The difference between pipe nipple and pipe coupling
Pipe nipple is a length of straight pipe with male threads on both ends. It is one of the most popular category of pipe fittings. It is a connector or a coupling threaded on both ends. Pipe nipples are used to allow plumbing to be connected to a water heater or other plumbing. They are used to fit straight end hose or pipe. A combination of pipe nipples are recommended for low-pressure discharge and suction service for various compatible liquids and not for compressible products like air, nitrogen or steam.
The length of the pipe nipple is usually specified by the overall length with threads. It may have a hexagonal section in the center for wrench to grasp (sometimes referred to as a “hex nipple”), or it may simply be made from a short piece of pipe (sometimes referred to as a “barrel nipple” or “pipe nipple”). A “close nipple” has no unthreaded area; when screwed tightly between two female fittings, very little of the nipple remains exposed. A close nipple can only be unscrewed by gripping one threaded end with a pipe wrench which will damage the threads and necessitate replacing the nipple, or by using a specialty tool known as a nipple wrench (or known as an internal pipe wrench) which grips the inside of the pipe, leaving the threads undamaged. When the ends are of two different sizes it is called a reducer or unequal nipple.
Threads used on nipples are BSP, BSPT, NPT, NPSM and Metric.
A coupling (or coupler) (used in piping or plumbing) is a very short length of pipe or tube, with a socket at one or both ends that allows two pipes or tubes to be joined, welded (steel), brazed or soldered (copper, brass etc.) together.
Alternatively it is a short length of pipe with two female National pipe threads (NPT) (in North American terms, a coupler is a double female while a nipple is double male) or two male or female British standard pipe threads.
If the two ends of a coupling are different (e.g. one BSP threaded and one NPT threaded), then it is usually referred to as an adapter. Another variation is one plain socket and one threaded socket. Yet another variation would be 3/4″ NPT to 1/2″ NPT.
When the two ends use the same connection method but are of a different size, the terms reducing coupling or reducer are used.
A pipe coupling is any fitting or device used to join two or more pipes in such a way that continuity is maintained between them. The body of a pipe coupling is typically made of the same or similar materials as those used to construct the pipes it joins. They may be rigid or flexible depending on the amount of movement the pipe is subjected to and may per permanent or removable fixtures. A pipe coupling can be stepped or reduced in internal diameter to accept pipes of different sizes, be T or cross shaped to join more than two pipes, or angled to form bends. Pipe couplings may also include peripheral features or equipment such as inspection openings, flow meters, or valves.
Most pipe installations require that several lengths of pipe be joined together or cut to facilitate changes in direction and crossing of obstacles. This requires a fairly quick method of connecting the sections while maintaining the integrity of the pipes in the process. These couplings may be permanent by nature or, if possible disassembly is desirable, of a removable design. Permanent pipe couplings generally make use of soldering or brazing in the case of steel or copper pipes or adhesives in the case of PVC pipes. These permanent joints, if correctly installed, offer excellent rigidity and sealing characteristics where no future changes in the piping are foreseen.
Removable pipe couplings are most often of a threaded design which allows them to be screwed onto the pipes to be joined. The most simple of these is a basic pipe section slightly larger than the pipes to be joined and cut with an internal thread. The ends of the pipes are also threaded, and the coupling is simply sealed with hemp or sealing tape and screwed onto both pipes. More complex removable pipe couplings are of a two-part design where one part is attached to each pipe and then screwed together to complete the joint. These types of couplings are often used on high pressure copper gas pipes and flexible hydraulic or pneumatic hoses.
A pipe coupling is also often used to facilitate changes of pipe routing, crossing of obstacles, and penetration of walls. These couplings are typically elbow or U shaped but may include several variants featuring different angles of deflection. Step-down or reduction pipe couplings featuring different end diameters are used to join pipes of dissimilar sizes. Adaptor fitting may also be used to join pipes of different materials and feature separate end fittings suitable for both materials. Where more than two pipes are to be joined Y, T, or cross shaped couplings are common methods of achieving the joints.
Pipe couplings may also include other features such as inspection or maintenance access points. These are typically screw-on caps that allow for visual inspections or the insertion of rods used to remove blockages. Flow meters and other analytical attachments are frequently built into a pipe coupling to ease installation. Pipe couplings may also include mechanisms such as shut-off and pressure release valves.
Why are pipe nipples called nipples?
In piping, a nipple is a fitting, consisting of a short piece of pipe, usually provided with a male pipe thread at each end, for connecting two other female threaded fittings or pipes. Pipe Nipples are commonly used as adapters from one connection type to another. Pipe nipples are mainly used in low-pressure piping systems.
Pipe nipples are manufactured by cutting a specified length of pipe and applying the desired end connections. The pipe nipple dimensions and material follow from pipe specifications. Similar to pipe, pipe nipples also come in either a seamless or welded construction.
How to order pipe nipples?
When ordering pipe nipples, the following properties must be specified:
Diameter
Length
Schedule
Material
End Connections
The length of pipe nipple is usually specified by the overall length including threads. Pipe Nipples can come in any specified length, but most commonly range between close to 12”. A close pipe nipple is the shortest piece of pipe necessary to allow for fully threaded end connections, where there is no smooth surface between threads.
How many types of pipe nipples in common use?
There are several different types of pipe nipples in common use. A short list includes:
Close Nipple / Running Nipple
Hexagonal Nipple
Reducing Nipple / Unequal Nipple
Hose Nipple
Welding Nipple
Close Nipple / Running Nipple
In its most basic form, a pipe nipple is a short length of pipe with male pipe threads at both ends for connecting other fittings. Generally there is a short distance of unthreaded pipe between the two threaded ends, depending on how far apart you need the attached fittings to be. When there is no unthreaded pipe between the two connecting ends, the pipe nipple is called a “close nipple” or a “running nipple”. In that case, connected fittings come close to touching one another and very little of the nipple can be seen.
Close nipples are difficult to work with. A close nipple can only be unscrewed by gripping one threaded end with a pipe wrench which will damage the threads and necessitate replacing the nipple, or by using a specialty tool known as a nipple wrench which grips the inside of the pipe, leaving the threads undamaged.
Hexagonal Nipple
In pipe nipples where there is a little space between both the threaded ends, there may have a hexagonal section in the center for a wrench to grasp the nipple. These nipples are called as “hexagonal nipple”. This hexagonal section in the middle functions like a nut that can be gripped by a normal wrench, providing a greater mechanical advantage than normal rounded pipe nipple. A hexagonal nipple with more distance between the threaded ends is called a “long hex nipple”.
Reducing Nipple / Unequal Nipple
For ping systems which require a change in pipe dimension, “reducing nipple” or “unequal nipple”is used. Reducing nipple takes a female fitting with a larger connection and attaches it to a smaller one. Care should be taken when using these parts since a reduction in pipe diameter can mean more pressure and greater flow rate in the smaller pipe/fitting.
Hose Nipple
For piping systems which require pipe connection to tubing, “hose nipple” is used. Hose nipple features a male threaded connection on one end and a hose barb on the other end. The hose barb may be the same size as the pipe connection or it may be of reduced size.
Welding Nipple
For piping systems which requires to be connected to welded pipes or fittings, “welding nipple” is used. Welding nipple has a threaded connection on one end and normal cut pipe at the other end. The unthreaded end of the pipe provides more surface area for the use of welding materials to make the stronger connection. One main benefit of welding nipple is that once the unthreaded end is connected, connecting pipes or other fittings to the threaded end becomes much more easy.
How many types are there to connect the ends of pipe nipples?
The end connections of pipe nipples need to be specified by the customer as well;
Plain Both Ends (PBE), Threaded Both Ends (TBE), Beveled Both Ends (BBE), Threaded One End (TOE), Beveled One End (BOE), Plain One End (POE) or a combination thereof, depending on the ends of the piping system into which the pipe nipple will be fitted.
A Plain Both Ends (PBE) pipe nipple, has both the ends as plain ends, with no thread, typically used to fit a socket weld connection.
A Threaded Both Ends (TBE) pipe nipple has both the ends as threaded ends and used to fit female threaded connections.
A Beveled Both Ends (BBE) pipe nipple has both the ends as bevel ends and is used for welding purposes similar to a buttweld fitting.