The correct operation of the entire system depends on the quality of the assembly of plumbing units. In contrast to the many fittings, nuts with gaskets, there is a universal “American” detachable connection. Consider the features of the device, installation and maintenance of this element.
Description
The specified part is a nut that allows you to securely and tightly connect two pipe sections. Until recently, spurs were used for this purpose, since their cost is slightly lower than the “American” detachable connection. However, modern technologies are gradually replacing outdated and not so reliable analogues.
The use of an innovative system makes it possible to extremely simplify the process of connecting two static pipes, if, for example, it is necessary to connect a shut-off valve to a soldered wiring. In these systems, the rotation of the pipes is excluded. In addition, the thread may be close to the wall slab, which does not allow the use of a corner. Suchsituations, the element in question is best suited. It guarantees docking by rotating the hex nut, which is the basis of the design. In addition to it, there is a pair of fittings and a special gasket.
American threaded connections
The thread of the element under consideration is cylindrical or conical. Similar designs have fittings with appropriate shapes. Benefits of a conical seal include:
- guaranteed sealing of the connection without additional winding and gaskets;
- resistance to temperature extremes and other influences, due to the uniformity of the material in terms of physical and chemical parameters;
- tightness is maintained when the working axes deviate up to five degrees.
The indicated advantages of “American” conical detachable connections are due to the high accuracy of their production, which is not always typical for flat elements. In the second case, tightness is achieved through special gaskets, while the connecting surfaces do not require high-precision processing. In the manufacture of these parts, steel of different grades is used.
Features
To facilitate connections on turns, use a 1/2 or 3/4 inch American angle. This element is needed in the absence of organization of piping. This design is also more economical, since it mounts one less connection.
Connection of pipes with the possibility of arranging a transition from onediameter to another size is carried out using a fitting called a coupling. The "American" connection is similar in functionality to a standard coupling mount. One part of the part is screwed or soldered to the nozzle, and the other end is responsible for mounting the collapsible assembly.
The connection in question can connect in the following ways:
- using internal thread;
- via external threaded connection;
- using a swivel nut if weld-on is available.
American tap 3/4
The most popular valves are ball valves. When choosing such a part, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the material of manufacture. There are many varieties of such devices on the market, including analogues with special functionality or decorative options. The range includes an American 3/4 or 1/2, supplemented by a ball valve.
Few users decide to use the specified variant of valves. This is due to the fact that consumers are not familiar with all the benefits of the fixture. With the help of this element, you can replace the plumbing fixture, which is a node for connecting a pair of pipes. A long thread is provided at one end, the second short edge is equipped with a coupling and a lock nut. The design of the crane with the "American" is much simpler. It works by tightening the mechanism with a slight impact of a special key. Making installation easier is that both parts are self-centering.
Application
Quite often, the connection through the "American" is carried out during the installation of heating radiators. The advantage in this case is the ease of installation, and the presence of a ball valve allows you to control the water supply, ensuring the desired temperature in the room.
Like all types of ball valves, the valves in question are equipped with two types of handles: a "butterfly" or a lever. The first option is elements with a small section that do not require significant effort to turn the handle. In the second case, the cross section of the taps is larger, respectively, opening and closing requires more physical effort.
Installation rules
The American pipe connection with a union nut is tightened with an open-end or socket wrench of a suitable size. Experts do not recommend using a gas analogue for this purpose, as this can ruin the nickel plating. If the element to be processed is covered with a decorative composition, you should take a gasket made of plastic, rubber or plywood.
Installation of "American women" on metal-plastic elements requires the use of a special internal key. It is used to screw in the pressed fitting during installation. As a rule, such a tool is made in the form of a cylinder with a pair of notches for hooks or in the form of a hexagon.
Instead of the specified key, it is allowed to use improvised tools (pliers, round nose pliers, etc.)similar). This increases the likelihood of damage to the product, although this option is quite acceptable for one-time work. Users with skills in working with metals can independently make a cone key of the required size from profile fittings. At the same time, observance of the taper is required in order to guarantee entry into the intended nests. When servicing elements with an internal and external thread 1/2, a wrench is required for detachable connections "American" in the form of the letter "G" with dimensions 12/12 mm and 10/10 mm, handle length - 15 centimeters.
Assembly
Connection with female thread is mounted on two compartments of the pipeline. If there is no thread on the pipe, it is cut with a die. A sealant is wound on one side (FUM tape, tow, linen or similar materials). Then one part of the fitting is screwed onto the pipe with a wrench, after which an element with a nut is screwed onto the second end. Finally, tighten the union nut until it is securely fixed.
Installation of the connection through the "American" with an external thread is carried out in a similar way. A distinctive moment - the sealant is placed on the thread of the fitting used. It is worth noting that the connecting elements of the "American" type significantly speed up and simplify the process of installing and dismantling plumbing fixtures and pipelines. If flax or tow fibers are taken as a sealant, it is recommended to apply a special sealing paste or machine oil over the material.
Materials of production
The fittings in question are produced from the following materials:
- stainless steel;
- cast iron;
- chrome or nickel;
- heat resistant brass.
- combined components based on polypropylene.
Among these materials, stainless steel should be especially noted, which guarantees high strength of connectors, in comparison with analogues. Many users prefer chrome products, as it optimally combines quality and practicality. This option does not require the installation of gaskets to seal the joints. If the elements in question are made of pure untreated steel, then after 2-3 years they will begin to collapse under the influence of corrosion. Galvanized counterparts serve up to ten years, stainless steel - about twenty.
Which models to choose?
As noted above, the "American" plug-in connection is made in a conical or flat design. Models of the first configuration are equipped with a rubber seal, sealed by internal pressure. In this case, the union nut can be tightened without a key, manually. Flat versions require additional maintenance, requiring the use of gaskets for guaranteed contact pressure area.
The required tightness of the connection can be ensured in both cases. At the same time, flat versions are easy to maintain, gaskets are easy to change and are not in short supply. For taper analogsspecial inserts with non-standard dimensions are required. Some users choose options without gaskets, which is not entirely correct, since it requires very much tightening of the nut, which is unacceptable, especially when using plastic pipes.
Finally
Universal connection "American" greatly facilitates the installation and dismantling of pipes, plumbing elements, meters, coarse filters, valves. Some users do not imagine carrying out these manipulations without the specified detail. In the modern market, the device in question is available as a stand-alone version or as an addition to plumbing fixtures.
