ASME B16.11 ASTM A105N Socket Weld Cross Carbon Steel Pipe Fittings
What is a Socket weld cross and what about its specificaton and advantange.
What is a SW pipe cross
Socket welding (SW) is used for welding pipes and fittings including reducers, tees and elbows. Socket weld pipe fittings are used to permanently join pipes that are inserted into a recess in the fitting, flange or valve. Once correctly inserted, fillet type sealing welds are applied to join the pipe to the fitting.Pipe crosses, also known as four-way fittings, have one inlet and three outlets and often feature solvent-welded socket, or female-threaded ends. The ends are positioned at 90-degree angles and the threads are designed to create a stable grip and secure connection to male pipe fittings.
Specification of a SW pipe cross
| Shape | Eaqual and reducing cross |
| Size range | 1/8″-4″/DN6-DN100 |
| Pressure Rating | Class 3000lb 6000lb 9000lb |
| Standard | ASME B 16.11/BS3799 |
| Carbon Steel | ASTM A105/A105N |
| Pipeline Steel | ASTM A694 F42/46/56/60/60 |
| Alloy Steel | ASTM A182 F11/12/5/9/91/92/F22 |
| Stainless Steel | ASTM A182 F304/304L/304H,316/316L,310S,321,317,347,904L |
Advantages of SW pipe cross
The pipe need not be beveled for weld preparation.
Temporary tack welding is no needed for alignment, because in principle the fitting ensures proper alignment.
The weld metal can not penetrate into the bore of the pipe.
They can be used in place of threaded fittings, so the risk of leakage is much smaller.
Radiography is not practical on the fillet weld; therefore correct fitting and welding is crucial. The fillet weld may be inspected by surface examination, magnetic particle (MP), or liquid penetrant (PT) examination methods.
Construction costs are lower than with butt-welded joints due to the lack of exacting fit-up requirements and elimination of special machining for butt weld end preparation..
