Around, In, Out, And Between: Couplers Categorized By Fit And Why It Matters
Posted on: 31 March 2019
Couplers can be categorized in all kinds of ways. For one, they can be categorized by the material that forms them; plastic, metal, or rubber. They can also be categorized by size; millimeters, inches, meters, and feet in diameter. Perhaps one of the most important ways in which couplers are categorized are by how they fit into position. The following are most of the ways in which couplers fit and why it matters when you need to find and purchase a coupler.
Around
These are couplers that fit around a metal or plastic pipe joint. They encircle it and cover it simultaneously to provide both a seal and a barrier. The purpose of these couplers is not only to join two sections together, but also to prevent any and all leaks from occurring.
In
In this case, the coupler has two ends, both of which go into the pipes they join together. They have small openings all the way around their rims, which allows the bolts of the pipes to secure the coupler in place. They are effective for creating the perfect conduit and sealing that conduit.
Out
These couplers are outside of the pipes they join together. They essentially wrap around the pipes, and come in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials. Components may jut out from the main body of the coupler to attach additional components to the main line. They are good for making multiple connections to multiple pipelines.
Between
These are all of the couplers that fit between pipelines, and thery are also couplers that are hidden inside other components, like valves. They help reinforce interior structures and connections, which is useful if you have some pipes that are a little weaker than others. Like most couplers, the primary purpose is to seal and tighten against leaks.
Why It Matters
Couplers cannot be replaced one for another. They are not interchangeable. You have to know which one is needed to replace the one you have lost to damage, wear and tear, or leaks. If you had a coupler that went around the pipes before, that is the same type of coupler you need to get now to replace it. It is very rare that you can interchange these couplers and have it work out right. If an industrial plumber tells you that you can use a different coupler, then it is safe to try the other one.
For more information on couplers, reach out to a supplier near you.
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