What is a Pipe Tee and Cross
A pipe tee fitting(also known as 3-way pipe tee connector) has a T-shaped structure with three openings: one inlet, one outlet, and a branch at a 90° angle. It allows fluid flow to split into two directions or merge from two sources.
A pipe cross fitting is very similar to tee fittings, but they have a fourth branch, allowing the distribution of flow in four different directions. They provide flexibility and versatility, especially in dense and complex plumbing systems.
Pipe Tee Types
- Based on Branch Configuration
Straight Tee (Equal Tee)
Features three openings of identical diameter, designed for 90° branch connections in uniform pipeline systems. Commonly manufactured to ASME B16.9 standards.Reducing Tee
Connects pipes of different diameters:- Branch Reducing Tee: Branch outlet is smaller than the main run.
- Run Reducing Tee: One main run is reduced in size.
- Bullhead Tee: Both runs are reduced while the branch remains full-sized.
Lateral Tee
Incorporates a 45° angled branch (instead of 90°) for directional changes in specialized systems, such as slurry transport or low-pressure applications.
- Based on Connection Method
Butt-Weld Tee
Permanently welded to pipelines for high-pressure/temperature systems. Preferred in petrochemical and power plants.Socket-Weld Tee
Uses socket-style ends for compact installations in small-bore piping (typically ≤ DN50). Requires fillet welding for secure joints.Threaded Tee
Features male/female threads (e.g., NPT, BSPT) for low-pressure utility lines. Common in water supply and HVAC systems.Flanged Tee
Integrates flanged ends (e.g., weld neck, slip-on) for easy assembly/disassembly in large-diameter pipelines.
- Based on Material
- Carbon Steel Pipe Tee
- Stainless Steel Pipe Tee
- Copper/Brass Pipe Tee
What are the advantages of Pipe Tees
Versatile Flow Control
Enables efficient splitting, merging, or redirecting fluid/gas flow in pipelines without additional fittings.Compact Design
Occupies minimal space compared to multi-fitting assemblies, ideal for tight layouts.Adaptability
Available in equal, reducing, or angled (45°/90°) configurations to suit diverse system needs.Material Flexibility
Compatible with metals (steel, titanium), plastics (PVC), and alloys for corrosion resistance, high pressure, or hygiene-critical applications.Simplified Maintenance
Flanged or threaded tees allow easy disassembly for cleaning, inspection, or system modifications.Cost-Effectiveness
Reduces installation time and labor costs by minimizing joint connections in complex piping networks.
What are the disadvantages of Pipe Tees
Flow Disruption
Sharp-angle designs (e.g., 90° tees) create turbulence, increasing pressure drop and reducing system efficiency.Stress Concentration
Joints are prone to stress accumulation, raising risks of cracks or leaks under cyclic loading or thermal expansion.Maintenance Complexity
Welded tees require cutting for removal, complicating repairs or modifications in rigid systems.Material/Corrosion Risks
Stagnant zones in branch connections may trap debris or accelerate corrosion, especially in low-flow systems.Space Constraints
Multi-directional tees may demand additional supports or spacing adjustments in compact layouts.Cost Variability
Custom or high-performance materials (e.g., corrosion-resistant alloys) significantly raise project expenses.
How are Pipe Tees made
Material Selection
Metals like carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloys (e.g., Inconel) are chosen based on application requirements (pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance).Manufacturing Methods
A. Forging
- Heating: Billets are heated to a malleable temperature.
- Forming: High-pressure dies shape the heated metal into a tee with uniform wall thickness.
- Trimming: Excess material is removed to refine the tee’s shape.
B. Extrusion
- Used for seamless tees: Metal is forced through a die to create a hollow tee profile.
C. Fabrication (Welded Tees)
- Cutting: A section of pipe is cut, and a branch opening is created via machining or flame cutting.
- Welding: A pre-formed branch pipe is welded to the main pipe using TIG, MIG, or orbital welding.
Machining & Finishing
- Precision Machining: Threads, grooves, or beveled edges are added for compatibility with flanges or sockets.
- Surface Treatment: Polishing, sandblasting, or coatings (e.g., galvanizing, epoxy) enhance durability and corrosion resistance.
Heat Treatment
Stress-relieving or annealing processes eliminate internal stresses from forging or welding.Quality Assurance
- Testing: Hydrostatic pressure tests, X-ray inspections, or ultrasonic checks ensure integrity.
- Certification: Compliance with standards like ASME B16.9 (butt-weld) or ASME B16.11 (socket-weld).
What is Pipe Tee used for
Oil & Gas Pipelines
Direct or merge high-pressure fluid flows in drilling, refining, and transportation systems.Chemical Processing
Handle corrosive fluids or gases in reactors, storage tanks, and distribution networks.Power Plants
Connect boilers, cooling systems, and steam lines under extreme temperatures.Water Infrastructure
Manage water supply, sewage, or firefighting systems in municipal or industrial setups.Shipbuilding/Marine
Stainless steel tees resist saltwater corrosion in ballast, fuel, or hydraulic systems.Structural Engineering
Reinforce framework joints in bridges, industrial scaffolding, or HVAC ducts.
Our Pipe Tee Dimensions and Material
| Outside Diameter | 21.3 to 2032 mm (1/2″ to 80″ NPS) | |
| Wall Thickness | 2.11 to 60 mm (SCH10 to XXS) | |
| Type | Butt welded, socket welded, threaded, flanged | |
| Material Grade | A/SA-234 | WPB, WPC, WP1, WP11, WP12, WP22, WP5, WP9, WP91, etc. |
| A/SA-420 | WPL6, WPL9, WPL3, WPL8 | |
| A/SA-403 | WP304, WP304H, WP304L, WP310, WP316, WP316H, WP316L, WP317, WP321, WP347, etc. | |
| A/SA-815 | S31803, S32205, S32750, S32760, S32950, S39274, S32550, etc. | |
| A-860 | WPHY 42, WPHY 46, WPHY 52, WPHY 60, WPHY 65, WPHY 70 | |
For other customized requirements, please contact us.
What is the Pipe Tee Price
Please contact our sales manager Allen@sanesteel.com
Why Choose Us
- a 16-year pipe tee supplier. We are experts.
- solutions for all your needs
- the highest product quality
- the low lead times
- excellent customer service
