Do-it-yourself heating pipe plugs. Spherical plug - how to contain any pressure? How to properly dismantle the plugs

Pipe caps can be used for a variety of purposes, from safely transporting pipes and sealing leaks, to decorative applications. Next, we describe what pipe plugs are and how to choose the right one for installation in a given situation.

Decide on the type of plugs

The choice of plugs should be based on the following factors:

• availability of fitting type;
• according to the material of manufacture;
• according to the operating conditions.

Current types of stubs

The basis for the classification of plugs is the material of their manufacture.

Plugs for steel pipes are made from the following materials:

• Metal. As a rule, it is steel and brass. These plugs are very durable, so they can be used for sewer, gas and water pipes. The downside is that such products are afraid of aggressive environments and are subject to destruction due to corrosion. See also: "".
• Plastic. These fittings do not oxidize, however, they can change their shape due to exposure to high temperatures, including direct ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Products made of polyethylene are of low cost, and can serve as an internal plug for pipes.
• Chrome steel. Such plugs are considered the most expensive. Chrome plating almost completely protects the product from corrosion. Most often used as a decorative element, for example, as an end cap for pipes in the manufacture of a fence.
• Rubber. Rubber cap for pipes is used to protect pipelines from dirt and all kinds of debris. Such plugs are not used as a retaining element, because the material is very plastic and cannot provide a strong enough fastening.

The material of the part determines the scope of the fitting.

By design, there are four types of plugs:

• Threaded plugs. Most often, metal is used as the material, sometimes plastic. It is very easy to mount such fittings, while the connection comes out strong and of high quality. The main thing is that the thread on the plug matches that on the pipe.
• Pneumatic plug. This element is mounted using a pump. After air is supplied, it increases, forming the outline of the pipe, and a hermetic closure of the end of the pipe is formed. Pneumatic plugs can be used to temporarily trim a water pipe.
• Elliptical plug. It is a metal fitting, the installation of which is carried out by welding. It can be used as a permanent plug on an unused sewer pipe.
• Flange plug. The part is made of metal and rubber. Installation is carried out using bolts and special rivets that are inserted into the prepared holes on top of the plug. It is used to close casing pipes, while such a fitting is easy to install and remove at a certain moment.
• Shipping plugs. They are needed when it is necessary to protect pipes during transportation. As a rule, the material of manufacture is plastic.
• End caps. The material of manufacture can be any. In most cases, it is used to close pipes in unused sections of pipelines to avoid clogging.

Choose the type of plug based on where they will be used.

How to choose the right plug

In order to correctly determine the type of plug, you need to consider a number of factors.

The choice of a plug, depending on the purpose of the pipe, is made in this way:

• If it is a gas pipe, then the plug must be of the highest quality. In this place, it is better to install an elliptical type of fitting, because the threaded type will not provide proper tightness and strength.
• It is better to install metal plugs on heating pipes and pipes with hot water. Due to high temperatures, rubber and plastic are likely to deform, resulting in loss of strength and leakage.
• In cold water systems, rubber, elliptical and flange plugs can be used. Make sure that their selection and subsequent installation is carried out properly.

Choosing a plug based on its purpose:

• As a temporary measure for facing, it is better to install flanged and pneumatic plugs.
• For long-term closure of the pipeline, it is better to use threaded and elliptical type products.
• Decorative caps for pipes are selected in accordance with the existing design of pipe products.

When deciding on a plug, you should consider the material of their manufacture:

• If the pipe is metal, then the plug to it must also be made of metal.
• For plastic pipes, it is best to use plastic plugs, but only if the pipes are used to supply cold water.

And another factor that determines the choice of fitting type is the section and profile of the pipe.

In this case, the selection algorithm is as follows:

• The plug for pipes with a round profile is mounted only on round pipes.
• Plugs corresponding to their shape are mounted on square and pipes with a different profile. In some cases, round plugs are installed on such pipes - but only as decorative elements.
• All plugs must match the dimensions of the pipes.

If you follow these rules, then the choice of stubs will be performed correctly.

In special cases, stubs are made independently. Before you make a cap for the pipe, you need to take a simple sheet of metal. Further, it is necessary to make all measurements, taking into account the cross section of the pipe. After installation, such plugs are finally fixed by welding.

Plug installation

Each individual type of plugs is mounted in a slightly different way due to its design features.

The main thing is to follow these rules:

1. To achieve normal tightness of the threaded connection, it is worth using some kind of sealant, for example, fum-tape.
2. If you mount a pneumatic plug, you should follow the safety rules and monitor the amount of air supplied, otherwise the part may burst.
3. The installation of an elliptical plug requires knowledge of welding work and taking into account all safety regulations when operating this device.
4. The fixing bolts of the flanged plugs must be exactly the right size with the holes drilled for them, otherwise the tightness will be broken and the plug will not function properly.

How to properly dismantle the plugs

Sometimes it becomes necessary to dismantle a particular plug.

This will require:

• stock up on all the necessary spare parts that will be required during the reconstruction or lengthening of the pipeline system;
• shut off the supply of water or gas to the system;
• if a threaded or flange type plug is mounted, then it is simply unscrewed with the available locksmith tool;
• to dismantle the elliptical plug, you need a grinder - the plug will need to be cut off;
• the pneumatic plug must be deflated.

And most importantly, when carrying out any repair work, it is strongly recommended to adhere to strict safety regulations.

In this article, we looked at what a pipe cap is, what types they are, and how best to install them in a particular case. Pipe plugs are indispensable elements during transportation and as a temporary measure to shut off the pipeline.

All fittings must be matched exactly to the size of the pipes, and used clearly for their intended purpose. During the installation and dismantling of the plugs, all safety regulations must be observed. It is also important that some types of fittings can be made at home from improvised materials.

A pipe cap can perform a variety of tasks, from closing end openings on pipelines to giving a complete decorative look to any structure.

1

Now there is a huge variety of elements of interest to us. They are divided into different groups depending on certain indicators and performance characteristics. First of all, pipe caps are classified according to the materials from which they are made. From this point of view, they are:

1. metal;
2. rubber;
3. polyethylene and plastic;
4. chromed.

Perhaps the most common today are metal plugs. They are installed on sewer and water supply steel and cast iron mains, used in pipelines through which gas is supplied. Metal products are indispensable for industrial purposes. In household networks, they are also used very actively. Metal plugs have high strength and operational reliability. But they have a serious drawback - they are prone to rust.

Therefore, now, when building household and municipal water supply networks, as well as cast-iron sewers, instead of metal plugs, they are trying to use more modern plastic plugs, which are characterized by a high degree of anti-corrosion protection. Metal plugs are most often brass and steel structures. Brass products are sufficiently resistant to corrosion manifestations. But their cost is high. Steel plugs have a lower price. But, as we said, they rust. Yes, and the installation of such products is always a time-consuming procedure.

Modern plastic drain plugs

Corrosion is not terrible for polyethylene and pipes. True, under the influence of the rays of the sun and elevated temperatures, they are able to deform. The undoubted advantage of such traffic jams is their low cost. Most often they are used as internal plugs for pipes (for profile and round ones) and as plugs for fences. Note! It is undesirable to use polyethylene and plastic plugs for.

Rubber products cannot be securely fastened. They are very plastic. Therefore, it is unrealistic to use them as holding fittings. As a rule, rubber structures are installed on various highways with one purpose. They protect sewer and water networks from getting into them debris and dirt. Rubber plugs (round and other shapes) are mounted elementarily - they are simply pushed into the pipeline in the desired area.

Steel products with a special chrome coating are a kind of ordinary metal plugs. They are decorative designs. Their appearance is shiny and radiant, ideal for adding beauty to various structures. Such decorative fittings are often used to decorate a pipe fence protecting a private area, or a fence around a public facility. Steel chrome fittings are not afraid of corrosion, characterized by a long service life. At the same time, the cost of such plugs for pipes is objectively high. This is due to the high costs of manufacturers for their production (complex technology, high cost of chrome plating).

2

The products described in the article are divided into different types depending on their design features. In this case, there are such types of plugs for pipes:

1. spherical (otherwise - elliptical);
2. pneumatic;
3. threaded;
4. shipping;
5. end;
6. flanged.

Spherical steel fittings are made from alloys 12X18H10T, 09G2S, 12X18H10T, 08X18H10 and some other metallurgical compositions. Such plugs are suitable for blocking individual sections of pipelines. In addition, they are used to equip the bottoms of various industrial tanks. Steel elliptical products are installed by welding. And they are always produced using stamping technology.

Spherical plugs can also be made of rubber. Similar designs are made in the form of an inflatable durable ball, which is equipped with a special pump with small dimensions. Such a pneumatic plug is inserted into the pipeline and then inflated with air. As a result of the expansion, the pipe opening becomes completely blocked. A simple pneumatic plug can only cost a few dollars. But the price of such products used on large industrial highways is usually in the hundreds and even thousands.

Spherical plugs for pipes

Threaded silencers are often installed on municipal and private water networks. They cost a penny, and in work they show themselves to be quite reliable products. They are installed, as the name implies, on the thread on the pipe. Threaded round plugs are plastic (rarely) and metal (the main assortment of such fittings consists of them).

Transport plugs have a one-piece elementary design, assuming the presence of simple fasteners (mechanical). They are made in the form of a kind of cap or cover.

Transportation round and profile plugs are needed to protect pipes during their transportation. The task of such products is to protect tubular products from debris. As a rule, transport plugs are made of plastic. Metal plugs are less common. Functionally, transport products are similar to end caps. The latter are mounted on unused (temporarily or permanently) sections of pipelines. They also protect pipes from clogging.

Flanged products are made of rubber or metal alloys. They are mounted with special rivets or ordinary bolts. These fasteners are placed in special holes that are cut in the upper region of the cork. The advantage of such plugs is the ability to dismantle them at any time, and then reinstall them. Everything is done quickly and without unnecessary complications.

3

The details we describe are always selected taking into account the characteristics of specific pipes and lines constructed from them. In this case, it is necessary to take into account both the functional purpose of pipelines and the material from which it is made.

1. It is undesirable to use rubber and plastic plugs for hot water pipes and heating systems. At elevated temperatures, such products can be seriously damaged. It is better to invest in more resistant metal plugs.
2. Pneumatic and threaded plugs must not be mounted on gas lines. They will not provide the required level of sealing.
3. If a plug is needed to block any type of line for a long time, it is best to use flanged or elliptical products.
4. The shape of the pipe and the plug used for it must always match. Round plugs should be installed on round pipes, and square products on profile structures.
5. Downhole pipes need to install special plugs. They are placed in the lower end of the pipe structures. Such plugs are necessary to prevent water from flowing past the filter device into the wellbore.

Special plug for borehole pipe

Separately, let's talk about the selection of plugs for the fence. Now many types of fences are built from tubular products. Therefore, this question worries many people. The choice of plugs for the fence is quite simple. If you need to close the ends of metal pipes, purchase plastic or steel products. It is desirable that they are fastened by bolted hidden connection. In this case, metal plugs will not rust for a long time.

Plastic covers to protect the ends of the fence pipes can be bought very cheaply. But we must remember that such products for the fence very quickly lose their appearance under the influence of sunlight. Yes, and they break even under frivolous mechanical loads quite often. Therefore, experts recommend always buying metal plugs to decorate the fence.

The spherical steel plug is the most important element of pipe fittings, the main function of which is to close the holes at the ends of the system.

Design and production of spherical plugs

Stamped plugs in the form of a hemisphere are produced from a sheet of metal by hydraulic extrusion of the product of the desired shape. During manufacture, a section of the sheet is heated until the desired softness is obtained, after which a piece is cut in the form of an ellipse, and after some mechanical manipulations, a future pipeline sealing element is obtained. This manufacturing method is called stamping, and thanks to this, the plugs are scientifically called also stamped. Pipe plugs are small in size and relatively light in weight, largely due to the absence of a transverse weld.

When plugs of very large sizes are required, so to speak, not running, they are not mass-produced and molds for them are not made. Such products are also called spherical bottoms. The principle of their manufacture differs from stamping and is considered almost exclusive, because these devices are made by hand, and, as a rule, by piece. The manufacturing method is called petal, because such a plug (bottom) is assembled from metal petals that are welded together. The quality depends on the number of petals, the less there are, the more virtuosic the work is considered, and the product is more reliable.

Spherical plug - applications

Spherical plugs are widely used in technological pipelines, where they allow achieving high tightness of the shut-off place. They are corrosion resistant, light weight and low cost compared to parts of similar performance. Also, this type of plugs has found wide application in the production of various types of containers, vessels, apparatuses, boilers. Thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, technological and main pipelines are the main areas where this type of stop valves is used.

Do not forget about the gas, chemical, oil refining and food industries, where the plug plays the role of protection against sudden pressure drops. As noted above, the connection is made by welding, which provides further reliable protection when used in a water or steam environment. Plugs can also be used as a temporary option, during the shutdown of pipeline branches for any operational checks or tests. This device can also be used as a dead end pipe at the point of disconnection of a certain section of the highway, when required, and close it forever.

Spherical plugs made from quality materials, as a rule, fulfill their task by 100%. Properly organized welding during installation allows you to obtain high strength of the joint, while the material remains resistant to corrosion. This device will serve for a long time and will not reduce its reliability even under mechanical stress. Spherical plugs are installed on pipelines with an outer diameter of 32 to 530 mm. It should be noted that this shutoff valve can play the role of a bottom if the pipe diameter is more than 530 mm.

In fact, the cap is the bottom in miniature. Actually, in most catalogs for such products of large diameter, the name “bottom” is used.

In addition to valves, there is another device called a spherical plug - this is a squeeze plug. This part is located in the car engine, and its function is to seal the water channels. A system of small channels runs through the cylinder block and allows the engine to cool while it is running, and the holes that go out on the sides of the engine are just closed with spherical plugs. Each time such a cooling jacket is cleaned, the squeeze plugs are replaced with new ones because they are unthreaded and cannot be reused.

Spherical pipe plugs - installation rules

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing spherical plugs. First of all, the conditional pressure and the working environment where the plug will be installed. They are fundamental parameters, since the ability of the stub to fulfill its obligations will depend on their correct choice. Also, do not confuse spherical and elliptical products, although they belong to the same type, but the ellipse is just a modified sphere, even the manufacture of these devices meets the same GOST, and they are often indicated as interchangeable, they especially like to confuse names, indicating one of them in brackets as a clarification. Naturally, they differ in radius, for a spherical type of plug it is the only one.

When carrying out installation, it is worth paying attention to the material of the seam, it should eventually have the same mechanical properties as the plug, for reliable further operation of the resulting constipation. Like the base material of the plug, it should tend to be free of intergranular corrosion. It is very important to choose not only a plug, but also materials for the seam, all of which must meet the requirements of GOST. These are, as a rule, electrodes with a special stainless coating and welding wire; it is better to purchase them in the same place with a plug. The ideal thing is to find a reliable supplier who can sell it all at once.

For even greater strength of the connection, a special sealing element in the form of a small cavity should be provided in the design. In the absence of a stamped plug of the required size, it is allowed to install an element of a different diameter (usually smaller) with a special adapter. All welds must be made with full penetration on both sides, preferably with UONI-13 electrodes, and not less than 3-4 layers. Spherical plugs on the main pipelines are installed with the convex part outward. The base material with this connection works in tension. It is not recommended to install spherical plugs with inward curvature.

The cylinder block itself did not burst. The fact is that the transformation of the coolant, which is in the cooling jacket, into ice leads to the fact that the iced liquid expands. This causes the block to overstress and may lead to cracks.

The plugs on the engine are actually plugs that are tightly planted in the technological holes in the block and, under normal conditions, provide the cooling system with proper tightness. However, if the coolant or water inside the BC freezes, then the increased pressure squeezes the plugs out of the cylinder block, keeping the block itself intact after defrosting.

Also, during the operation of the vehicle, a situation often arises when the coolant flows through the plugs. It is often possible to find that the plugs of the block have rusted, that is, they have been destroyed due to corrosion. In one case or another, these elements must be replaced. Next, we will look at how to change the engine block plugs.

Read in this article

Antifreeze or antifreeze flows through the plug: replacing the plug in the engine block with your own hands

Let's start with the fact that the problem of coolant leakage through the plugs is most common on older domestic cars. However, this malfunction does not bypass various foreign cars. To restore the tightness of the cooling system in the event that it flows through the plug in the block, the specified plug must be changed. Let's consider such a replacement using the example of a VAZ car.

So, the plug (cup plug of the engine block) is installed in six places. Five of the larger plugs are 40mm in diameter and one slightly smaller is 25mm in diameter. You need to change the plugs in a certain sequence.

Before replacing, in addition to the new plugs themselves, it is necessary to prepare:

• hammer;
• chisel;
• screwdriver
• pliers;
• sandpaper;
• sealant;

Experts, regardless of the type of engine and season, recommend using only high-quality antifreeze or antifreeze diluted with distilled water in the right proportions, but not running or even distilled water.

You also need to remember that any antifreeze has a limited service life (maximum 4 years), it is also forbidden to mix different types of coolant with each other. Still using to flush the engine cooling system.

Read also

Why does engine oil get into antifreeze: the main causes of this malfunction. What will happen to the engine if oil is found in antifreeze or antifreeze.

Reasons why coolant starts to flow. How to find the place of leakage of antifreeze or antifreeze yourself. Useful tips and tricks.

Pipe plugs can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They are most commonly used for the safe transport of pipes, to prevent leaks, and as decorative elements. What are the plugs and how to choose a device that meets certain requirements, read on.

Choice of plugs

The choice of plugs should be based on several factors:

• type of fitting;
• selection of the material from which the plug is made;
• application rules.

What types of plugs exist

First of all, the classification of plugs is carried out according to the material from which the devices can be made. The following materials are used:

• Metal. The most popular are plugs made of steel and brass. The metal cap for pipes is strong enough, so it can be used for gas and sewer pipes. The only drawback is the susceptibility to corrosion.

• Plastic and polyethylene. Such fittings are not subject to corrosion, however, they can be deformed under the influence of high temperatures and sunlight. The plastic plug is not expensive and can be used as an internal plug for pipes.

• Chromed metal. The plug of this material is the most expensive. It is practically not subject to corrosion. Mainly used as a decorative element. For example, plugs on pipes for a fence.

• Rubber. Rubber plugs for pipes are used to protect pipelines from dirt and debris. As a holding element, as a rule, they are not used, as they are very plastic and cannot be securely fastened.

The scope of the fitting depends on the material of manufacture.

According to the design features, all plugs can be divided into four types:

• pneumatic plug. The device is installed using a pump that supplies air. During the period of air supply, the plug increases and takes the form of a pipe, thereby reliably closing the passage of gases or liquids. Pneumatic fitting can be used as a plug on a water pipe to temporarily block the flow of fluid;

• elliptical plug - a metal fitting that is installed using welding. Can be used as a permanent plug on a sewer pipe in an unused pipeline;

• flange plug. The product can be made of metal or rubber. The fitting is installed using bolts or specialized rivets, for which there are special holes in the upper part of the plug. The fitting can be used as a casing pipe plug, as it is not only easy to install, but also dismantle at the right time.

In addition, there are:

• transport plugs necessary for the safety of pipes during transportation. Preferably made of plastic;

• end caps. Pipe end caps can be made from any material. It is mainly used to prevent clogging of pipes and sections of unused pipelines.

The choice of plug design should be based on the purpose of the product.

Fitting selection rules

To choose the right plug, you need to rely on many factors. The selection algorithm looks like this:

1. The most important factor is the purpose of the pipe:
   • the plug on the gas pipe should be as reliable as possible. For this purpose, elliptical fittings are mainly used, since the threaded connection is considered less durable;
   • metal fittings are used for and hot water supply systems. From the high temperature of the passing liquid, rubber and plastic products can be deformed, which significantly reduces the degree of strength of the plug;
   • for water supply systems, you can use threaded, elliptical and flange plugs, the main thing is that they are correctly selected and installed.

1. In the next step, the choice of stub should be based on its purpose:
   • for temporary blocking, it is more expedient to use flange and pneumoplugs;
   • for long-term restriction of the pipeline, it is recommended to use threaded and elliptical devices;
   • decorative cap on the pipe must match the design of the product.

1. When choosing a plug, it is important to consider the material from which the pipe is made:
   • the plug of a cast-iron pipe, as well as for any other made of metal, must also be metal;
   • for plastic pipes, it is more expedient to use plastic plugs if the pipes are not used for hot water supply.

1. The last factor influencing the choice of fitting is the size and shape of the pipes:
2. plugs for round pipes can only be installed on round pipes;
3. square tube plugs and other forms of shaped tubes are installed on the corresponding tubes. They can rarely be used for round pipes, but only as decorative elements;
4. each plug must fully comply with the dimensions of the pipe.

If you follow these rules, then choosing a plug will not be difficult.

In some cases, you can not purchase plugs, but make them yourself. For example, do-it-yourself plugs for profile pipes can be made from an ordinary sheet of metal by making a cut of the same size and section. Homemade plugs are installed by welding.

Plug installation

Now consider how to put a cap on the pipe. In most cases, this operation does not cause difficulties even for people who do not have special knowledge.

An external plug for pipes is installed based on its design features. When installing fittings, the following rules must be followed:

1. it is advisable to use a sealing material to seal threaded connections. For example, fum-tape is optimal for water supply pipes;

1. when installing a pneumatic plug, safety rules and control of the amount of incoming air are required. Otherwise, the device may "burst";
2. if an elliptical plug is mounted, then the fitting installer must know the simplest welding methods and strictly observe the safety precautions when working with the welding machine;
3. for flanged plugs, the fixing bolts must exactly match the dimensions of the prepared holes. Otherwise, the stub will not perform its function.

You can watch the video on the selection and installation of plugs using the example of fence pipes.

Removing the plugs

To remove temporary plugs, you must:

• prepare all the elements necessary for the reconstruction or extension of the pipeline;
• stop the supply of water or gas to the pipeline;
• if a flange or threaded plug is installed, then it is simply unscrewed using locksmith tools;
• the elliptical plug is cut off by a grinder;
• the pneumatic plug just deflates.

Pipe plugs are widely used for transportation and temporary limitation of pipeline capacity. Each fitting must be precisely matched in size and purpose. Installation and removal of plugs is carried out in strict observance of the rules and safety regulations. Also, the limiter can be made independently from improvised means.