3" sched 80 propane pipe. socket fittings??

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I have another 3" propane pipe job coming up. Up till now i always did open grove welded joints.this customer wants to use socket type joints.I am presuming that the socket type fitting do not pass code for that application, since the other plumbing companies did not use them (i just fit and weld them, as a sub)Can anyone throw any light on this for me. I tried to look up the code book.... but didnt find anything yet.pipe will hold 2-3 psi of LPG when done.job has to comply with Mass building code.ThanksG
Reply:check mass building code maybe? i use socket weld all the time i don't like them much but whatever. they are easier to weld (fillet vs grove). i see them in steam lines most of the time so they sure are up to 3 psi of lpg. the biggest problem is $$ and the fact that they are way bulky
Reply:Socket welds are fine for pressure application, we use them allot for even 1500+ lbs, it just needs to be the right schedule of fittings.
Reply:Can't speak to the Mass Building Code issue, but in the power generation industry, socket welds are used all the time, up to 3000 psi.
Reply:Dont know about Mass Code either, but We've used socket fittings on high pressure gas mains, it was spec'd by project engineer... Likely to eliminate and protrusions in pipe. 125 lbs Nat Gas.Now that Im thinking, we also burned 6010 the whole way out....I understand the want to do it right the first time, but if your the Sub, do like we do, As Directed...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:The answer I get from most plumbing inspectors in this state is "As long as it doesn't leak I don't care". It is up to the plumber that hired you to make sure it is code compliant, your just there to weld the joints. Socket fittings are tough, I have used them on 300# steam, and 150# pump systems with no problems.Last edited by TozziWelding; 05-02-2011 at 06:46 PM.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Recently went through a bunch of hooha with hydraulic socket joints so thought id throw my 2 cents in.   Sockets are only preferred for ease of fitting, in that you need a much less skilled pipe fitter to make lots of turns and runs in piping ( a 1/4 can be a big deal with butt weld elbows, and not make a damn with sockets.)   A major plant did a study in which 80% of 'good' (dont know what standard that is) welders who could make perfect butt welds all day would blow socket welds.   You prob know your business but it might be a good idea to invest in some 'gap-o-lets', which are a crimped washer that ensure that the 1/16th gap is in the socket to allow for expansion, they are required on some jobs. We were running stainless hydraulic pipings and we had leaks in ohhh, 90% of them. Think that was the welders but they had done quality work with other fittings so be aware it can be a problem for people used to butt welds.    There seems to be a lot of disagreement on this issue in industry. It would be nice to have a discussion on this, as it comes up alot.
Reply:Our company forbids gap-o-lets, as they can deteriorate in service and come apart and get into the flow stream. Not saying that they aren't good in certain applications.
Reply:Thanks for the replies guys.Tozzi was right.... im just there to weld it together. "paid from the neck down" strikes a bell.the company boss indicated that he was planning socket joints. i dont care much, but i am grateful to learn that you need to leave room for expansion in socket joints.  Thanks.MickLA.  interesting that good welders have problems with socket fittings.I'd think it would be much easier and quicker with the sockets, but i never tried them.Someone inferred that the socket joints were a lot mare expensive than butts.anyone know how much more??i'll let you all know. ASME section 9 test tomorrow.think its been 25 years since my last pipe test........like riding a bike. eh!G
Reply:update:Passed my "monster coupon " today1 3/4" ID x 5/8" wall. 6GTig root n hot.7018 out.visual and 4 bends.Hope this customer dosnt get socket joints now. loli have some pics on my phone ill stick them on a new thread soon.G
Reply:Good job!
Reply:You do that down at Triangle?Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingYou do that down at Triangle?
Reply:Congrats on passing your test!!!  Hope this is in time to help you.  Some hints for socket welds:  Leaving a gap for expansion between the end of the pipe & the land inside the fitting is hugely important; if there isn't enough the fitting-or the pipe-can split.  I set the fitting all the way onto the pipe, then rock it down as far as it will go.  There will be a little bit of wiggle room.  Tack it on top, then rock it up to square it to the pipe, tack it on the bottom.  Then square it side to side & tack the sides.  Works every time, quick, easy, idiot resistant.  When I was building power plants we used them a lot.  Used 1/8" 5P (6010) for the root then 3/32" 7018 to weld it out.  No need to change the settings on the machine that way.  Never had any problems using this procedure.  Good luck.