Definitions: Adapter and Fitting Types
Adapter
A fitting designed to connect different types of hose, tubing or pipe together.
Bulkhead Fitting
Fitting designed to be mounted in a wall or bulkhead and to allow tube connection on either side of barrier.
Cap
Designed to attach over the outside of a tube end to dead-end the flow. Attachment techniques include welding, push-fit, brazing, adhesives, and threads depending on application and material.
Compression Fitting
A compression fitting tightens down a sleeve or ferrule over a joint to prevent leakage.
Coupling / Connector / Hose Mender
Fitting designed to join two pieces of tubing or hose.
Coupling - Flexible
Coupling with some amount of flexibility; does not include true expansion fittings.
Cross / 4-Way
Fitting with four connection ports, typically in the shape of a cross.
Crimp Socket
Sleeve or socket to be crimped over a hose end to attach it to a fitting.
Elbow - 90°
Allows for a 90° change in direction, frequently includes a curve or radius. Elbows are also called "Ells".
Elbow - 45°
Elbow configured for a 45° change in direction.
Elbow - Other Angle
Any other angle elbow, such as 30° or 60°.
Elbow - Reducing
Joins two pieces of pipe (usually 90°) of different sizes.
Expansion Joint / Coupling
Expansion joints and couplings connect sections of tube and provide allowance for movement due to service load, shock or thermal cycles.
Ferrule
Sleeve-type fitting that slips over two ends to join them. Ferrules can be compressible and used as the sealing component of a compression fitting. They are also used as weldable connection fittings.
Gland
The male component of a tube connection, typically mating with a socket to seal or connect tubing.
Nipple
Common description of a short, straight connector fitting, typically with male threaded ends.
Offset
Fitting between runs of tube that are parallel but not aligned.
Plug
Designed to insert into the end of hose or tubing to dead-end the flow.
Reducer - Concentric
Fitting with different size ends to mate hose or tubing of different diameter; concentric reducers join tube sections on the same axis.
Reducer - Eccentric
Fitting with different size ends to mate hose or tubing of different diameter; eccentric reducers join tube sections that are parallel but not aligned.
Return / Trap
Most commonly in a 180° "U" shape. These fittings can be used to reverse tube flow direction or combined as a trap for gas or odors.
Side Outlet - Elbow
Elbow with an additional outlet at the corner perpendicular to the plane of the elbow for a total of three outlets.
Side Outlet - Tee
Tee with an additional outlet at the junction perpendicular to the plane of the tee for a total of four outlets.
Tee - Equal
Three-port fitting in the shape of a "T". Standard configuration ("Equal") indicates that the straight-through path (typically called the "run") and the perpendicular section ("branch") all have the same size ports.
Tee - Reducing
Typically, this describes a tee fitting in which the branch port is smaller than the ports of the run; it may also include size reduction from one of the run ports to the other.
Tee - Bullhead
Tee fitting in which the branch port is larger than the run ports.
Union
Three-part fitting that connects two pieces of tube and allows for disconnection without cutting.
Wye - Equal
Three-port fitting in the general shape of the letter "Y" or in which a branch departs the run at an angle other than 90°. The designation "Equal" refers to the three outlets being the same size.
Wye - Reducing
Wye for which the branch outlet is smaller than the run outlets.
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