Just as the name suggests all gas fittings are specifically designed to use with gases such as propane that is highly flammable or phosgene which is extremely hazardous. Even if you use LPG gas for your home cooking needs, you must make sure that the fittings and pipes are of certified standards and are of highest quality. Little information and research will keep you safe when you use it in your home or in your factory.
Usually these types of gas fittings have a reverse thread. That means, these threads are cut in a reverse direction as compared to the other fittings. This is a very important point to note as this will prevent the gas lines from getting connected to the air pipes, vent lines and water lines.
Most common applications of gas fittings include gas mains, propane tanks, residential gas lines, hazardous gas applications, medical use, and explosives.
Fitting and Material Types
As for the fitting types you will see that these fittings come in a wide variety of styles. However, it will depend largely on the application. The most common styles for gas fittings include:
Adapter
Coupling
Cross or 4-way
45° or 90° elbow fittings and
Quick couplers.
Factors to Consider
Gas fitting materials are usually selected on the basis of the piping material. The factors that will govern your choice are:
Cost
Flexibility
Media
Environmental conditions
Required pressure ratings.
Bulkhead mounted in a wall
Bulkhead allowing tube connections on both sides of the barrier
T-type bullhead fittings
Expansion joints
Couplings connection sections.
However, you can choose gas fittings made of either plastic or metal, but both must be of certified quality.
You must also consider load, shock, thermal cycling or an insulated fitting as well.
About the Piping
You must also consider the piping material so that the gas fittings fit in perfectly with it. You may consider bonding gas piping which is the most advantageous type and will ensure proper safety and security especially for using the gas operated heating and cooling systems. Make sure you inspect the piping so that the safety is not compromised.
As per the rule, using gas piping as grounding mean for the electrical service is not allowed. However, in several jurisdictions proper bonding of the gas piping with the electrical grounding system is essentially required. This is usually done by attaching the gas piping to the supply water piping and in most of the cases it is assumed to be grounded. This is often near the water heater.
However, there is a need to prevent the buildup of electrical potential inside the gas piping as this might lead to arcing and as result may ignite the gas resulting in a fire breakout. Therefore, it is essential to keep the gas piping at zero electrical potential. This can only be done by bonding the gas piping to the grounding system.
With so much to consider about the safety you must also care for the piping material that can be either steel, brass or copper. However, black steel is most common, but you may even find galvanized steel or Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing or CSST as well. There may be a few utilities that may strictly prohibit the use of copper in gas piping.
Know about the law of your state when you buy gas fittings and make sure all of it is free from leaks, made from appropriate materials, will provide adequate support to use it safely.