Piping systems have been vital to a functioning of society for over 150 years. In the United States, it’s believed that the first oil pipeline was built in 1862 in Pennsylvania.

One helpful component of installing a piping system is forged steel fittings. There are different types of them that help to blank off pipe ends. Here are a few of the different types of forged steel fittings you should know about.

1. Cap

A pipe cap is used as a protective device to protect pipe ends of different shapes. They’re inserted over the end of a pipe, and it terminates flow. They can close the ends of pneumatic or hydraulic tubes and pipes. They’re one of the most highly demanded fittings used to blank off pipe ends. The way pipe caps can be added is through directly welding them to die at the end of the pipeline.

If there’s any interest in a future connection point, solvent-weld caps are used. It’s important to have several inches of pipe left before the cap. Once the cap is cut off to create the future connection, there has to be enough pipe available in order to allow the new fitting to be secured.

2. Plug

Pipe plugs are similar to caps in that they’re inserted at the end of a pipe. They come in various head types such as a hex shape, round shape, or square shape. They can be used for blocking the ends of pipes to prevent contaminants or dirt from entering pipelines while it’s being repaired.

3. Blind flange

Another type of forged steel item is a flange. Blind flanges are used to block off an unused section of a pipe or nozzle. Nozzles are usually blanked off for pressure tests at a plant, or sometimes because a company doesn’t need all the nozzles that are supplied on the tank.

Blind flanges can be placed at the end of a valve to help ensure that the accidental opening of a valve won’t cause the process fluid to escape. Additionally, they allow for easier access to the pipe in the event that work needs to be done inside the line. Blind flanges are commonly used for high-pressure applications.

Piping systems can require significant work to maintain. It’s important to have the right tools to keep them functioning properly. Each of these fittings can be useful to blank off pipe ends and help maintain a piping system.