Nipples are hydraulic connectors in the form of short pipes equipped with an external thread on both sides - unlike a sleeve, which has an internal thread. They are widely used in hydraulic and gas installations. They are designed to create pipe connections and other assembly work. Are you wondering which nipple to choose for your installation? We invite you to read a short guide! You will learn what materials nipples are made of, what their main types are characterized by, and when the use of nipples makes sense.
Check out the hydraulic nipples at the Onninen wholesaler
Nipple material characteristics
The most commonly used nipples are stainless steel and plastic. Cast iron and brass nipples are used somewhat less frequently. The selection of a specific material depends on the specifics of a given installation.
Steel nipples are resistant to low and high temperatures (in the range from -20°C to 300°C), corrosion, mechanical damage and the effects of various types of substances. Therefore, they are perfect for drinking water installations, in the food and oil industry and in air conditioning, refrigeration and compressed air systems. Thanks to the additives used, they are resistant to salt and chlorinated water. Steel nipples create effective connections with copper, brass and bronze pipes. They can successfully work in difficult conditions. Their only disadvantage is the high price.
Brass nipples, which mainly contain copper and zinc, are also resistant to low and high temperatures. They are used to connect elements in cold and hot water installations inside and outside buildings. The share of individual metals in the alloy determines the appearance of the nipple. For example, zinc has a brightening effect, and copper gives a characteristic brown color. Brass should not come into contact with certain acids that dissolve zinc, as well as with stagnant, salty and hard water. Hot liquids can also cause the material to start corroding. Therefore, brass nipples are suitable for heating installations in which the water has a pH of 8.2-9.5.
Plastic nipples are cheap, flexible, easy to install and highly resistant to chemicals and salt and chlorinated water. They are excellent as connectors in swimming pool and drinking water installations and in marine aquariums. They can work at temperatures from 0°C to +45°C, both above ground and in the ground. A plastic nipple is suitable for connection with an element made of another material. Its disadvantage is low resistance to UV rays.
Types of nipple connectors
A nipple is an extremely popular connecting element in piping systems, produced in various diameters and shapes. A regular nipple has external threads on both sides. In the middle part there is a hexagonal ring in the shape of a flat nut for a key. A special type of element is a reducing nipple , in which each of the two threads has a different diameter.
Another unusual variant are sleeve nipples (or nipple couplings), which are a combination of a nipple and a sleeve. The sleeve nipple offers an external thread on one side and an internal thread on the other. There is also a radiator nipple, which connects individual segments of multi-section radiators. It has two internal projections (instead of one central one), allowing rotation with a key, and two threads - left and right.
Wide application of nipple in installations
Nipples are small accessories with an exceptionally wide range of applications in installations. They allow for a quick and tight connection of two elements with internal threads, i.e. two elbows, an elbow with a special element (tee, cross, reduction) or a straight section or elbow with a receiver. Depending on the type of medium being transferred, pressure and operating temperature, nipples of the right size and made of the right materials should be used.
When is it worth choosing a reducing nipple?
A reducing nipple (also known as a reducing coupling) is a special type of connecting element, commonly used in industry, hydraulics, pneumatics and in plumbing and heating installations. It is equipped with external threads of various diameters. It allows for the reduction of the diameter in order to make an effective, durable and reliable connection. Various types of reducing nipples are available: threaded, quick-connect, pressure and others. It is worth choosing a reducing nipple whenever connections in the installation system require pipes of different diameters. One of the most popular versions is the ½ to ¾ nipple .
Nipples at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen plumbing wholesaler you will find nipples in about 500 variants, only of proven, very good quality. We offer:
- nipple ½ ,
- nipple ¾ ,
- nipple 1 inch ,
- nipple 3/8 ,
- nipple 2 inches .
All products come from leading manufacturers and suppliers of installation technology solutions. The solidity of the connectors translates into the efficiency and durability of the connections created.
Are you planning plumbing work and don't know which fittings to choose? Contact us! We will help you choose nipples that meet the technical requirements of the installation.