Pipe Nipple / Barrel Nipple

Basic pattern of steel pipe nipple is a short piece of pipe with threads at both end or at one end. Its function is to connect pipes or other fittings in same or different diameter. We also call the basic type as barrel nipple or pipe nipple. It can be simply made from a piece of pipe.

Hex Nipple

If the center section is hexagonal bolt shape it is hex nipple. The hex part is useful for a wrench to grasp when it need torque, tighten or loose.

Close Nipple

Some steel pipe nipples have male threads through the whole body, this kind of nipple is close nipple. It is used to establish a tight connection between pipes or fittings. When use it, the wrench will grip the threaded part, but this will damage the threads and cause leakage.

Swage Nipple

Swage nipple is very different from above nipples. Similar as pipe reducers, it has concentric swage and eccentric swage. Its end not only is threaded type, but also plain end and beveled end. Steel pipe swage nipples are mainly used to adapt the diameter changes of pipeline.

Other types of Pipe Nipple

There are also other pipe nipple types such as hose nipple (connect threaded pipes and smooth hose), welding nipple (has one threaded end and one welded end) and flange nipple ( can be considered as a combination of nipple and flange ).

Steel Pipe Nipple Dimensions

Steel pipe nipples has different types, and for each type their specifications are different. Generally speaking, the dimension ranges of pipe nipples are

• Size: 1/8″ to 12″ / DN6 to DN300
• Thickness: Sch 10S, 20, STD, 40, XS, 80, 160, XXS
• Standard: ANSI / ASME B16.11, ASTM A53 & A106, API 5L, API 5CT

Here are some details of pipe nipple dimensions.

Pipe Nipple Dimensions Chart

Hex Nipple Dimensions Chart

Swage Nipple Dimensions Chart

End Types of Threaded Nipples

The threaded pipe nipple is available in TOE and TBE, that is threaded one end and threaded both end. The thread usually is external, but internal thread is available.

The threads have different types. The most common used types are NPT threads and BSP Threads. NPT is an American standard tapered thread, while BSP is a British standard thread. BSP thread has tapered type BSPT and parallel type BSPP.

Except threaded end, sometimes steel pipe nipples are also demanded in plain end.

Material Grades of Steel Pipe Nipples

Stainless Steel Pipe Nipple

ASTM A182 F304/ 304L, F306/ 316L, F309S/309H, F310, F317, F321, F347, F347H, F454L ASTM A312/A403 TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L

Carbon Steel Pipe Nipple

ASTM/ ASME A 105, ASTM/ ASME A 350 LF 2, ASTM / ASME A 53 GR. A & B, ASTM A 106 GR. A, B & C. API 5L GR. B, API 5L X 42, X 46, X 52, X 60, X 65 & X 70. ASTM / ASME A 691 GR A, B & C

Alloy Steel Pipe Nipple

ASTM / ASME A 182 F1, F5, F9, F11, F12, F22, F91

ASTM / ASME A 335, ASTM / ASME A 234 GR P 1, P 5, P 9, P 11, P 12, P 22, P 23, P 91, ASTM / ASME A 691 GR 1 CR, 1 1/4 CR, 2 1/4 CR, 5 CR, 9CR, 91

Copper Alloy Pipe Nipple

ASTM / ASME SB 111 UNS NO. C10100, C10200 , C10300 , C10800 , C12000, C12200, ASTM / ASME SB 466 UNS NO. C70600 ( CU -NI- 90/10) , C71500 ( CU -NI- 70/30)

Order Tips for Steel Pipe Nipples

Standard, diameter, wall thickness, end type material are necessary for every type of pipe nipples, and for barrel nipple and swage nipple length is also important.