Pipe cutting is the process of cutting pipes without deforming them. It is done using hand tools or larger machines and is used by plumbers, construction workers, and home improvement enthusiasts. Pipe profiling is another term for pipe cutting, which involves removing a specific portion of a pipe to join it to another pipe or […]
Pipelaying involves installing and aligning pipes for transportation of materials above ground, below ground, and underwater. It requires skilled workers and specialized equipment. Pipes can be made of steel or iron and are chosen based on the substance they will carry. Underwater pipelaying is more difficult and requires diving techniques. Pipelines deteriorate over time and […]
Shell and tube heat exchangers use bundles of tubes to transfer heat between fluids. Two types of tube bundles, straight and U-shaped, are used. The U-tube layout is easier to disassemble for maintenance and copes well with high temperature differentials. A shell and tube is a dense collection of tubes used as a radiating core […]
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a standardized measurement used in North America to describe pipe size, while other regions use the metric nominal diameter (DN) measurement system. The “schedule” of a pipe refers to the thickness of the walls, which can impact the inside diameter. Nominal tube size information can be printed on a tube […]
A pipehead is a mechanical fitting on the lower section of a wellhead above the liner holder and spool, with a profiled internal surface for the hose hook. The Christmas tree is attached to the top of the pipehead, and the wellhead assembly consists of the pipe head, hanger section, and Christmas tree. The pipehead […]
Pipefitters can join a union to gain greater protections and benefits, access union jobs, and receive training and education. The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters is a notable example. Unions also lobby for industry-wide laws and assist members in disputes with employers through collective bargaining. Membership requires paying dues and meeting professional qualifications. A […]
Discharge tubes contain electrodes in a gas chamber, generating voltage and current from chemical reactions. They emit light and act as electrical switches, with neon and xenon commonly used for illumination. Hot cathodes emit electrons through heat, while cold cathodes emit light without heating. A discharge tube is an object that contains a certain arrangement […]
Briar pipes are made from the roots of Erica arborea, a plant native to the Mediterranean. The wood is durable, fireproof, and porous, making it ideal for pipes. Briar pipes can be hand-carved or mass-produced and come in various shapes and sizes. The wood is treated for up to two years before carving. A briar […]
A pipe dream is an unrealistic plan or scheme that is unlikely to succeed. It can be a technological invention, like a perpetual motion machine, or a social aspiration, like marrying a crush. The term originated from opium dens in the early 20th century and is dismissive. However, some pipe dreams have become reality due […]
A pipe welder joins different types of metal pipes using a soldering machine, requiring significant skill and training. They must read blueprints, cut and prepare pipes, and wear safety equipment. Education requirements vary, but an apprenticeship is common. They may also install controls and fixtures and troubleshoot piping systems. A pipe welder is a professional […]
