IBR Approved · Buttweld Fittings
Buttweld Pipe Tee Manufacturer
Equal tees, reducing tees and barred tees to ASME B16.9 — in carbon, alloy, stainless and duplex steel. 1/2" to 48" NB, SCH 20 to XXS. IBR approved with Form IV (Part D) (formerly Form III-C), EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 traceable.
Overview
Buttweld tees provide a 90° branch connection in a pipe run. As single forged and formed components made to ASME B16.9, they are stronger and cleaner than a fabricated set-on branch, with no reinforcing pad required. We produce equal tees, reducing tees and barred (scraper) tees for piggable lines.
Every tee is produced to the applicable material specification with full traceability, supplied with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 test certificates and, for boiler and steam service, IBR Form IV (Part D) certification.
Tee Types & Standards
| Type | Branch | Standard | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equal (Straight) Tee | Same as run | ASME B16.9 | Full-size branch takeoff |
| Reducing Tee | Smaller than run | ASME B16.9 | Reduced branch (e.g. 6×6×4) |
| Barred / Scraper Tee | Equal or reducing | ASME B16.9 | Piggable pipelines |
| Cross (4-way) | Equal or reducing | ASME B16.9 (MSS SP-75) | Dual branch connections |
Available Material Grades
Buttweld tees are supplied in our full material range. Click a grade for full specification, chemistry and mechanical data:
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Size range | 1/2" to 48" NB (larger on enquiry) |
| Schedules | SCH 20, STD, XS, SCH 80, SCH 160, XXS |
| Dimensional standard | ASME B16.9 (MSS SP-75 for large OD) |
| End preparation | Bevel end per ASME B16.25 |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 · IBR Form IV (Part D) |
| Testing | PMI, dimensional, DP / RT as specified |
Barred Tees and Branch Outlets for Pipelines
For piggable oil, gas and water pipelines in the Gulf, a large branch needs a barred tee: a buttweld tee with guide bars across the branch opening, so pigs pass the branch without turning into it. Where a branch must be fully radiographed or sees high pressure and cycling, a contoured branch outlet (sweepolet type, MSS SP-97) is often specified instead of a weldolet. Our group supplies both, together with the tees on this page.
Testing & Inspection
- ✓ Chemical and mechanical testing against the ordered ASTM / ASME material specification
- ✓ PMI (positive material identification) and visual and dimensional inspection to ASME B16.9
- ✓ NDT (DP / MPI, UT or RT) as your specification requires
- ✓ EN 10204 3.1 certificate as standard; 3.2 witnessed by Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Lloyd’s Register, SGS, DNV or your own inspector
- ✓ IBR Form IV (Part D) for Indian boiler piping
Export Documents & Packing
- ✓ Commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin
- ✓ Heat-number traceability on every piece
- ✓ Seaworthy wooden cases or pallets, bevel ends protected, marked to your instructions
- ✓ FOB, CFR or CIF terms — see how an export order works
ASME B16.9 Dimensions (selected sizes)
| NPS | OD (mm) | Equal tee “C” (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 21.3 | 25 |
| 1" | 33.4 | 38 |
| 2" | 60.3 | 64 |
| 3" | 88.9 | 86 |
| 4" | 114.3 | 105 |
| 6" | 168.3 | 143 |
| 8" | 219.1 | 178 |
| 10" | 273.1 | 216 |
| 12" | 323.9 | 254 |
| 16" | 406.4 | 305 |
Centre-to-end dimensions per ASME B16.9. Other sizes up to 48" NB on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an equal and a reducing tee?
An equal (straight) tee has a branch (outlet) the same size as the run, while a reducing tee has a smaller branch than the run — for example a 6 x 6 x 4 tee has a 4 inch branch on a 6 inch run. Both are made to ASME B16.9 as single forged/formed components and are stronger and cleaner than a fabricated branch weld.
What is a barred tee?
A barred tee (or scraper tee) has an internal bar or grid across the branch opening so that pipeline pigs pass the junction without entering the branch. They are used on piggable pipelines and are supplied to ASME B16.9 dimensions with the bar sized to the pig requirements.
Which certificates and documents come with your buttweld tees?
EN 10204 3.1 certificates as standard, 3.2 with third-party inspection, IBR Form IV (Part D) (formerly Form III-C) where the fittings are for Indian boiler piping, plus export documents: commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.