance. The flanges and weld ends are also machined to suit ANSI standards. The bolt holes are precisely machined and the flange faces are surfaced.

Welding

For larger size split tees, it may be necessary to weld multiple cast body sections together to achieve the desired size and rating. This welding is done by certified welders and undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure a seamless joint. Post-weld heat treatment may also be performed as needed.

Quality Control

Throughout the manufacturing process, rigorous quality control steps are implemented to ensure dimensional accuracy, material quality, weld integrity and leakproof construction. The split tees undergo hydrotesting, NDT tests, mechanical testing and visual inspection per ASME codes. The manufacturer’s quality certifications and program ensures consistency in meeting specifications.

Finishing 

Finally, the split tee undergoes finishing steps like deburring, cleaning, polishing and painting as per the customer requirements before moving to marking and shipping.

Split tees can be customized in a variety of ways to meet the specific requirements of your application. Some of the key customization options include:

Sizes

Split tees are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters. Standard sizes range from 1/2″ to 12″ for threaded and socketweld connections. For butt weld connections, split tees can be made in sizes up to 60″ or larger. Custom sizes are also available.

Materials

The most common materials used are carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. Other exotic alloys are also possible for specialized applications. The material can be selected based on temperature, pressure, corrosion resistance, or other service conditions.

Connections

Split tees are manufactured with threaded, socket weld, butt weld, and flanged end connections. Threaded and socket weld types allow easy assembly. Butt weld connections provide maximum strength. Flanges enable quick disconnect service. Combinations like a butt weld branch with threaded run connections are also possible.

Coatings/Linings

For corrosion protection, the split tee can be coated or lined. Common options include epoxy, galvanized, or specialized resin coatings. Rubber, PTFE, and hard linings like ceramics can also be applied to the inner bore. The coating or lining choice depends on the medium flowing through the pipe system.

Customizing the split tee with the optimal features ensures it will perform safely and reliably in your piping application. Work closely with manufacturers to specify the required dimensions, materials, connections, and coatings based on temperature, pressure, flow, and corrosion considerations.

Mechanical Properties

Split tees are designed and manufactured to meet demanding performance requirements in various applications. Key mechanical properties include:

Strength

Split tees exhibit high strength to withstand internal pressure and external loads without cracking, deforming or rupturing. They are typically rated for pressures up to 3000 psi depending on size and material. Strength is ensured through proper wall thickness and high quality materials.

Hardness 

The materials used for split tees, such as stainless steel and carbon steel, are hardened to resist wear, abrasion and corrosion. Surface hardness is important to prevent damage during handling and installation.

Impact Resistance

Split tees demonstrate good impact resistance, which allows them to withstand sudden pressure spikes without failure. Impact tests are performed to validate their toughness.

Pressure Ratings 

Pressure ratings for split tees are established through hydrostatic testing. They can be customized to meet required pressure handling capabilities per application. Higher grades of material can provide increased pressure ratings.

By meeting stringent mechanical property requirements, split tees provide reliable performance across industrial, commercial and municipal piping systems. Their physical attributes make them suitable for demanding pressure and load conditions.

1) Size: 1/2″-100″

2) WT: SCH10-SCH160

3) Material: AS, CS, SS

4) Standard: ANSI, JIS, DIN, GB

5) Attributes: good quality, low price, timely delivery

Carbon Steel Split Tee

– Type: Equal / Reducing / Extruded Split Tee

– Size Range: From ½” up to 72″ (Seamless Pipe Fittings), From 1/2″ to 30″ (Seam Pipe Fittings)

– Pressure Rating: 150#~2500#

– Wall Thickness: Sch5-XXS

– Standard: ANSI, ASME, GB, MSS, JIS, DIN

  – ANSI/ASME: ASTM A403 / ASME SA403, ANSI B16.9, ASME B16.25, ASME B16.28, MSS SP-43

  – DIN: DIN2605, DIN2615, DIN2616, DIN2617, DIN28011

  – EN: EN10253-1, EN10253-2

– Schedule: SCH20, SCH30, SCH40, STD, SCH80, XS, SCH60, SCH80, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS

– Material:

  – Carbon Steel: ASTM A234WPB, WPC; ASTM A420 WPL9, WPL3, WPL6A; ST 37.2

  – Stainless Steel: ASTM A403 WP304/304L, WP316/316L, WP321, WP347

  – Alloy Steel: ASTM A234 WP1, WP11, WP22, WP5, WP9, WP91

– Packaging: Wooden Cases, wooden or steel pallet, plastic bag, or as per customers’ requirements

– Applications Range: Petroleum, smelting, foodstuff, power, papermaking, chemical, medical equipment, aviation, boiler heat, exchanger, gas metallurgy, shipbuilding, construction, etc.

– Min Order Quantity: 10 pcs

– Quality: First grade

– Productivity: 2500 Ton/Month

– Third-Party Inspection: BV, SGS, LOIYD, TUV, and other parties appointed by clients

– Delivery Time: According to customer’s requirements

Split tees undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure they meet industry standards for quality and safety. Key tests include:

Hydrostatic Testing

– Hydrostatic testing involves pressurizing the tee with water to levels much higher than the maximum operating pressure. The tee must maintain integrity without leaks or damage.

– Hydrostatic testing verifies adequate strength, toughness, and leak resistance. It confirms the tee can withstand pressure fluctuations during operation.  

– Testing is typically conducted at ambient temperature using clean water. The test pressure and duration varies based on the pipe size, material, etc.

Weld Testing

– Welds are critical to the integrity of split tees. Weld testing ensures the strength and quality of all welds meet specifications.

– Common weld tests include visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiography, and destructive testing. These identify any cracks, porosity, or flaws.

– Sample welds are made and subjected to transverse weld tensile tests and guided bend tests. This confirms sound welds that do not fail under load.

Dimensional Tolerances

– Dimensional tolerances per industry standards are verified through careful measurement and gauging. 

– Key dimensions like pipe size, wall thickness, bore roundness, alignment, and more are checked. Results must fall within the tolerance range.

– Dimensional accuracy prevents leaks, allows proper assembly, and confirms fit-up with adjoining pipe sections.

– Split tees are manufactured to dimensional tolerances specified in ASME, ANSI, ASTM, API, and other applicable standards.

Dimensional Requirements

Split tees are manufactured according to ASME B16.9 specifications which cover several criteria including size ranges, wall thicknesses, and tolerances. 

The size range covered by ASME B16.9 includes NPS 1/2 to NPS 24 which corresponds to DN 15 to DN 600. Wall thicknesses are specified based on the nominal pipe size and schedule. Common schedules include 10, 40, 80, and 160 which result in increasing wall thicknesses.

The tolerances defined in ASME B16.9 aim to ensure interchangeability between different manufacturers. Some of the key dimensional tolerances include:

– Diameter at ends: +/- 1% of specified outside diameter

– Thickness at any point: +/- 12.5% of nominal wall thickness  

– Out-of-roundness: not exceeding 1% of specified diameter

– Flatness of flange facings: +/- 0.001 x diameter in inches  

Additionally, ASME B16.9 defines requirements for backbore of the side outlet, face to face dimensions, fillet radii, and flange facings. By adhering to these dimensional specifications, split tees can be installed and integrated into piping systems seamlessly. Proper dimensional control ensures performance, safety, and reliability across a wide range of operating conditions.

Marking and Shipping

Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are critical for the safe transport of split tees. The split tees should be securely packed in crates or boxes to prevent any damage during handling and transportation. 

Each crate or box should be clearly labeled with:

– Manufacturer name 

– Part number

– Quantity contained 

– Any special handling instructions

The crates should be loaded securely onto pallets for shipping. Pallets allow for easier handling with forklifts and prevent damage from moisture. The loaded pallets are then shrink wrapped with protective plastic film.

All necessary shipping documents should accompany the shipment:

– Packing list detailing the contents 

– Commercial invoice providing value and description of goods

– Bill of lading acting as a receipt and contract for the freight carrier

For international shipments, customs documentation may also be required:

– Export declarations 

– Certificates of origin

Proper documentation ensures the split tees are correctly declared and duty is properly paid. Complete and accurate paperwork also helps speed the split tees through customs clearance.

Following best practices for packaging, labeling, and documentation enables efficient transportation and delivery of split tees without damage or delay. Careful attention to marking and shipping details is vital for manufacturers and suppliers.