A 90° fitting with an internal female thread on one side and a compression end on the pipe side, used to change the flow direction and to quickly connect polyethylene pipe to valves, manifolds, and other threaded fittings. Easy installation, reliable sealing, and the ability to open/close repeatedly make this fitting a popular choice for agricultural irrigation, municipal and landscape water supply, light building services, and cold process lines.
What is a PE Compression Female Elbow (One-Side Pipe)?
This part consists of a 90° angled body with a female thread on one side (to connect to a valve or male fitting) and a compression system on the other side so that, without welding, the polyethylene pipe—based on its outer diameter (OD)—is gripped and sealed. In common construction:
- Body and compression nut: Reinforced polypropylene with suitable dimensional stability.
- Retaining/grab ring: Provides mechanical grip on the pipe.
- Bush or pressure ring: Distributes the clamping pressure evenly.
- Sealing O-ring: Usually NBR or EPDM for axial sealing.
- Internal threaded insert: In some models brass or engineering plastic to increase thread strength.
Advantages and Applications
- Fast installation without complex tools and without flame/welding.
- Can be disassembled, serviced, and reused.
- Excellent resistance to corrosion and scaling compared to metals.
- Compatible with a wide range of polyethylene pipes in common sizes.
- Suitable for cold water lines, drip and sprinkler irrigation, raw water transfer, and landscape uses.
- Reliable sealing with O-ring and standard threads, reducing the chance of leakage.
Typical Technical Specifications
The following values are common in the market and may vary slightly by manufacturer.
| Pipe OD (mm) | Female Thread (inch) | Nominal Pressure (PN) | Angle | Female Thread Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1/2″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP parallel (ISO 228-1) or tapered (ISO 7-1) |
| 25 | 3/4″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP |
| 32 | 1″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP |
| 40 | 1¼″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP |
| 50 | 1½″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP |
| 63 | 2″ | PN16 | 90° | BSP |
| 75 | 2½″ | PN12.5–16 | 90° | BSP |
| 90 | 3″ | PN10–16 | 90° | BSP |
| 110 | 4″ | PN10–16 | 90° | BSP |
Common operating temperature range: approximately 0 to 40–45 °C for water; use at higher temperatures or with aggressive media must be confirmed by the manufacturer.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Cut the pipe cleanly with a suitable cutter/saw and remove burrs. A light 10–15° chamfer on the pipe edge is recommended.
- Clean the outer pipe surface and parts; prevent sand/dirt from entering the fitting.
- Loosen the nut and remove parts in order: nut, grip ring, bush/ring, and O-ring (in some models the O-ring is fixed inside the body).
- Place the parts on the pipe in exactly the same order.
- Mark the insertion depth: push the pipe to the end of the body chamber and mark the pipe to ensure full insertion.
- Tighten the nut: first hand-tight to stop; then at most an additional quarter to half turn with a suitable wrench. Avoid over-tightening.
- Thread sealing: on the mating male thread, apply quality PTFE tape evenly; do not use PTFE tape on the compression side of the pipe.
- Pressure test: after venting air, slowly raise the system to operating pressure and inspect all around the joint for leaks.
Key Sealing & Safety Notes
- Pipe and fitting must be of compatible material and pressure class (e.g., PE100 or PE80 pipe with matching working pressure).
- Misalignment between pipes causes stress and leaks; use auxiliary fittings to correct routing.
- Under strong direct sunlight, use covers/shades to prolong the life of rubber seals.
- Do not subject the fitting to mechanical loads (tension/bending); use pipe supports/clamps.
Common Installation Mistakes
- Over-tightening the compression nut and crushing the O-ring.
- Slanted pipe cuts and remaining burrs.
- Excessive or poor-quality PTFE tape on threads.
- Selecting the wrong female thread size for the valve or manifold.
Size Selection & Matching Guide
In compression fittings, the nominal size is chosen by the polyethylene pipe’s outer diameter, and the female thread by the mating threaded equipment.
| Application Scenario | Pipe OD (mm) | Recommended Female Thread (inch) | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden/home irrigation | 20 | 1/2″ | Suits domestic taps and small regulators |
| Row drip irrigation | 25 | 3/4″ | Matches medium filters and solenoid valves |
| Light sprinkler irrigation | 32 | 1″ | Lower head loss over medium runs |
| Farm distribution line | 40–50 | 1¼″–1½″ | Higher flow at constant head |
| Sprinkler system riser | 63 | 2″ | Connection to main manifold or pump |
Final selection depends on design flow, working pressure, and existing project fittings.
Operating Conditions & Limitations
- Designed for cold water and non-corrosive fluids; use for hot water, steam, or compressed gases is not recommended unless approved in writing by the manufacturer.
- Observing PN class, temperature, and environmental conditions is essential for durability and safety.
Maintenance, Service & Replacement
- Periodically check for leaks, surface cracks, and nut integrity.
- If frequently disassembled, inspect the O-ring and replace if hardened/cracked.
- Wipe fine contaminants from threads and sealing surfaces with a clean cloth.
Packaging & Storage
- Store in closed packaging away from direct light.
- Avoid impacts and loads on the female thread.
- Keep in a dry warehouse free from aggressive chemicals.
Tamambaha, as one of the suppliers of this category, can provide PE compression female elbows (one-side pipe) in popular pipe sizes and thread options. With pre-purchase advice, correct sizing guidance, and suitable delivery for water-supply and irrigation projects in your area, the procurement process becomes simpler. Note that this product is available from multiple vendors in the market, and Tamambaha is a reseller—not the sole seller.
