Identifying Threads, Sealing Methods and

Industrial Fittings
Thread
Characteristics
Thread Characteristics
Thread pitch is the distance between a single
thread
Pitch
Thread Characteristics
Pitch:
Pitch is sometimes written as the number of
threads within one inch distance
e.g. 8 threads per inch

Thread Characteristics
Flank Angle and Taper Angle:
Thread Characteristics
Crest and Root:



Root
Crest
Thread Characteristics
Major Diameter or OD:
Thread Style and
Function
Thread Styles
Port End Threads:
Parallel
Parallel
Parallel Threads:
Thread Functions
Parallel threads only
serve the function of
holding in the fitting
Sealing is achieved by
some other means, such
as with an O-ring

Thread Styles
Tapered
Port End Threads:
Tapered
Thread Function

Tapered threads
serve two functions:
For holding in the
fitting
Sealing (even though
sealing is usually
assisted with
additional sealant)
Tapered Threads:
Thread ID Tools
Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Port Boards
Known Threads
Markings and Tables
Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Caliper
Thread gages
Thread profiles
Instruction
booklet
Nose angle
indicator

Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Caliper
Used to measure
outside and inside
diameter in either
inch or metric units


Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Thread gages
Used to compare
thread form to
determine pitch


Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Thread profiles
Used to shadow
pipe threads for
determining
nominal size

Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Nose angle indicator
Used to determine
whether nose angle or
seat is 37 or 45

Thread ID Tools
MIK-1 kit
Instruction booklet
(4303-B1)
Contains specifications
for various thread
forms


Thread ID Tools
Port Board
Used to
determine male
thread size based
on comparison
with known
threads

Thread ID Tools
Other Known Threads
Tube nuts or other components where threads can
be used for comparison


Thread ID Tools
Markings and Tables
In some cases, fittings are marked with a cross
reference for threads
Tables can be used to identify threads based on
given characteristics
Identifying Threads
Identifying Threads
1a. Verify if parallel or tapered
Visual inspection



Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:
Identifying Threads
1b. Verify if parallel or tapered
Compare with a known parallel



Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:
Identifying Threads
2. Determine thread pitch
Use thread gages
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:
Bad Fit
Good Fit
Identifying Threads
3a. Determine size
Measure with caliper or compare with thread
profile

Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:
Identifying Threads
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms
3b. Determine Size
Compare with Profile




Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
Threads are called out according to the type of
thread
They usually follow a standard pattern and this is
how they may appear on a print

Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
NPT/NPTF - American Pipe Thread
Example: 1/4-18 NPT

1/4 = nominal size
18 = pitch (threads per inch)
NPT or NPTF usually specified or NPT/NPTF
where it does not matter if it is either one
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
UN/UNF - Unified (SAE Straight Thread)
Example: 9/16-18 UNF

9/16 = actual size
18 = pitch (threads per inch)
UN or UNF usually specified or UN/UNF where it
does not matter
UNF is usually used for thread pitch above 12 TPI
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
BSPT - British Standard Pipe, Tapered
Example: R3/8

R signifies tapered
3/8 = nominal size
The pitch is usually assumed based on known
standard
Japanese taper thread would be written as PT 3/8
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
BSPP - British Standard Pipe, Parallel
Example: G3/4

G signifies parallel
3/4 = nominal size
The pitch is usually assumed based on known
standard
Japanese parallel thread would be written as PF 3/8
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
Metric Parallel
Example: M22X1.5

M signifies metric
22 = actual size in mm
1.5 = pitch (distance between threads in mm)
Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:



Identifying Threads
4. Define thread
Metric Tapered
Example: M10X1 keg (or tapered)

M signifies metric
10 = actual size in mm
1 = pitch (distance between threads in mm)
keg is the abbreviation for the German word meaning
tapered and if the thread is tapered, it will be
specified

Steps for Identifying Thread Forms:
Types of Threads
NPT/NPTF
UN/UNF
BSPT
BSPP
Metric
Metric
- Tapered (American Pipe Thread)
- Parallel (SAE Straight Thread)
- Tapered (British Pipe Taper)
- Parallel (British Pipe Parallel)
- Tapered
- Parallel
Port End Sealing
Methods
Port End Sealing Methods
Female Port
O-ring in chamfer
Available with
UN/UNF (SAE J1926)
Metric (ISO 6149)
BSPP
Port End Sealing Methods
O-ring in chamfer (Male end)

Most reliable form of
sealing
Port End Sealing Methods
Female Port
Spot face sealing
Available with
Metric (DIN 3852-1)
BSPP (DIN 3852-2)
Port End Sealing Methods
O-ring in groove
BSPP
O-ring not round in cross
section
Port End Sealing Methods
O-ring w/ retaining ring
BSPP
Separate metal ring
surrounding o-ring
Port End Sealing Methods
Bonded Seal
BSPP
Elastomer bonded to metal
ring

Port End Sealing Methods
Soft Metal Seal
BSPP
Seal material usually copper


Port End Sealing Methods
Cutting Face Seal
BSPP
Sharp edge on fitting coins
spotface for sealing
Limited reusability
Useful for extreme
temperatures


Port End Sealing Methods
Female Port
Taper threads
Available with
NPT/NPTF (SAE 476)
BSPT (DIN 3852-2)
Metric taper (DIN 3852-1)

Port End Sealing Methods
Taper threads
Sealing initiated by
thread interference
Additional sealant usually
required
Prone to fatigue failure
Port End Sealing Methods
Four bolt flange
Code 61/62
SAE J518, ISO 6162
Very effective for large
size high pressure
applications
Tube/Hose End
Sealing Methods
Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose Ends
O-ring face seal (flat face seal)
37 flare
45 flare
24 flareless
JIS 30 flare and 60 cone
BSI (BSPP) 60 cone
NPSM/NPT

Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose End
O-ring face seal
SEAL-LOK
SAE J1453
ISO 8434-3
UN/UNF Thread
Hose,Inch or
metric tube

Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose End
37 flare (JIC 37)
SAE J514
ISO 8434-2
UN/UNF Thread
Hose, Inch or
metric tube
Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose End
45 flare (SAE 45)
SAE J512
UN/UNF Thread
Hose, Inch tube
Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose End
24 flareless (Parker Ferulok)
SAE J514
UN/UNF Thread
Hose, Inch Tube
Tube End Identification
Tube/Hose End
24 flareless
(Parkers EO style fitting)
DIN 2353
ISO 8434-1
Metric Thread
Hose, Metric Tube
3 pressure series


Tube End Identification
Hose End
JIS Cone
B8363
BSPP Thread
60 cone
Hose connection


Tube End Identification
Hose End
JIS Flare
(Japanese)
B8363
BSPP Thread
30 flare
Hose connection


Tube End Identification
Hose End
Komatsu Flare
Metric Thread
1.5 mm pitch (all
sizes)
30 flare
Hose connection


Tube End Identification
Hose/Port End
BSPP cone
BS B5200
BSPP thread
60 cone
Hose connection

Tube End Identification
Hose/Port End
NPTF/NPSM
SAE J516
NPT/NPTF male thread
NPSM female thread
30 chamfer or 60 cone
Hose connection


JIS and BSPP 60
Cone Fittings
JIS and BSPP 60 Cone Fittings
Differences
Thread length
Chamfer diameter
Undercut area
Interchangeability?