Pipe Tee

Pipe Tee

High-performance Pipe Tees For Corrosion Resistance In Petrochemical And Industrial Applications

A pipe tee is also called triplet,three way and 't' pieces and it can be used to either combine or split a fluid flow. tee is a kind of chemical pipe fitting with three ports, one inlet and two outlets; or two inlets and one outlet, t-shaped and y-shaped, with equal and reducer orifices, used in three identical or different pipeline convergence.

Butt Weld

Permanent, high-strength welded connections.

Socket Weld

For smaller diameter pipes, inserted and welded.

Threaded

Easy assembly/disassembly, using threaded connections.

Flanged

Bolted connections for easy removal and maintenance.

What is a Pipe Tee?

A pipe tee is a crucial pipe fitting used to either combine or split a fluid flow within a piping system. It is characterized by its T-shaped design, featuring three ports: one inlet and two outlets, or two inlets and one outlet.

Combine or Split Flow

Essential for creating branch connections for linear pipelines, allowing fluids to be redirected at specific angles, commonly 90 degrees.

Versatile & Durable

Fabricated from various materials including stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel, available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees are critical fittings used to connect pipes and create branch connections in piping systems, ensuring robust corrosion resistance and reliability for boiler pipeline protection and erosion/corrosion resistance. Available in equal and reducing configurations, pipe tees are essential in industries such as petrochemical, power generation, chemical processing, and oil and gas.

Compliant with ASME/ANSI B16.9 standards, pipe tees are available in sizes up to 72″ (DN1800) and various wall thicknesses (e.g., SCH 40, SCH 80, up to 200 mm). They are manufactured from materials such as carbon steel (A234 WPB, P265GH), stainless steel (304, 316L, 1.4541, 1.4571), or alloy steel (A234 WP11, WP22). Surface treatments like pickling, passivation, or Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coatings enhance durability in corrosive environments.

Pipe tees undergo rigorous testing, including chemical analysis (e.g., A234 WPB: C ≤0.30%; 316L: C ≤0.03%), tensile testing (A234 WPB: YS ≥240 MPa, TS ≥415 MPa; 316L: YS ≥205 MPa, TS ≥515 MPa), hydrostatic testing (up to 9.8 MPa), and nondestructive methods (radiographic, ultrasonic, PMI). With a density of ~7.85 g/cm³ for carbon steel or ~8.0 g/cm³ for stainless steel, and suitability for temperatures up to 450°C (carbon steel) or 870°C (stainless steel), these tees excel in high-pressure piping applications like boilers, refineries, and chemical plants.

The butt-welded design ensures secure connections, making ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees ideal for branching pipelines in harsh, corrosive settings, such as offshore platforms, power generation facilities, and petrochemical systems.

ASME/ANSI B16.9 Pipe Tee Specifications
Specification Details
Standards ASME/ANSI B16.9, ASTM A234, ASTM A403
Type Equal Tee, Reducing Tee, Butt-Welded, Seamless, Welded
Material Carbon Steel (A234 WPB, P265GH), Stainless Steel (304, 316L, 1.4541, 1.4571), Alloy Steel (A234 WP11, WP22)
Size Range 1/2″ to 72″ (DN15–DN1800)
Wall Thickness SCH 10, SCH 40, SCH 80, up to 200 mm
Manufacturing Butt-Welded, Seamless, Welded Fabrication
Surface Treatment Pickling, Passivation, FBE, 3LPE
Testing Chemical Analysis (A234 WPB: C ≤0.30%; 316L: C ≤0.03%), Tensile (A234 WPB: YS ≥240 MPa, TS ≥415 MPa; 316L: YS ≥205 MPa, TS ≥515 MPa), Hydrostatic (≥9.8 MPa), Radiographic, Ultrasonic, PMI
Operating Conditions Pressure: ≥9.8 MPa, Temperature: Up to 450°C (carbon steel), 870°C (stainless steel)
Certifications EN 10204/3.1, ISO 9001, ASME U-Stamp, Third-Party Inspection
Comparison of ASME/ANSI B16.9 Pipe Tees with Other Fittings
Feature ASME/ANSI B16.9 Pipe Tee A234 WPB Pipe Cap Fond Bombé (Dished Head)
Material Carbon Steel (A234 WPB, P265GH), Stainless Steel (304, 316L), Alloy Steel (A234 WP11, WP22) Carbon Steel (A234 WPB) Carbon Steel (HII, P265GH), Stainless Steel (304, 316L), Alloy Steel (15Mo3, 13CrMo44)
Standard ASME/ANSI B16.9, ASTM A234, ASTM A403 ASME/ANSI B16.9, ASTM A234 DIN 28011, DIN 28013, ASME UG-32, EN 13445
Function Connects pipes, creates branch connections Seals pipe ends, protects against corrosion Seals pressure vessels, versatile designs
Corrosion Resistance Excellent (stainless steel), Good (carbon steel with coatings) Good (with coatings like FBE, 3LPE) Excellent (stainless steel), Good (carbon steel with coatings)
Erosion Resistance Good (flow applications) Good (static application) Excellent (hemispherical), Good (elliptical, torispherical)
Applications Pipelines, boilers, petrochemical Pipelines, boilers, petrochemical Pressure vessels, boilers, petrochemical
Temperature Range Up to 450°C (carbon steel), 870°C (stainless steel) Up to 450°C Up to 450°C (carbon steel), 870°C (stainless steel)
Cost Moderate to High (based on material) Moderate Varies (hemispherical: high; torispherical: low)
Key Advantage Versatile branching for piping systems Cost-effective pipe sealing Versatile designs for pressure vessels
Tee in Pipe fitting

Industrial Applications

What Is A Tee In Pipe Fitting?

The pipe tee is currently the most frequently used pipe fitting or connector in the industry.

Its functionality is analogous to that of elbows, enabling the creation of branch connections for linear pipelines. As indicated by the name TEE, the shape is T-shaped with two outlets at 90° to the connection to the main line. The pipe piece is of a short length and features an integrated outlet. This is used to connect and take taps with a pipe at a right angle to the linear line. These can be fabricated with various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, nickel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, plastic, rubber, and polypropylene. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes, such as galvanized, nickel-plated, black cast steel, white coating, gold finish electroplated, and more. These options can be selected based on the end user's requirements. Pipe tees are a common solution in pipeline networks for transporting two-phase fluid mixtures. They can also be used as an alternative to o-rings.

The standard construction of T-shaped elbows (TEs) comprises three openings on the sides of the pipe tees, with two openings being narrower than the other. In some instances, the third opening may be at a 90-degree angle, subject to user requirements. In the case of straight pipe tees with identical opening sizes on all sides, these are referred to as equal tees. Alternatively, they may be classified as reducing tees, which feature one opening of a different size and two openings of the same size. Sanitary pipe tees are a type of pipe tee with a curved branch designed for a clean-out plug, and are used in waste lines. One advantage of this is that it prevents blockages in waste lines. Additionally, a cross pipe tee is available, featuring four equal-sized female openings. It should be noted that this type of pipe tee is not typically used in high-pressure systems and is not a common feature. The opening is threaded and used in conjunction with a threaded plug for a clean-out opening on a drain pipe. The ASME standards for tee design are ASME/ANSI B16.9 or ASME/ANSI B16.11, and the pipe tees are constructed by forging or casting.

Search ASME/ANSI B16.9 Pipe Tees by These Terms

A curated list of long-tail keywords for ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees, covering standards, materials, and industrial applications.

Standards and Specifications
  • • ASME B16.9 pipe tee specifications
  • • ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tee standards
  • • Butt-welded pipe tee dimensions
  • • Pipe tee tolerances
Material and Type
  • • Carbon steel pipe tee
  • • Stainless steel pipe tee
  • • Alloy steel pipe tee
  • • Reducing pipe tee
Industrial Applications
  • • ASME B16.9 pipe tee for boiler pipeline protection
  • • Pipe tee for pipelines
  • • Pipe tee for refinery systems
  • • High-pressure pipe tee for boilers
Petrochemical Applications
  • • ASME B16.9 pipe tee for oil and gas
  • • Pipe tee for petrochemical systems
  • • Corrosion-resistant pipe tee
  • • Pipe tee for gas processing
Chemical Processing
  • • ASME B16.9 pipe tee for chemical plants
  • • Pipe tee for corrosive fluid systems
  • • High-pressure pipe tee for reactors
  • • Pipe tee for chemical processing
Specialty Applications
  • • ASME B16.9 pipe tee for offshore platforms
  • • Pipe tee for power generation
  • • Pipe tee for water treatment systems
  • • Pipe tee for pulp and paper industry

Note: ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees are designed for corrosion-resistant, high-pressure branching in pipelines and industrial systems. Contact a certified supplier for detailed specifications.

FAQ

A tee fitting is a static component in piping systems, designed to connect two or three pipelines at a single point, redirecting fluid flow in different directions. These pipelines may have the same diameter and schedule/pressure class or vary based on specific requirements. ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees ensure corrosion resistance and reliable branching for applications like boiler pipeline protection, petrochemical, and chemical processing systems.

ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees come in several types, including: - Straight Tees: Equal diameters for all openings.
- Reducing Tees: Different diameters for branch or run pipes.
- Barred Tees: Used in pipelines to prevent pigging interference.
- Wye Tees (Lateral): Angled branch, typically 45°.
- Cross Tees: Four-way connections for complex systems.
They are also classified by end connections: socket weld, threaded, flanged, butt weld, plain, or beveled.

Equal tees are used when all openings have the same diameter, ensuring consistent design and dimensions for easy fabrication. The branch connection may be angled (e.g., 90° or 45°) to suit system needs, providing reliable flow distribution in pipelines and boiler pipeline protection.

Unequal tees, or reducing tees, are used when branch pipes have different diameters from the main pipeline. The branch can be set at angles like 90° or 45°, with one or both outlets smaller than the main pipe. They maintain similar design and dimensions to equal tees, ensuring corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

The branch of a tee is the connection that diverts flow from the main pipeline at a specific angle, such as 90° or 45°. It can match the main pipeline’s diameter (equal branch) or have a smaller diameter (reducing branch), depending on system requirements, ensuring efficient flow in high-pressure piping systems.

Sanitary tees are T-shaped fittings used to connect a branch line to a vertical drain or vent line in sanitary piping systems. They can match existing pipeline diameters or have different diameters to connect to other pipes or valves. Available in various capacities, classes, shapes, and sizes, they are widely used in industrial and plumbing applications requiring corrosion resistance.

ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees are made from carbon steel (A234 WPB, P265GH), stainless steel (304, 316L, 1.4541, 1.4571), or alloy steel (A234 WP11, WP22), with coatings like FBE or passivation for corrosion resistance.

ASME/ANSI B16.9 pipe tees are produced via: - Butt-Welded Fabrication: For secure connections.
- Seamless Process: For smaller sizes.
- Welded Fabrication: For larger diameters.
These ensure corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

Quality is ensured through: - Chemical Analysis: Verifies composition (e.g., A234 WPB: C ≤0.30%; 316L: C ≤0.03%).
- Tensile Testing: Confirms strength (A234 WPB: YS ≥240 MPa; 316L: YS ≥205 MPa).
- Hydrostatic Testing: Verifies pressure integrity (≥9.8 MPa).
- Nondestructive Testing: Radiographic, ultrasonic, PMI.
These ensure corrosion resistance and durability.

Welding requirements include: - Preheating: 100-150°C for walls >10mm.
- Filler Materials: AWS A5.1 E7018 for carbon steel, AWS A5.9 ER316L for stainless steel.
- Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Stress relief at 600-650°C.
These ensure welds for boiler pipeline protection.

Key Features & Benefits

Versatile Flow Diversion

Allows for efficient splitting or combining of fluid flows in complex piping layouts.

Structural Integrity

Designed to maintain the strength and integrity of the piping system.

Wide Range of Sizes

Available to suit various pipe diameters, pressure ratings, and fluid compatibility.

Reduced Pressure Drop

Smooth internal contours minimize turbulence and pressure loss.

Ease of Installation

Different connection types offer flexibility in installation.

Durability & Longevity

Manufactured from high-quality materials for long service life.

Types of Pipe Tees

By Opening Size & Functionality

Equal Tee

Description: All three openings are equal in diameter.

  • Consistent design
  • Easy fabrication
  • General fluid distribution
Reducing Tee

Description: One opening is smaller than the others.

  • Flow/pressure reduction
  • Different branch diameters
  • Optimized flow control
Barred Tee

Description: Internal bars to prevent pig entry.

  • Ensures pigging integrity
  • Protects branch lines
  • Common in oil & gas
Wye Tee (Lateral)

Description: Branch connection at an angle (e.g., 45°).

  • Smoother flow transition
  • Reduced turbulence
  • Lower pressure drop
Sanitary Tee

Description: Curved branch for clean-out plug.

  • Prevents blockages
  • Facilitates cleaning
  • Used in waste lines
Cross Tee

Description: Four equal-sized female openings.

  • Four-way connections
  • Not for high-pressure systems
  • Specialized applications

Materials & Grades

Material Type Standards & Grades Characteristics Applications
Carbon Steel ASTM A234 WPB, A420 WPL6, A105 High strength, cost-effective, good weldability General industrial piping, oil & gas, power generation
Stainless Steel ASTM A403 WP304/304L, WP316/316L, WP321, WP347 Excellent corrosion resistance, hygienic properties Chemical processing, food & beverage, pharmaceutical
Alloy Steel ASTM A234 WP1, WP5, WP9, WP11, WP22, WP91 Enhanced strength, high-temperature resistance High-temperature and high-pressure services
Carbon Steel

Robust & Economical

Stainless Steel

Corrosion Resistant

Alloy Steel

High Performance

Pipe Tee
Install pipe tee

Install pipe tee

Pipe Tee Applications

The basic application of the Pipe Tee is a connector that can be used in the middle of two pipes to allow them to join together.

  • Equal Tee-For Balanced Flow
  • Reducing Tee-For Flow Diversion and Size Adjustment
  • Lateral Tee-For 45° Branch Connections
  • Barred Tee-Used in Pigging Systems
  • Sweep Tee-For Smooth Flow Transitions

Understanding the various pipe tee types allows engineers and contractors to make more informed decisions based on flow requirements, space limits, and material compatibility. Newzel Industries offers a diverse range of pipe tees in several grades, including SS 304, 316, and 321, all fabricated with accuracy to meet your industrial requirements. Contact us today for an estimate or technical assistance in determining the optimal pipe tee type for your project.

Related products

End Cap
End Cap

End cap, also known as pipe cap, are pipe fittings...

Pipe Bends
Pipe Bends

Pipe bends are curved piping components used to ch...

Pipe Elbow
Pipe Elbow

Pipe elbow offers a durable, corrosion-resistant s...

Weldolet
Weldolet

A weldolet is a type of pipe fitting used for bran...

Pipe Reducer
Pipe Reducer

A pipe reducer is a fitting used in piping systems...

Stub End
Stub End

A stub end is a pipe fitting designed to be welded...