Pipe joints are important components of the plumbing system which allow several pipes to be connected. They are integral to any piping system as the length of the pipe is limited pipe joints come in various sizes, and shapes and their selection is based on factors like material, pipe size, and flow pressure. The pipe joints in Kenya should be able to resist the pressure of each pipe. Joints should be linked carefully to ensure a tight seal is formed preventing leakages.pipe joints are necessary for every piping system because a pipe network cannot have a continuous pipe length.
The type of piping joint used in the system should be suitable for the pressure-temperature conditions of the time and should be chosen based on the joint tightness and mechanical strength under service conditions.
Types of pipe joints in Kenya
The following are types of pipe joints found in a plumbing system in Kenya.
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Threaded pipe joint
The pipes are linked by screwing with the help of threads provided for each pipe. One pipe has internal threads while the other has threads on the outer surface. This type of joint is common on cast iron, copper, and PVC pipes. Threaded joints are simple to install but require regular maintenance.
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Socket welded pipe joint
Socket-welded pipe joints are employed where there is a high risk of leakage. Pipes are joined by inserting one into the other and welding around the junction. This type of joint may be made with pipes of various sizes.
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Butt-welded pipe joint
Large commercial and industrial plumbing systems often employ this joining technique. When the diameters of the pipes are the same, butt welding is used to connect them and only skilled professionals can install the joint. Butt weld offers exceptional joint strength and can withstand high pressure.
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Brazed and soldered joints
Brazing and soldering joints are widely used to join copper and copper alloy piping systems. Both the brazing and soldering joining methods involve the addition of molten filler metal which is drawn into the joint by capillary action. This metal then solidifies to fuse the parts together. The melting point of the pipe material has to be more than the filler material to avoid the melting of the pipe. These joints provide very good leakage integrity and installation productivity
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Grooved pipe joints
Grooved joints are widely used for fire protection systems and low-pressure drainage applications. These joints are quite easy to install and uninstall hence lower labor costs. Two pipes are joined together by making grooves at the end of pipes with the help of sockets or couplings. These joints provide good leakage integrity and can accommodate some axial misalignment.
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Compression pipe joints
This type of joint is formed when pipes with plain ends are linked by placing fittings at their ends .threaded fittings or couplings are installed at the pipe ends to join them, and as a result, various materials and diameters of pipes are connected, however, the joints must be correctly installed to withstand the flow pressure otherwise they will fail and leak.
Wrap up
Pipes are manufactured in suitable lengths for ease in handling, transporting, and placing, therefore, should be joined to form a pipe network and that is where pipe joints come in. A pipe joint in Kenya may be required at a bent to change the direction of the pipe or to connect pipes for the continuation of a pipeline, thus pipe joints should be strong, durable, watertight, and economical.
