Threaded Pipe Nipples
| Title | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASME B16.11 (American Standard), Bs3799, MSS SP 79, JIS B2302, MSS-SP-97 (Threadolet), MSS-SP-83 (Union), ASME B36.19 (Nipple) |
| Size | Threaded Fittings = ½” – 4” |
| Pressure Rating | Threaded Fittings = Class 2000, Class 3000, Class 6000 |
| Type | 45 Deg Elbow, Equal tee, Full Coupling, Reducing Tee, 90 Deg Elbow, Half Coupling, Street Elbow, Bull Plug, Boss, Union (Male/Female), Lateral Outlet, 45 Lateral Tee, Equal Cross, Pipe Cap, Branch Outlets, Swage Nipple. |
A Male-Female Nipple is a type of pipe fitting that is often used to connect two pipes of different sizes or to extend one pipe into another. These are typically available in both Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel and are designed to meet industry standards like ASTM A733 (for carbon steel) and ASME B16.11 (for forged fittings including nipples).
ASTM A733 (Carbon Steel) Male-Female Nipple Dimensions
ASTM A733 provides dimensions for seamless and welded steel pipe nipples. These nipples are typically used for low and medium pressure applications in industries like oil & gas, water supply, and more.
Typical Dimensions for Male-Female Nipple per ASTM A733:
- Size range: 1/8″ to 4″ nominal bore
- Length: Varies based on pipe size and application
- Threads: NPT (National Pipe Thread) or BSPT (British Standard Pipe Taper)
The length and diameter of the male-female nipple will depend on the specific size and schedule of the pipe being used. Here’s a general representation:
| Nominal Size (inches) | Length (inches) | Thread Type | Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness (Schedule) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ | 1.5 to 2.5 | NPT/BSPT | 0.405″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 1/4″ | 2 to 3 | NPT/BSPT | 0.540″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 3/8″ | 2.5 to 3.5 | NPT/BSPT | 0.675″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 1/2″ | 3 to 4 | NPT/BSPT | 0.840″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 3/4″ | 3 to 4.5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.050″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 1″ | 4 to 5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.315″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 1-1/4″ | 4.5 to 6 | NPT/BSPT | 1.660″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 1-1/2″ | 5 to 6.5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.900″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 2″ | 6 to 7.5 | NPT/BSPT | 2.375″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 2-1/2″ | 7 to 9 | NPT/BSPT | 2.875″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 3″ | 8 to 10 | NPT/BSPT | 3.500″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
| 4″ | 10 to 12 | NPT/BSPT | 4.500″ | Schedule 40 / 80 |
ASME B16.11 (Forged Fittings) Male-Female Nipple Dimensions
ASME B16.11 governs the dimensions and pressure ratings for forged fittings, including male-female nipples. These are typically used in higher-pressure applications and are made from forged steel. The key features of the dimensions under this standard include:
- Size range: 1/8″ to 4″
- Pressure ratings: Up to Class 3000 or Class 6000 depending on the material.
- Length: Generally standardized for different sizes, based on pipe size and pressure class.
For ASME B16.11 Male-Female Nipples, the dimensions are:
| Nominal Size (inches) | Length (inches) | Thread Type | Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness (Schedule) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ | 1.5 to 2 | NPT/BSPT | 0.405″ | Schedule 40 |
| 1/4″ | 2 to 3 | NPT/BSPT | 0.540″ | Schedule 40 |
| 3/8″ | 2.5 to 3.5 | NPT/BSPT | 0.675″ | Schedule 40 |
| 1/2″ | 3 to 4 | NPT/BSPT | 0.840″ | Schedule 40 |
| 3/4″ | 3.5 to 4.5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.050″ | Schedule 40 |
| 1″ | 4 to 5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.315″ | Schedule 40 |
| 1-1/4″ | 4.5 to 6 | NPT/BSPT | 1.660″ | Schedule 40 |
| 1-1/2″ | 5 to 6.5 | NPT/BSPT | 1.900″ | Schedule 40 |
| 2″ | 6 to 7.5 | NPT/BSPT | 2.375″ | Schedule 40 |
| 2-1/2″ | 7 to 9 | NPT/BSPT | 2.875″ | Schedule 40 |
| 3″ | 8 to 10 | NPT/BSPT | 3.500″ | Schedule 40 |
| 4″ | 10 to 12 | NPT/BSPT | 4.500″ | Schedule 40 |
Key Points to Note:
- Threads: These fittings are usually NPT (National Pipe Thread), BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread Tapered), or BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel), depending on the region.
- Material: Carbon steel (ASTM A733) is used for general-purpose, lower-pressure systems, while Stainless Steel (Grade 304, 316) provides better corrosion resistance and is used in more demanding environments.
- Length: The actual length of a nipple will depend on its application, but typically, pipe nipples for threading (Male-Female Nipples) follow a common set of lengths, often ranging from 1.5″ to 12″, depending on the size.