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How to Specify & OrderClass 150 Stainless SteelThreaded Pipe FittingsHayward Pipe & Supply Co, Inc.Written by Greg Peddie1
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There are two major categories of standards for Stainless Steel (SS) Threaded Pipe Fittings. Thefirst defines the dimensions and the second defines the material. Both are important forconsistent quality and fit. The standards in this report are used primarily in the USA.The three most trusted organizations tasked with writing pipe fitting standards are ASTM, ANSIand ISO.ASTM – American Society of the International Association for Testing and MaterialsANSI – American National Standards InstituteISO – International Organization for Standardization.MSS – Manufacturers Standardization Society has further built upon the standards written byASTM, ANSI and ISO by filling gaps and writing more detailed definitions and requirements.ASME pipe fitting standards are compiled from these organization’s standards.3
Class 150 SS threaded fitting specifications should include the following.1)2)3)Defined ConnectionsDefined Pressure ClassDefined Material TypeConnectionsSS threaded fittings are readily available in the US in sizesfrom 1/8” to 4” NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper.)ANSI B1.20.1 defines the thread dimensions and tolerances.When specifying fittings, it is import to include ANSI B1.20.1 to insure all the connections are the same size andshape. A tight, well fit connection will help prevent the mostcommon cause of leaks.4
Pressure ClassThe working pressure of a fitting will be limited by the material type and the thickness.Thicker cast fittings can sustain higher pressures. But a forging can sustain higherpressures than a casting of equal thickness. Generally speaking, the higher the pressureclass the thicker the fitting.Dimensional standards and tolerances are used to define the pressure class (see the nextsection.)Threaded SS pipe fittings are readily available in Class 150, 1000, 2000, 3000, 6000 and9000. It is important to note that the pressure class does not represent the actual allowableworking pressure. For critical applications, please consult a qualified engineer to determinethe proper material and pressure class.5
Pressure Class - additional informationPipe fittings, flanges and valves are classified by their pressure class.Unfortunately the actual working pressures will vary between theseproducts with the same pressure class. For example, a class 150threaded fitting has different working pressures and pressure limitsthan a class 150 valve or a class 150 flange.All piping product pressure limits will vary based on internal andexternal temperatures. So a Class 150 fitting may have a maximumworking pressure of 200 PSI at 70 deg F. But as the temperatureincreases, that maximum working pressure will decrease.6
Class 150 Fitting Dimensional StandardsClass 150 SS fittings are made to several different dimensionalstandards and have a wide variable in quality and construction.Threaded fittings are available with the following standards.1) No standard – these are probably fine for the fountain in your fishpond.2)ISO 4144 – these are relatively thin, low cost fittings3) ISO 49-1983 (E) – this standard was originally written for ironfittings. It was adopted at a time when no other SS fitting standard wasavailable. These are thicker than the ISO 4144 and still very commontoday.7
Class 150 Fitting Dimensional Standards - continued4) ANSI B16.3 - this standard was originally written for iron fittings. It was adopted by afew US manufacturers at a time when no other SS fitting standard was available.5) MSS SP-114 – this was the first standard specifically written for class 150 SS fittings. Itis based on ANSI B16.3 dimensions with further requirements. This is the mostcomprehensive standard used today.Please contact the listed organization for specific dimensions and tolerances.Final note on dimensionsSS fittings have been mass produced since the early 1940’s. This was 50 years before any standards (MSSSP-114) were written. Most manufacturers’ from around the world designed and produced their fittingsto match iron, brass or steel fitting norms. In order to cut cost many did not, opting to build their owndesigns. Some of these designs are suitable for fish ponds while others became entrenched and are stillused today.8
Material StandardsStainless Steel is produced in many different grades, each with its own unique chemical andmechanical properties. There are two commonly produced material grades (often referred toas “type”) available in SS Class 150 threaded fittings, 304 and 316. These are “on the shelf”items in every major metropolitan area in North America. “L” grades are not readily availablein cast fittings.Cast stainless steel pipe fittings should meet the ASTM A351 standard. The two materialgrades are CF8 (304) and CF8M (316.) CF8 and CF8M are the correct designations for caststainless grades, however type 304 and 316 are commonly used in lieu of these designations.Most Class 150 fittings are cast, although some bushings, caps, plugs and couplings are madefrom ASTM A182 or A276 bar stock. In nearly every application the bar stock fitting is betterthan the cast.9
Fitting Shapes, Configurations and DescriptionsManufacturers vary in the shapes that each produces. Some only produce a few shapes andsizes. I am not aware of a single manufacturer that produces all the shapes and sizes in allthe different standards and grades.10
Fitting Shapes, Configurations and Descriptions - continuedThis is a list of Class 150 1/8” - 4” SS fitting configuration descriptions. Please note not allconfigurations are available in all pipe sizes.45 degree elbow - FNPT x FNPT45 degree lateral - FNPT x FNPT x FNPT45 degree street elbow - FNPT x MNPT90 degree elbow - FNPT x FNPT90 degree street elbow - FNPT x MNPTCap - FNPTCountersunk Hex Plug - MNPTCross - FNPT x FNPT x FNPT x FNPTFull Coupling - FNPT x FNPTHalf Coupling - FNPTHex Bushing - MNPT x FNPTHex Nipple - MNPT x MNPTHex Head Plug - MNPTLocknut - FNPSReducing Coupling - FNPT x FNPTSpud/Tank Flange - FNPTSquare Head Plug - MNPTTee - FNPT x FNPT x FNPTTrue Wye - FNPT x FNPT x FNPTUnion - FNPT x FNPT11
The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing it exactly right.Edward SimmonsI have always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.Lily Tomlin12
Putting it all together A complete specification should include the following.1)2)3)4)The range of pipe sizesThe thread specification (ANSI B1.20.1)The pressure class specification (ISO 4144, ISO 49-1983 (E), ANSI B16.3 or MSS SP-114)The material specification (ASTM A351/A182/A276 grade CF8 or grade CF8M)Stainless Steel FittingsClass 150 fittings shall meet MSS SP-114 standards for sizes 1/8” thru 4”. Threads shall meet ANSI B1.20.1.Material is ASTM A351 grade CF8M or ASTM A182 grade 316 or ASTM A276 grade 316.13
Most stainless piping applications are for sanitary or corrosion resistance.These are usually critical applications.Building and maintaining a trouble free piping systemrequires specifying and installing the right products for your application.Stainless steel fittings are built to a variety of specifications. Make sure you get the correctfittings by including a complete description on all your piping products.Make sure you specify quality fittings.14
“The Complete Piping Package”Contact us:Hayward Pipe & Supply Co., Inc3218 Diablo AveHayward, CA, 94545510-887-2700sales@haywardpipe.com15
ANSI B1.20.1 defines the thread dimensions and tolerances. When specifying fittings, it is import to include ANSI B1. 20.1 to insure all the connections are the same size and shape. A tight, well fit connection will help prevent the most common cause of leaks. 4File Size: 953KBPage Count: 15
