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Pipe Terminology
3

Pipe Terminology

Pipe Terminology

(OP)
In a potable water system, say a 12" watermain, what is the correct way to refer to a short piece of pipe, say between fitting, etc. Pipe spool is something that is made in the factory to a specified length, but I'm talking about something that is likely going to be fabricated / cut in the field for fit-up. I don't believe a "nipple" is correct either for something like a 12" dia DIP. Is there an industry standard for a short piece of field fabricated piece of pipe required to fit up a particular connection or assembly? Thank you.

RE: Pipe Terminology

3
Generally it's called a "pup piece".

No idea why but that's what everyone calls it!

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Pipe Terminology

I agree, PUP PIECE for sort length of pipe. Sometimes people asks about what is the minimum - maximum distance between end of Pup piece for welding. Well, I think we have to Keep the heat affected zones apart.

- Rico Perdana Putra -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricoperdanaputra/

RE: Pipe Terminology

There is no strict definition on when a pup piece just becomes a piece of pipe or header pipe, but as a guide anything beyond about 3D would likely just be called pipe.

Especially if it's cut to fit on site and less than about 3D in length it magically becomes a "pup piece"...

Don't get anyone started on the minimum distance argument - this has been examined many many times on this site - just do a search on "minimum distance welds"....

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Pipe Terminology

Whether you call it a pup or a spool piece depends on who you are talking with, whether it's an engineer or a welder in the field.

A pup piece is a very short length of pipe in a welded piping system which is eventually welded into the pipe segment. Typically less than 6-Inch long although there are no defined rules.

Ductile iron piping is generally not welded, but may be in some circumstances. However, it is not practical to weld a very short length of ductile iron pipe.

For ductile iron water mains, pipe spool is probably more appropriate terminology.

RE: Pipe Terminology

in general, on water main projects (buried, bell and spigot, ductile iron pipe) I have not seen plans refer to any field cut pieces as either spools or pups. The note "cut to fit" or "field cut to fit" should be adequate

RE: Pipe Terminology

PUP PIECE is usually this is described as. In my opinion if you are inserting a piece of pipe as a "fill in" in the field to make up the length or for any such reason, it is pup piece. These kind of pieces are usually from : to couple of ft max

RE: Pipe Terminology

"These kind of pieces are usually from : to couple of ft max"

Although there is no strict rule for defining a "pup" piece, anything over 1'-0" in length is no longer considered a "pup" piece. It is simply a piece of pipe. The OP is correct in assuming that a short piece of pipe on a 12" diameter line is not a nipple. A nipple is used in threaded or socket welded connections but is still generally limited to 1'-0" or less.

"Pup" is the correct terminology for a short piece of butt welded piping.

This topic has been brought up many times in the past. Do a forum search on "pup pipe" or "pup piece of pipe" and read some of the past threads.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

- Benjamin Franklin

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