Introduction to Olets Olet fittings (also known as branch connections or pipe branch outlet fittings)are a family of forged products used to make 45 or 90 degrees integrally reinforced branch connections (deviations) from a run pipe (also called, header pipe) to a branch pipe (outlet pipe). MSS-SP 97 is the key specification covering reinforced branch connections, introduced by Bonney Forge in the piping market more than 70 years ago. Self-reinforced branches (Olets) are designed as per Process Piping Code ASME B31.3 Branch Connection fittings (also known as O'lets) are fittings which provide an outlet from a larger pipe to a smaller one (or one of the same size). The main pipe onto which the branch connection is welded is usually called the Run or Header size. The pipe to which the branch connection provides a channel is usually called the Branch or Outlet size. Branch connections are in all sizes, types, bores, and classes, in a wide range of stainless steel, chrome-moly, and other alloys.
Installation On one side, the fittings (example a Weldolet) is fixed onto the run pipe with a full penetration groove weld and, on the other side, welded (or screwed) on the branch pipe. Of course, the header pipe shall be properly cut in the proximity of the area where the pipe needs to be branched.
Advantages
Less space is required, making the piping system design more flexible
The flow is fully unrestricted, due to the funnel design
Just 2 welds are needed, instead of 3 (less work and weld inspections)
Accelerated installation time
How To Order Branch Fittings Suppliers of Weldolets, Thredolets, Sockolets, and other branch fittings need the following information to identify the needed product: o Header run pipe size (which is generally expressed as a range of possible sizes, example 36-22)