Pipe Sleeves Key Terms

Learn the language of pipe sleeves to impress your vendors

By Howard Robertson

A pipe sleeve is a pipe fitting used in various industries, such as chemical, food processing, beverages and petroleum. Manufacturers of pipe fittings use various materials, such as iron, copper, nickel, plastic and rubber, for making pipe sleeves. These sleeves consist of a base-plate and sleeve portion and act as a pressure-relieving arch.

Whether you want to become a pipe sleeve manufacturer or distributor, you will need to understand various technical terms related to pipe sleeves that indicate their types, standards and specifications. This guide intends to familiarize you with some of the key terms of pipe sleeves, such as WYE, compression fitting, couplings and cased bore.

Compression fittings

A compression fitting is a type of pipe connection in which a nut and sleeve is placed over a tube to form a seal.
Try: For the definition of compression fitting, you can read through the glossary of technical terms at The Air Surgeon/The Drain Surgeon Company, Inc..

Couplings

A coupling is a threaded sleeve that connects two pieces of pipes. Couplings are necessary when the length of a single pipe or hose is not sufficient to cover the distribution network. However, you must be careful while connecting couplings, as improper fitting of couplings results in leakage of the system fluid.
Try: TecLogistics, a service provider in the logistics industry, offers a glossary of pipe terms.

ASTM standards

ASTM International (formerly, American Society for Testing and Materials) is a regulatory organization that provides standards for various materials and products, including pipes.
Try: You can read through scopes of various ASTM standards for plastic pipes at ASTM International’s website.

WYE

WYE sleeve is a type of drain fitting that allows one pipe to be joined to other pipes at an angle of 45 degrees. These sleeves are suitable when you want to supply the same system fluid to more than one instruments in a hydraulic or pneumatic system.
Try: Anytyme, Inc., a supplier of plumbing services, offers a glossary of plumbing terms.

Cased bore

In a cased bore, a pipe sleeve is inserted into the bore when the boring operation is performed. This saves the time to insert the pipe sleeves and assures the conformity of the sleeve with the bore.
Try: To learn more about a cased bore, you can read through the glossary of pipe terms at UKSTT (United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology), a reputable supplier of trenchless techniques.

Back reamer

A back reamer is a cutting tool that is attached to a drill rod for easy installation of the sleeve.
Try: Michael Byrne Manufacturing, a manufacturer of earth boring equipment, provides explanations for various pipe terms, including cased bore and back reamer.