Collet connections: classification, types of pipes, working technique and instructions for use

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Plastic pipes have become more and more common lately. They are used for the installation of hot and cold water supply networks, as well as for the installation of heating systems. In order to combine pipes and connect them to plumbing devices, different connecting elements are used, which should include collet connections.

Key Benefits

Collet-type fittings are able to provide a durable reliable connection of the components of pipelines for various purposes. It does not use any special tools and sophisticated equipment. You can use these clamps for the installation of pipelines and when connecting plumbing devices.

What is a fitting and collet

In order to understand how collet fittings work, you need to understand what a collet and a fitting are. The design of the first is ideal foruse when connecting parts of a cylindrical shape. This is a metal bushing. On its side there are special cuts. They form springy petals. Thanks to the latter, the collet presses on the inner walls of the pipe. Its outer surface is pressed against the walls of the cartridge fitting.

Collet connections that work according to the principle described above are also called clamping. But if we consider the fitting, then this term hides the connecting element. It is used to create pipeline systems for various purposes. Fittings of this design are used to solve various kinds of problems. These should include:

• creating corner joints in piping systems;
• connection of pipes of different and same diameters;
• connecting pipes with equipment and various plumbing fixtures, among the first should be highlighted: meters, filters, screens, pumps.

Collet connections are highly reliable. This is provided by a collet that presses on the inner walls. The external fixing nut is also responsible for this. If you create a pipeline using such a connection, then among its properties will be:

• durability;
• reliability;
• tightness.

Classification of collets and types of pipes

Collet connections can be divided into three categories depending on the purpose:

• for semi-hard construction;
• for hard materials pipes;
• for systemsmade of soft plastic.

This classification allows you to choose clamps for connecting pipes of different types. Such connections can be made on products made of hard metal, polypropylene, softer metal-plastic and HDPE.

Collet connection of pipes allows you to choose elements for systems of various types. Such a connection can be used even by a non-professional.

Instructions for use

When selecting clamps for mounting piping systems, consider the diameter of the pipes. This indicator for fittings must correspond to the transverse dimension of the pipeline, the tightness of the connection and reliability will depend on this. In order to determine the number of elements and where the straight fitting will be used, and where the angular fitting will be used, you need to prepare a drawing of the pipeline system. As soon as it is in hand, you will be able to understand how the sections of the future system will be located.

At the next stage, you can start cutting the pipe into segments of the required length. For each joint of the pipeline, a clamp should be selected. The installation for which the fittings will be used is carried out in a certain sequence. At the first stage, the collet should be placed in the inner part of the pipeline. A special nut is screwed onto the outer part of the connecting element. The collet coupling will start to act in a certain way. The pipe from the inside will expand with its inner part, while the outer one can be compressed with a nut. With other pipe applied in the moldedconnection, follow the same steps.

The collet joint for plastic pipes has a strong effect on the elements of the pipeline, so it must be used carefully. If the fixing nut is overtightened, you may end up with the pipe simply bursting. Therefore, when using clamps that will be installed on plastic products, the force should be adjusted. This is especially true for HDPE pipes. The force must be measured when tightening the fixing nut.

Reusable

Quick couplings are also good because, unlike welded joints and fittings, they can be used repeatedly. This distinguishes this technique from the one that involves the connection of plastic pipes using heat. This important quality of clamps makes it possible to simplify the pipeline repair process. The push-in quick coupling allows the fittings to be reused, so it is quite easy to replace individual sections without dismantling the entire system.

However, these clamps also have disadvantages. The most significant is the fact that the connecting elements weaken over time. This can cause leaks in systems. It will not be difficult to fix such a problem, for this you need to tighten the collet fitting. Due to this lack of clamps, they must be placed in places where the system is quickly accessible. Fittings must not be used inside walls or otherbuilding structures. Tightening of fittings to improve tightness is performed approximately once a year.

Additionally about the features of connecting pipeline elements

Collet connection of metal pipes is reliable. It can be used in conjunction with pressure and non-pressure pipelines. Docking can be done in such a way that metal and plastic pipes are connected to a common system. To do this, the ends of the elements to be connected should be cut off. The cut should be straight and perpendicular. A coupling is applied to the junction.

The central part of the fitting must be located at the connection point. The pipes should be marked with a marker, which will indicate the position of the coupling. The ends of the pipes and the coupling are treated with silicone grease. The first pipe is inserted into the coupling. The second pipe is aligned along the axis with the first one, the coupling is pushed on it. When putting on the clutch, you should be guided by the applied mark.

Push fitting specifications

The push-in fitting has an external thread with an external hexagon. The nominal passage is 6 mm. The sealing threaded connection is coated. Assembly position can be any. The design works on a reciprocating principle. The operating pressure range varies from 0.95 to 6 bar. Working pressure depending on temperature is equal to the limit from 0.95 to 14 bar.

By working environmentthere is one note. It lies in the fact that work with lubricant is possible. The material has one drawback, it has low corrosion resistance. The basis is the alloyed stainless steel. The material of the case is nickel-plated brass. The ambient temperature during operation can vary from - 10 to + 80 ˚С.

Description of cylinder collet connection

The collet connection of a gas cylinder is sometimes also called a choke or rod. In the people it is called dichlorvos. Such cylinders are intended for special mobile kitchens. This connection allows the cylinder to be used in burners, however, an additional adapter must be purchased, which is sometimes included in the kit.

The collet bottle has thinner walls than the threaded bottle and is sometimes used at the torch connection, which can cause installation problems. As practice shows, fuel in dichlorvos cylinders is of poor quality.

Types of elements for metal-plastic

Collet connection of metal-plastic pipes can be represented by three types. The use of such products is effective in conjunction with various heating and water supply systems. The first can be water and steam. The connection of pipelines can also be carried out in technological systems, irrigation structures, etc.

Where there is a metal-plastic pipeline, there is a need to use special collet elements. They can be represented by:

• corners;
• straight collets;
• tees.

Corners are designed to connect parts of the structure at right angles. The fitting can be used internally or externally. A straight collet is designed to connect two pieces in a sequential order. The three pieces can be joined with a collet-type tee that will run in series and at right angles.

Why Choose Collet Type Fittings

Collet fittings are chosen for several reasons. The first is the presence of sealing rings in the housing with a fitting. With their help, high sealing of the connection is ensured. The fitting material is of good quality. Installation is available even for a beginner.

Design includes split ferrule. With its help, the clamp is carried out evenly, and the structure is not deformed. There is no electrical conductivity, because the collet type fitting has a special dielectric gasket.

Availability, durability and reliability

Push-in fittings are chosen for several reasons. One of them is low cost. This parameter consists of the price of clamps, as well as the cost of their installation. To perform the work does not require the use of expensive equipment and special tools. A rather important factor is also the possibility of replacing the connecting elements, if necessary. These works will not be associated with serious financial costs.

To buy such fittings of almost any diameter today is not particularly difficult. On theIn today's market you can find clamps of any standard size. They are designed for pipes made of different materials. You can quickly learn how to connect elements with the help of clamps.

The connection created is durable under normal operating conditions. The pipeline has been serving for decades. Only high mechanical loads and corrosion processes can disable it. The advantage of collet clamps lies in their reliability, as well as their exceptional tightness.