Types of Branch Connection Fittings

Weldolet is the most common of all branch

connections, and is welded onto the outlet pipe. The

ends are bevelled to facilitate this process, and
therefore the weldolet is considered a butt-weld fitting.
Weldolet's are designed to minimize stress
concentrations and provide integral reinforcement.

Sockolet utilizes the basic Weldolet however the

branch affixes by way of a socket inside the olet. The
bore matches the outlet bore, and the existence of a
counter bore roughly the size of the OD of the outlet
provides a socket where the pipe can sit, facilitating
installation and welding. The Sockolet is considered a
socket fitting, and manufactured in 3000#, 6000# and
9000# classes.

Thredolet utilizes the basic Weldolet however

the branch affixes by way of a thread just inside the

top of the olet. The bore matches the outlet bore, and
the existence of this threading facilitates installation, as
no welding is necessary. The Thredolet is considered
a threaded fitting, andmanufactured in 3000# and
6000# classes.

Latrolet, used for 45 lateral connections, is

available butt-weld to meet specific reinforcement

requirements, and 3000# or 6000# classes for Socket
Weld and threaded applications.

Elbolet is used on 90 Long Radius Elbows (can be

manufactured for Short Radius Elbows) for thermowell
and instrumentation connections. Available butt-weld to
meet specific reinforcement requirements, and 3000#
and 6000# classes for Socket Weld and threaded
applications.

Nipolet is a one piece fitting for valve take-offs,

drains and vents. Manufactured for Extra Strong and

Double Extra Strong applications in 3.1/2in to 6.1/2in
lengths. Available with male-socket-weld or male
threaded outlets.

Sweepolet is a contoured, integrally reinforced,

butt-weld branch connection with a low stress
intensification factor for low stresses and long fatigue
life. The attachment weld is easily examined by
radiography, ultrasound and other standard nondestructive techniques. Manufactured to meet your
specific reinforcement requirements.

Specifying the Schedule of both the Run and Branch

Generally the schedules of the run pipe and branch pipe are identical and thus
specification of the equivalent schedule Weldolet assures the proper fitting being used.

Example:
16" Standard weight x 6" Standard weight is specified as a 6" standard weight fitting.
Where the schedule of the run is greater or less than the schedule of the branch, it is
essential that both schedules be specified since (a) The Weldolet's reinforcing
characteristics are a function of the run pipe wall thickness, which in turn designates
the schedule of the basic Weldolet fitting to be used;(b) The wall thickness of the
outlet or branch end must match the wall thickness of the branch pipe.

Example:
16" Extra strong x 6" Standard weight
16" Standard weight x 6" Extra strong
Special care is suggested to avoid confusing schedule 40 and standard weight as being
identical (above 10" schedule 40 is heavier) and schedule 80 and extra strong (above
8" schedule 80 is heavier).

Example:
8" Schedule 80 x 4" Schedule 80 fitting or extra strong fitting.18" Schedule 80 x 4"
Schedule 80 is a considerably heavier fitting, because the reinforcement is for 18"
schedule 80 pipe with a wall thickness of approximately 1".
The Weldolet is available in standard code designs for all combinations of run wall
thicknesses up through 3.1/2" thickness and branch wall thicknesses up through double
extra strong. Designs for thicknesses greater than these can be developed on request.