What is the difference between pipe fittings and pipe accessories?

   First Paragraph: Pipe Fittings

        Pipe fittings are components used to directly connect pipe sections and alter the flow path or fundamental structure of a piping system. They serve as the core "joints" and "connectors" that define the layout of the pipeline network. The primary functions of fittings include changing flow direction (e.g., elbows), adjusting pipe diameter (e.g., reducers), splitting or merging fluid streams (e.g., tees, crosses), and terminating or connecting pipe segments (e.g., caps, plugs, couplings, unions). In essence, fittings determine the physical route and connections for fluid flow within the system. Common examples include: elbows, tees, reducers, couplings, unions, caps, plugs, and nipples.

    Second Paragraph: Pipe Accessories

        Pipe accessories provide additional functionality, control, support, protection, or monitoring for the piping system. They do not define the fluid’s flow path but instead act upon or serve the pipeline network (composed of pipes and fittings) or the fluid within it. Key functions include controlling fluid flow (e.g., valves), supporting pipe weight (e.g., hangers/supports), absorbing thermal expansion/vibration (e.g., expansion joints), filtering impurities (e.g., strainers), preventing heat loss (e.g., insulation), measuring parameters (e.g., flow meters, pressure gauges), and ensuring leak-proof connections (e.g., flanges, gaskets). Accessories can be seen as components that equip the system with "capabilities" (valves for control), "skeletal support" (hangers), "sensing" (instruments), and "protective layers" (insulation, guards). Typical accessories include: valves, flanges, supports & hangers, expansion joints, strainers, insulation, gaskets, and instruments.

   Core Distinction Summary:

     Fittings are foundational elements that construct the flow path and connections (determining "how the route is formed").

     Accessories add functionality, control, support, and protection (providing "capabilities and safeguards").

     SHANDONG EPOCH EQUIPMENT CO., LTD. is a large-scale professional manufacturer in Shandong Province of China, adheres to the orientation of science and technology, environmental protection, quality and efficiency. At present, it has grown into a trans-regional and multi-industrial enterprise integrating such wide industries as design, development, production and export. Visit our website at https://www.epochpipeline.com/ to learn more about our products. For inquiries, you can reach us at sdepochwater@hotmail.com.