Easy Peasy: The differences between weldolet, sockolet, and threadolet.

If you’ve been trying to understand what weldolet, sockolet, and threadolet are but still can’t figure out what their differences are, you’ve come to the right place. Read on and I will tell you the differences between weldolet, socket, and threadolet as I would explain them to my daughter.

What are weldolet, sockolet, and threadolet?

Before going into the details of each of these parts, it is important to know that they are part of a piping system and are used to make connections between the main pipe of the system and the corresponding branches of the system.
In other words, they are pieces that replace traditional connections such as elbows and TE’s for 90 and 45-degree branches.

The main features of connections such as weldolet, sockolet, and threadolet include:

• They are smaller in size than traditional tees, elbows, crosses etc, so they take up less space in the system.
• They are welded to the main pipe and to connect to the branches they can be welded or threaded.
• They are usually forged in different materials such as carbon steel A105, stainless steel 316, steel and nickel alloys such as Alloy20.

Of the above features, the one that offers the biggest difference is the way they are connected to the corresponding shunt. Let’s look at each in detail to better understand what their differences are.

Weldolet (BW-OUTLET)

The weldolet is considered the most popular of the group and is often classified as a buttweld type connection (BW buttweld). This classification refers to its beveled outlet that is butt-welded to the branch pipe during installation.
The weldolet is ideal for replacing a tee on 90-degree branches with a reinforced connection that protects the branch pipe by reducing stress concentration due to its shape and size.
Its beveled ends allow an easy installation by BW welding on the previously cut main and on the branch pipe which will have an internal diameter or Schedule generally smaller or equal to the weldolet.
Note that in some cases a short and long radius connection at 90 and 180 degrees will be required which cannot be achieved with the weldolet.
In such cases, a part known as Elbolet is used, whose name comes from the English word “elbow” which means elbow and which allows this type of connections with butt weld or even threaded. The main applications are generally found in thermal wells and instrumentation connections.

Sockolet (SW-OUTLET)

Its name comes from the type of weld used to make the connection between the main and the branch using this piece, SW socket weld. Like the weldolet, this connection is a great alternative for TE’s in 90-degree taps.
Aside from the type of weld used, the main difference with the weldolet is that the sockolet is typically used for applications with lower pressures and smaller pipe diameters.

Threadolet (THD-OUTLET)

Although the difference is one letter, it is important to note that the thredolet is the same connection. The name suggests the main characteristic of this connection since “thread” means thread. In a simple way, it could be said that a threadolet is exactly the same as the weldolet with the main difference being that it connects to the branch pipe through a thread.
Another difference of the threadolet with respect to the weldolet is the fact that it is used in applications with much lower pressures and smaller diameters.
The thread of this type of connection is generally of the NPT type according to ASME B1.20.1 specifications.
But, if they are just an alternative, why use a different type of connection than the classic elbows and TE’s? Well, let me tell you about it.

Benefits of using alternatives like weldolet, sockolet, threadolet and elbolet

Although most of the connections made with these alternatives could also be achieved with TE’s and elbows, the fact is that using a weldolet, sockolet, threadolet or elbolet brings a number of benefits, among which the following stand out:

• Reduced welding work. While a weld requires 3 welds with these parts only 2 are needed.
• As a result of the first and thanks to the design of these connections, the installation is faster.
• They require less space, which allows greater flexibility when designing the piping system.
• These fittings do not generate restrictions in the flow thanks to their funnel-shaped design. This design allows the flow to have a smooth transition between the main and the branch.

Weldolet, sockolet, threadolet and elbolet with Red Fluid

At this point, it should be noted that all these connections are also classified in the group of fittings. Red Fluid offers a series of ASME B16.11 fittings for pressures of 3000, 6000, and 9000 psi.
And if you don’t think any of the standard fittings we offer to meet the requirements for your application or your customers’ needs, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We have 35 years of experience manufacturing custom parts, from valves to adapters to fittings like the ones I’ve described so far. In short, if we don’t have it in stock, we make it.
If you need your part made to measure, send us the manufacturing request right now here.

Final recommendations

If you need any of the weldolet, sockolet, threadolet, or elbolet connections, I recommend that you have the following information available when preparing your order:

• Range of possible system main pipe sizes.
• Size of the branch pipe to be connected (NPS).
• Inside diameter or Schedule of the branch pipe.
• Type of connection (weldolet, sockolet, threadolet or elbolet) in case you already have it defined.
• Type and grade of material.

With this information, you will be able to order your connections without any problem. However, if you are not sure and would like to clear up any doubts to make sure you get what you really need, contact us through this link and we will be glad to answer you within 2 working days.