Pipe Sizes & Materials

Piping Installation

The below information is compiled from British and International standards on Pipe Threads BS EN 10226 (supercedes BS 21) and Pipe Fittings standards BS EN 10242, BS 143 & 1256 and ISO 49.

Much unnecessary labour and creation of random lengths of pipe might be saved by the application of a few simple figures by the engineer when erecting the pipe line. Generally the pipeline, section by section, is either accommodated within fixed limits, usually the lines of building construction, or is fixed by prescribed dimensions. Except in the case of a continuous run of piping connected either by sockets or flanges, the engineer needs to know the length of pipe required to make up between fixed positions of fittings prior to cutting and threading.

The diagram below and table of ‘A’ dimensions indicates the length of thread engagement of BS EN 10226 taper pipe threads in nominal sizes 1⁄8 to 6 inch.

The approximate pipe length is calculated by using the expression L = C - (B1 + B2) + 2A.

Piping Installation

‘A’ dimension information

Fitting size (inch) A (mm)
1/8 7
1/4 10
3/8 10
1/2 13
3/4 15
1 17
11/4 19
11/2 19
2 24
21/2 27
3 30
4 36
5 40
6 40

Dimensions given do not allow for tapping or threading tolerances.

Pipe Ends

Users are advised to ensure that the external threads on the pipe being screwed into Crane FS fittings are free from damage or any malformation and conform to the gauging requirements of BS EN 10226.

ISO – BS EN – BS identification symbols

Symbol Type Crane Fig. No. Malleable
A1 Elbows 151
A1/45°   155
A4   152
B1 Tees 161
-   163
C1 Crosses 171
D1 Bends 193
D4   192
D4/45°   156
-   191
E1 Pitcher tees 199
E2 Twin elbows 197
- Sockets 176
M2   177
M2   179
M3   180
N4 Bushes 140
N8 Nipples 144
N8   145
P4 Back nuts 150
T2 Caps 185
T8 Plugs 147
T8   148
T9   146
T11   149
U1 Unions 241
U11   256
U11   271
U11   289
U12   257
U12   272
UA11 Elbow 261
UA12   262

Designation of Fitting Size

The designation of fitting size for the fittings shown in this catalogue is as follows: EQUAL FITTINGS: Equal fittings where all outlets are the same size are designated by that one size, irrespective of the number of outlets. UNEQUAL FITTINGS: Unequal fittings (reducing or enlarging) are specified by the sizes of each outlet, the sequence being dependent on the number of outlets:

  1. For fittings having two outlets, the larger outlet is specified first. Example: Fig. No. 145 hexagon reducing nipple with one end threaded size 2 and other end threaded size 1, is designated 2 x 1.
  2. For fittings having more than two outlets, Crane FS uses BS EN 10242 method (b) which gives the run as the first and second sizes of the designation and the branch as the third size of the designation. This is in contrast to BS EN 10242 method (a) which gives the run as the first and third sizes of the designation and the branch as the second size of the designation. This method is used in certain international markets. (Please see the diagrams below for a visual explanation). BS EN 10242 method (a) equivalents are specified in this catalogue where applicable.
UK method
BS EN 10242 and ISO 49
Method (b) as used by Crane FS.
Fig. No. 161 B

Fig. No. 161 tees

Fig. No. 199 B

Fig. No. 199 pitcher tees

International method
BS EN 10242 and ISO 49
Method (a)
Fig. No. 161 A

Fig. No. 161 tees

Fig. No. 199 A

Fig. No. 199 pitcher tees

Malleable Cast Iron

Crane FS malleable iron is of the Blackheart type ideally suited to pipe fitting and manufacture and conforms to BS EN 1562 Designation EN-GJMB-300-6, ASTM A197 and ISO 5922.

Typical properties of Crane FS malleable iron are given in the table below, exceeding the requirements in the above BS EN, ASTM and ISO standards.

Chemical Composition Typical
Total carbon 2.7%
Silicon 1.75%
Manganese 0.69%
Sulphur 0.18%
Phosphorous 0.02%
Mechanical Properties Typical
Tensile strength (N/mm2) 340
Elongation on 36mm (%) 12
Izod impact (room temp.) (J) 12
Brinell hardness 125
Density (g/cm3) 7.56

The close relationship between the physical properties of test bars and actual castings ensures design integrity and the preservation of high safety factors. Shock pressures within pipe systems can be tolerated with complete safety.

The corrosion resistance of Crane FS malleable iron is good when compared with grey cast iron and mild steel for most general applications including water, gas and steam.

Mild Steel

BS 143 and 1256 allow small size (3/8" and smaller) straight fittings to be supplied in other ferrous materials eg. mild steel, as an alternative to malleable cast iron, providing the mechanical properties are at least equivalent to the specified grade of malleable iron.

Individual data pages state which Crane FS fittings are supplied in mild steel.

Galvanising

Where additional resistance to corrosion is required, malleable cast iron fittings can be hot-dip zinc coated (galvanised) prior to machining. This process involves coating the fittings with zinc which, in addition to its natural resistance to corrosion, provides electrochemical protection where the iron of the fitting is exposed by damage. Mild steel fittings can be supplied with a proprietary zinc-based coating.

The coating weight on Crane FS galvanised fittings conforms to the requirements of BS EN ISO 1461 1998 and ASTM 153 with a minimum coating of 610 g/m2 (2oz/ft2) equal to a thickness of 86μm (0.0034 in).

Average coatings are well in excess of this and exceed the requirements given in BS EN 10242 and ISO 49.

When ordering galvanised or zinc coated fittings add the suffix ‘G’ to the figure number.

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