Hammer head unions

Types of hammer head unions

Hammer head unions are connector pieces used in piping systems to form separate joints. Also called hammerhead pipe fittings or connectors, head unions, or hammer unions, they are designed with male and female threads on the ends to connect firmly. Generally, hammer head unions refer to those fittings that look like the union of pipes (two pipes with perpendicular overlap). But in a wider sense, it can also refer to any connecting pieces that can connect two pipes at an angle.

Hammer head unions come in different types based on the materials used to make them, the pressure rating, the application, and whether they are male/female or union/plug/etc.

• Material: Hammer head pipe fittings can be made of various materials to achieve different features and meet multiple environmental needs. Normally, carbon steel union fittings are used for low-pressure, non-corrosive air service applications. For high-pressure pipes, stainless steel hammer unions overhead are frequently used for high-pressure, corrosive fluids or gas service applications due to their high tensile strength.
• Pressure rating: This feature refers to the pressure rating of hammer unions, which literally indicates the maximum pressure the hammer union can withstand. In general, this may be a critical factor for selecting a type of hammer union among many available. Low-pressure hammer unions with a pressure rating of Class 150 or 300 are preferred for standard services for gases or liquids. At the same time, those with a pressure rating of 600 are better choices for medium pressure. For higher pressure class unions, heavy-duty services, or deep-water activities, the best selection is to pick up unions with a pressure rating of 10000 or 20000.
• Applications: Hammer unions are widely used in various fields. A common scenario is connecting two pipes for a spray nozzle in a fire protection system. In this case, it is more frequent to use low-pressure hammer unions. On the other hand, high-pressure hammer unions are predominantly used in oil and gas industries for wellhead and tubing connections. For example, they are primarily utilized in pipeline construction, water treatment industries, or mining for underground water transportation in the mineral extraction industry.
• Differences between male and female hammer unions: Male hammer unions have external threads, while female hammer unions have internal threads. Both hammer unions can connect two pipes at an angle.

Specifications and maintenance of hammer head unions

Specifications

• Size: The union's size can be classified into different nominal sizes from 1/2" to 12", which correspond to a specific diameter.
• Pressure ratings: Hammer unions have pressure ratings from class 3000, 6000, and 10000 psi to super class 20000 psi. Among them, the hammer unions with class 10000 and 20000 psi are often called heavy hammers.
• Material: The hammer head union material is based on carbon steel, which has good strength and durability, and is suitable for high-pressure environments. Some unions may also use stainless steel for better corrosion resistance.
• Structure: Hammer head unions usually include a male end, a female end, and a nut. The male end and female end are connected by the nut for quick connection and disconnection.
• Sealing method: The sealing method of the hammer head union is usually an elastomeric O-ring (seal ring) or other sealing components. These sealing components provide reliable sealing performance to prevent leakage.

Maintenance

Maintenance of hammer head unions is crucial to ensure their proper functioning, longevity, and reliable sealing. Here are some tips for hammer head union maintenance:

• Regular inspection: Regularly inspect the hammer head union to check for signs of damage, wear, or leakage. Observe if there are cracks, deformations, or abrasive marks on the union. If any issues are found, take immediate repair or replacement actions.
• Cleaning: Clean the hammer head union and remove dirt, oil stains, and other contaminants. Use appropriate cleaning agents and tools to avoid damaging the union. Pay attention to the cleaning of the sealing surface to ensure good sealing performance during reassembly.
• Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricants to the sealing components, such as O-rings or sealing threads, of the hammer head union. Lubricants can reduce friction during the union's use, thus prolonging the sealing components' life.
• Proper assembly and disassembly: When assembling or disassembling the hammer head union, ensure that the correct tools and techniques are used. Avoid excessive force or impact, which may cause damage to the union.
• Pay attention to compatibility: Ensure that the lubricants or sealing materials used are compatible with the materials of the hammer head union to avoid chemical reactions or mutual damage.
• Store properly: For the unused hammer head union, keep it in a clean, dry, and ventilated environment. Avoid exposure to sunlight or high-temperature places. Besides, store it away from hazardous substances and pollutants to prevent contamination or damage.

Scenarios

Various industries and businesses use the following applications of hammer unions:

• Oil and Gas Industry

  Workers utilize hammer unions for drilling operations. They use it to make high-pressure fluid connections between pipes, valves, and hoses in the oil fields. They also use hammer unions for pressure testing of equipment, well head control, and fluid transfer.

• Construction

  The construction industry uses hammer unions to make quick connections for water and air compressors. They also use the unions for pressure testing plumbing systems and making connections for pumping services.

• Hydraulic Systems

  Technicians use hammer unions in hydraulic equipment for pump and hose connections. They also use hammer unions for flow regulation in high-pressure hydraulic systems.

• Mining Industry

  Hammer unions help workers to make quick connections for high-pressure water transfer in the mining industry. Workers also use hammer unions for maintaining and servicing hydraulic mining equipment.

• Marine Industry

  The marine industry uses hammer unions in offshore platforms and supply vessels. They use the unions for making high-pressure fluid transfer connections.

• Refineries and Chemical Plants

  Technicians use hammer unions for maintaining and servicing refineries' high-pressure pumps and valves. They use the unions for chemical transfer, equipment maintenance, and pressure testing piping systems.

• Firefighting Services

  Firefighting services use hammer unions to make connections for high-pressure water hoses at fire scenes. They also use the unions for establishing water supply from hydrants and pumps.

How to choose hammer head unions

Before ordering hammer unions for sale or wholesale, it is essential to understand the available types and how to maximize product features for target customers.

• Apparatus or Equipment they will use their service:

  The operator apparatus or equipment the client is going to utilize will couple or are going to couple with the client service. It's also necessary to establish the apparatus or equipment's pressure rating and size. Analyze the hammer union's specifications to see if it meets the apparatus pressure rating and size.

• Industries the Clients Service:

  Different occupations use different types of hammer unions. For instance, oil and gas hammer unions are used in the oil and gas industry to connect pipes, especially in drilling operations. If the client operates in that industry, there is a possibility they will be interested in an oil and gas hammer union. However, if they are in the waterworks industry, they will be interested in a hammer union used to connect pipes within the water industry.

• Size and Pressure Rating:

  As mentioned above, it's essential to consider the size and pressure rating of the hammer head unions. If the diameter matches the customer's needed equipment or pipeline diameters, the service won't be functional. Also, ensure the pressure rating aligns with the customer's application requirement, as the target customer's application will be different, especially in the oil and gas industry.

• Material and Coating:

  Investigate the material and coating to determine their suitability for the final customers' applications. For instance, if a customer works with an aggressive medium that will touch the hammer union, they'll likely require a union with a corrosion-resistant coating or material. Consider those unions that will suffice in an aggressive environment.

• Compliance with Standards:

  Ensure that the unions selected comply with relevant industry standards. Consider those unions that meet established norms, as that will offer assurance that they are of sufficient quality and safety standards. More importantly, unions that comply with the relevant industry regulations will connect with the end customers.

Q&A

Q1: Why should buyers invest in quality hammer unions?

A1: Quality hammer union heads offer low fluid leakage, easy disassembly, operational flexibility, high safety standards, economic longevity, and high resistance to environmental threats.

Q2: Do all oil and gas industries use hammer unions?

A2: No. Not all industries use hammer unions. The unions are mainly in industries that extract oil. Other industries that could use unions include the water extraction industry and the chemical processing one.

Q3: What is the alternative to a hammer union?

A3: Hammer unions are reliable and effective. Nonetheless, the hammer union alternatives include digener and clamp fittings. The aforementioned alternatives are not as effective as the hammer union.

Q4: Can someone repair a damaged hammer union?

A4: Generally, fittings with minor damage can be repaired. However, if the hammer union has damage that could compromise safety, it is best to replace it.