SSP Blog

Valves and fittings play a critical role in fluid handling and processing systems across a wide range of industries. Due to the important function they serve, it is essential to find quality components as well as to partner with a reliable supplier. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of parts not performing to the expected standards and/or lead times extending beyond the original delivery estimates. Additionally, a subpar supplier may provide little to no product resources, training, or technical support, which leaves customers to figure everything out on their own.

In this blog, we aim to shed light on some of the red flags to watch out for in a fitting and valve manufacturer.

SSP manufactures Alloy 400/405 and C-276 tube fittings, pipe fittings, and valves for instrumentation, utility, control and process applications. SSP products meet all industry standards and can significantly improve the time and cost of installing, operating and maintaining systems. Our goal is to be the installer’s supplier of choice.

When choosing valves and fittings with threaded end connections, it is important to keep thread size in mind. A properly sized thread ensures the components fasten together securely, while an improperly sized thread can result in an insufficient seal which can lead to leaks. 

Thread sizes are determined by two main elements: the thread diameter (i.e., the distance between a thread’s crests) and the thread per inch (i.e., numbers of threads per inch) or pitch (i.e., the distance between one thread’s crest and another). In this blog, we discuss how to measure these dimensions, what tools are used, and how to use them.

Valves control the flow of water and other fluids through pipe systems. Pipe systems use different valve types depending on the fluid, the pressure, the application, and any other factors unique to that system. Two of the most common types are ball valves and plug valves. It is important to understand the differences between each valve type to ensure you choose the right one for your needs - in this blog, we’ll provide insights to help clarify the distinctions.

A bleed valve is a simple fluid handling device used to relieve pressure,  vent fluid or bleed air from a closed system. These functions are generally necessary before any maintenance or repair work can be conducted on a pressurized fluid line. The design of a bleed valve resembles a pipe plug with a screw threaded in from the top. The screw-like component is actually the valve stem, which rotates in and out to close and open the flow path through the threaded valve body. It has a weep hole located above the orifice that allows vented fluid to escape the system. 

At SSP Fittings Corp., we are a premier manufacturer of tube, pipe, weld, and adapter fitting solutions. Throughout our nearly 100 years in business, we have received a wide variety of questions from customers about fittings. Here, the SSP team provides answers to several of these frequently asked questions (FAQs). 

There are a number of benefits to buying products manufactured in America. The high quality of products and effect it has on our economy are two that we often discuss. But what about the effect it has on your supply chain? When looking for products with a quick turnaround, it is crucial to consider the location of the factory. 

There are a number of benefits to buying products manufactured in America. One of the most commonly agreed upon is quality. American made products are viewed by consumers as being of higher quality than their second and third-world manufactured counterparts; with good reason, most often they are. When companies produce products in the US, they can have complete control of every aspect of the product, from design to packaging. They are manufactured to rigorous standards in plants that are required to abide by numerous rules and regulations. Products made abroad aren’t always subject to that scrutiny.

Every connection is a potential leak point in a fluid system, this is why it is essential to pay special attention when using items like tube fittings to make them. Improper selection and installation of tube fittings can cause environmental releases, safety problems, and increased costs. 

At SSP when we say “Made in America”, we mean it. We mean it 100% of the time, every time we say it.