The pipe plug is used to solve a wide variety of problems. When working with pipelines and, for example, in the oil and gas industry, you can’t do without them at all, since only with their help it will be possible to block the entire section of the main line, as well as reliably close the holes at the ends of branches and branch pipes. In addition, a widespread decorative cap, giving an attractive appearance to the fencing of a personal plot.
Plugs for pipes have different purposes, there are also technical models used to block the operation of the line
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In the plumbing market there is a very wide variety of products in question. They are divided according to a number of distinctive parameters. The main criteria is the material of the end caps and their design features.
The plug is steel threaded. Used in conjunction with piping and fittings on threaded connections. Installation of a steel plug of this type is very simple, and reliably tightening the thread, the owner will forget about the breakdown of the site.
Pneumatic plugs. Pneumatic plugs are made for pipes from rubber. They are a durable inflatable ball, to which a small pump is attached, which is usually supplied. When pumped with air, pneumatic plugs (not to be confused with rubber, which will be discussed below) expand, as a result of which the hole in the pipe is completely blocked. Such a technical solution is relevant in emergency situations. In addition, pneumatic plugs have one undoubted advantage. It is formulated as follows: the degree of internal contamination, the diameter and configuration of the pipe do not particularly affect the effectiveness of sealing. It is also worth noting that pneumatic plugs allow you to operate the main branch of engineering communications while performing repair work on damaged areas.
The cap is elliptical. It is made by stamping from sheet steel. Such a cork is considered constant. The elliptical plug is mounted, for example, on a gas pipe by welding. Such a locking element is made of alloyed, stainless and carbon steel. According to the requirements of GOST 17379-01, the elliptical plug withstands a pressure of at least 16 MPa. Operating temperatures fluctuate over a fairly wide temperature range - from minus 70 to plus 450ً С. It is necessary to note one more important factor. For pipes subjected to high pressure during operation, an elliptical plug is the best option.
Pneumatic plug provides high tightness of the pipeline branch, which is to be repaired
End cap for pipes. The manufacture of such a part is allowed using any material. The main scope is to prevent clogging of unused pipes and pipelines.
Flange parts. They are rubber or metal plates in which holes for rivets or fixing bolts are cut. The holes correspond with high accuracy to the flange itself, so the fastening of such parts does not cause difficulties.
By the type of material used, the locking elements are divided into:
- metal.They are made of steel or brass. It all depends on the purpose of a particular product. Metal plugs for blocking water pipes are reliable and durable. However, in terms of installation, for example, on water supply pipelines, it is quite laborious to work. In addition, such products are subject to corrosion;
- polymer. Made from durable polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The greatest variety, both in application and in execution, is characterized by a PVC plug. This topic will be described in more detail below;
- decorative chrome locking elements. This variety of products is distinguished by a radiant beautiful appearance. The main scope of decorative metal plugs for pipes is to give the whole structure an aesthetic appeal.
- rubber samples. High plasticity is inherent in similar products.
On a note! They are not suitable for serious blocking of water supply pipelines, since the process of their installation is nothing more than pushing the cork in the required area by applying physical force.
Some types of plugs act as a protective element that prevents debris from entering pipes from the structure.
Rubber plugs are used for pipes as protection against penetration of debris and dirt into their cavity.
How pipe features affect the requirements for locking elements
The selection of the parts under consideration is carried out based on the degree of their compliance with the particular pipeline. Not only material of manufacture is taken into account, but also its functional purpose.
For example, an end cap for a gas pipe must be characterized by extreme strength and reliability. Moreover! In this case, it is required to provide increased sealing of the blocked section, since the fluidity of the gas exceeds this indicator of water. Pneumatic plug for blocking pipes or threaded part for gas piping is not suitable. It is better to equip water pipes or other pipes with these products.
For hot water and heating systems, plastic plugs will not work. In particular, the same PVC plug is absolutely not suitable for this. Actually, like a similar rubber product. The reason is obvious - a closure made of these materials can be damaged by high temperatures.
If it is necessary to block a hole of any configuration for a long time, the elliptical plug and the flange-type part will best cope with this task. By the way, in general, the most reliable option from the point of view of ensuring the security of the “dead ends" of engineering communications is precisely the latter option.
For domestic hot water and heating pipelines, only metal plugs that can withstand high temperatures are used
The profile and form of engineering communication also exert their influence. That is, the dimensions and shape of the cork must coincide with similar characteristics of the pipe. In terms of use, the round plug is much more functional. However, there is nothing to be surprised at. Indeed, in 95 percent of cases, round-shaped pipes are used for water supply equipment. And just the round plug meets the requirements for simplicity and quality of fastening.
The following point should be noted here. The aforementioned PVC plug, despite the fact that it is made of plastic, can be metallized (chrome plated). This feature has found application in the manufacture of furniture industry products. In addition, the PVC plug is often installed in the pipe structures of racks, simulators and all the same fences of personal plots.
And, of course, such a detail is of various shapes. For example, a round PVC plug has an analog with a spherical shape. That is, its outer end is made in the form of a sphere. And the cross-section of the cork is the same round.The market also has rectangular, square, pyramidal inner and oval plastic locking elements.
Decorative and protective locking elements
These details deserve a separate discussion. They are used mainly in the furniture industry, in the arrangement of fences for household plots, and with the aim of protecting the ends of the pipes during their transportation. Particularly in need of this are threaded pipes. Of course, when it comes to corrosion protection, decorative value fades into the background.
The plugs are often made of metal and can perform a decorative function
Decorative cap plastic. Products of this type are used in the manufacture of furniture. Moreover, the plastic cap is round, inserted into the leg, for example, of the same chair, protects the floor from mechanical impact of the butt-pipe end.
Decorative cap rubber. Such elements are not widely used, although you can also meet them. They perform only a protective function. A rubber closure is put on the end of the pipe to prevent atmospheric precipitation, debris and dirt from entering its cavity.
Decorative metal cap for pipes. Of course, in this case we are not talking about the banal welding on the upper end of the column posts fencing a simple metal sheet. Even coating its surface with paint will not give a special aesthetic to the design. Therefore, the welded plate is usually decorated with various curly elements. Their choice is great and depends solely on the taste of the owner of the house. The simplest option is a ball. It can be seen on almost every other building envelope. More elegant decorative metal products are obtained by casting or forging.
At the end of the conversation about locking elements, it will be appropriate to give more information about the most popular such parts - round locking parts. They are divided into the following categories:
- inch;
- domestic;
- outdoor.
Inch round plug has sizes from half to 3 inches and is designed for installation in a thick-walled inch pipe. Details of the second type - internal - are used to block pipes of various diameters and, in accordance with their name, are inserted into the pipe hole. It is worth knowing that the round outer plug is used as a decorative element for the pipes of the enclosing structure in order to hide their outer edge, also with great success.
As you can see, the choice of locking elements is quite large. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake, decide, first of all, what qualities are relevant for you - decorativeness or protection.
