Casting other than a pipe, which allows pipeline deviation, change of direction or bore. In addition flanged-sockets, flanged-spigots and collars are also classified as fittings. Iron or steel pipes and tubes are used in a variety of industries.
Pipe fittings basically include the range of components that are used to connect pipe ends for in-line, multi-port, offset and mounting configurations. Pipe fitting cross sections are mostly, but not always, circular in shape to match with the pipe section with which they are connected. Pipes can be metallic or plastic and pipe fittings vary depending on the type of pipe used.
Pipe fittings are used for various purposes. They can be used to extend or terminate pipe runs, change a pipe's direction, to connect two or more pipes and to change the pipe size.
• They are manufactured to be used in flow lines for gases, fluids in industrial processes, medical, construction and many other specialized applications.
• The elbows are constructed of heavy materials for rigid applications like extreme high/low temperature resistance etc.
• The elbows are specifically designed for use on process and control systems, instrumentation, and equipment used in chemical, petroleum, fluid power, electronic and pulp and paper plants.
The plastic pipes used are predominantly PVC pipes and recent increase in use of HDPE pipes in competition for PVC pipes. The other pipes include GRP, BWSCC pipes, Hume pipes, stoneware pipes, etc. GRP pipes, RCC pipes, and stoneware pipes are used predominantly in sewerage applications.
The increasing share of DI pipes obviously indicates its rising acceptance by customers and its growing popularity. The increasing share of DI pipes indicates that DI pipes are gradually replacing all other pipes, especially steel pipes. The government bodies have virtually stopped purchase of CI pipes for potable water supply and the existing CI pipelines are increasingly being replaced by DI pipes. Plastic pipes and cement pipes (AC/RCC/PSC) are also being replaced in urban and semi-urban areas; however, in rural water supply schemes they still exist due to the low initial investment. Entrepreneurs who invest in this project will be successful.
Few Indian major players
1. Deccan Mechanical & Chemical Inds. Pvt. Ltd.
2. Disa India Ltd.
3. Ductile Castings Ltd.
4. E S L Steel Ltd.
5. Electrosteel Castings Ltd.