As industrial processes and applications have matured, industry organizations have developed unique classifications and specifications for the pipe destined for service in those sectors.

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There’s lots of overlap among the organizations’ published specs, and likely lots of confusion as well.

Buyers can improve their purchasing experience by learning more about how grades of steel are designated for piping and by understanding all the information that should be included on a purchase order.

ASTM and ASME

Both the American Society of Testing and Methods (ASTM) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publish piping specs. ASTM and ASME pipe designations for grades of steel are very similar.

For example, A106 B is a spec published by ASTM (the ASME spec would be SA106 B). The “A” designates a ferrous material. ‘106’ is an arbitrary number that designates it as a seamless carbon steel pipe suited for high-temperature service. Then, grades (such as A, B or C) are assigned that indicate certain characteristics of the steel based on differences in its chemical makeup and mechanical properties.

Pipe sizes are described by using a pipe chart (ANSI/ASME B36.10 and API5L) that includes the outside diameter and wall thickness. The outside diameter can be referred by the nominal pipe size (NPS) or the actual dimension in inches and the wall by stating the schedule or the actual thickness in inches.

Note that while ASTM and ASME specs are largely identical, an important difference is that pipe meant for use in pressure systems sometimes requires different or additional quality tests before it complies with the ASME standard.

American Piping Products stocks a full range of A/SA106 and A/SA 53 carbon steel pipe.

AISI and SAE

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) share a numbering system to classify steels. AISI/SAE designations only describe the chemical makeup of a steel. They do not include manufacturing, heat treating or testing information.

Using 1020 steel as an example, the first digit expresses the steel as a plain carbon steel. The second digit indicates there are no added alloys. The last two digits indicate the steel has around 0.20 percent carbon content.

For another example, a popular steel in the piping industry is 4130. The ’41’ indicates the steel contains chromium and molybdenum alloys. The ’30’ indicates the steel has around 0.30 percent carbon content.

Again, AISI/SAE designations only classify steels. For example, a buyer who says, “I need 100 feet of 4130” has not provided enough information. The buyer also needs to note specific production and testing information found in an ASTM or ASME spec to get exactly the pipe they need.

API

Pipe for use in the oil & gas industry are classified by the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) system.

API 5L is the most common standard to which line pipe in the oil and natural gas industry is rated. Because that’s merely a standard, additional information is needed to ensure purchase orders are executed accurately.

API 5L pipe is broken down into PSL1 and PSL2 delivery conditions; those conditions are further broken down into pipe grades, i.e. Grade B, X42, X52, X65, etc. Buyers should include the combination of the overarching standard, the delivery condition and the grade for the API5L pipe they need.

Study grades of steel

Buyers who place incomplete or inaccurate orders put their operations at risk of delays or cost overruns. When in doubt, consult with an engineer and refer to the industry standards that govern your application. Also be aware of other factors that play into your purchase:

• What manufacturer restrictions are in place that may impact your order?
• Are there any origin restrictions that you need to follow when buying?
• What pipe lengths and end finishes do you need?
• Are there specific chemistry requirements needed for the application?
• Are there age restrictions that may impact your order for export?

Suppliers need detailed purchase orders to ensure you get the right pipe the first time.

That’s why American Piping Products trains its experts to ask detailed questions to ensure you identify exactly what you need across all grades of steel and applications. Download our product catalog to see what we have in stock, and use this in-depth buyer’s guide as a resource as you consider any upcoming purchases.

Getting the right pipe starts here.

Fittings Buying Guide

The mainline and drip tubing are some of the main components and the backbone in a drip irrigation system but that is not all you need; fittings are required to complete any system. There are several options when it comes to fittings in an irrigation system. So, knowing which fitting type to choose from all the available options can be difficult if you are new to irrigation. This guide will help answer some of those questions and help you make the right decision.

Easy Loc (Perma Loc) Fittings

Our Easy Loc fittings, also known as Perma Loc fittings are manufactured by Irritec, one of the most dependable and trusted brands in the irrigation industry.

Easy loc fittings, as the name implies, are extremely easy to use and reuse. The fitting is made up of two parts: the fittings body with barb, and the tightening nut or collar. Easy Loc fittings are made from durable, UV and chemical-resistant material for unmatched performance and reliability. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. The size of the fitting is easily identified by a number on the collar.

DripWorks carries 4 sizes of Easy Loc fittings:

500 series- 16mm (about 0.63 in) tubing with an ID range of 0.510"-0.580" and wall thickness of 0.035"-0.055"

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500 Series Fittings

600 series- 18mm tubing with an ID range of 0.590"-0.630" and a wall thickness of 0.025"-0.050"

600 Series Fittings

800 series- 3/4" tubing with an ID range of 0.790"-0.845" and a wall thickness of 0.045"-0.065"

800 Series Fittings

1000 series- 1" tubing with an ID range of 1.025"-1.085" and a wall thickness of 0.045"-0.065"

1000 Series Fittings

The 1/2" Easy Loc fittings (600 series) will fit the Irritec 1/2" poly mainline and 1/2" Emitter Tubing from DripWorks. The 3/4" Easy Loc fittings (800 series) fits our 3/4" poly mainline, and the 1" Easy Loc fittings (1000 series) fits our 1" oval hose.

DripWorks carries the Netafim Techlock 17mm fittings. These are similar to Easy Loc fittings in design. These have a locking nut collar that holds the tubing in place and makes them easy to remove and reuse. The 17mm Techlock fittings fit tubing with an inside diameter range of 0.530"-0.560" and an outside diameter range of 0.600"-0.660". The operating pressure range is 0-100 PSI.

To use the fitting, you will screw the collar back, exposing the barb. Then you need to push the tubing over the barb. Make sure the tubing is over the barb as much as possible. Then turn the collar counterclockwise to tighten it over the top of the tubing. This locks the tubing in place and creates a tight seal. These fittings are reusable, and the locking collar makes it easy to remove and reuse as needed.

Barbed Fittings

Barb fittings are easy to use and quick to work with. Economical and low-maintenance, barbed fittings make excellent irrigation barbed connectors. You can use these simple, slip-in fittings with Oval Hose, Polyethylene Mainline Tubing or 1/2" Emitter Tubing. The barb has rigid teeth that keep the tubing from detaching from the fittings. If you have 20 PSI or more in the irrigation system, a hose clamp or crimping clamp is needed to secure the tubing over the barb. DripWorks carries two options of barbed fittings to fit your budget. Barb fittings are available from 1/2" up to 2" in size. A barbed fitting is sized by the ID range of the tubing because the barb is inserted into the tubing. When you aren't sure about your poly tubing's size, a barbed fitting will be your best choice. Tubing can be stretched to go over the barb if it is a bit smaller or use a clamp to create a tight seal if the tubing is slightly larger.

DripWorks carries barbed fittings made from PVC in a wide variety of fitting types from female hose adapters to elbows and reducing tees. The PVC is extremely durable, and these fittings can be used multiple times, but the tubing must be cut off from the fitting.

Barbed Fittings

DripWorks also has an Economy line of barbed fittings, available in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes, and a limited style of fittings, to keep you on budget. These fittings are made of sturdy plastic.

Economy Barbed Fittings

DripWorks also carries Netafim barbed fittings for 12mm and 17mm tubing. The 17mm barbed fittings are compatible with an inside diameter range of 0.56"-.060". The 12mm barbed fittings are compatible with an inside diameter of 0.426".

Compression Fittings

A compression goes over the outside of the tubing. It has shark bite-type teeth on the inside of the fitting that hold onto the tubing and secure it in place. Think back to when you were a kid and you had one of those Chinese finger traps that we'd all get our fingers stuck in and then freak out a little bit. That is basically what a compression fitting is. Compression fittings do not need clamps to hold them in place.

Compression fittings are sized by the outer diameter of your tubing. DripWorks carries compression fittings in both 1/2" and 3/4" sizes. It is important with compression fittings to know the outside diameter (OD) of your poly tubing to ensure a correct fit.

Our 1/2" compression fittings will fit on poly tubing with an OD range of 0.680"-0.720"

1/2'' Compression Fittings

Our 3/4" compression fittings fit with poly tubing with an OD range of 0.880"-0.970"

3/4'' Compression Fittings

Compression fittings are extremely economical compared to Easy Loc fittings. They are rated for pressures of up to 50 PSI. Once they are securely on the tubing, they do not come off, making them reliable in the field. A compression fitting is not generally a reusable fitting, but if you cut the tubing at the start of the fitting, and then carefully cut the tubing out of the fitting, it can be reused.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned about the many fitting types available at DripWorks, you are able to decide which fittings are the best fit for your irrigation system. If you are on a budget, consider the compression type or Economy line of barb fittings as they will perform well at a lower cost.

For fast and easy installation, the Easy loc fittings are the right choice, no clamps or tools required to install, and they can be reused.

For durable and long-lasting fittings, the PVC barb fittings will be the right choice. We are sure that this guide will help you choose the right fitting for your irrigation system.

If you have any questions, contact us at 800-522-3747 or visit us at DripWorks.com to learn more about our fittings and products.

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