What Is A Barrel Nipple?

A barrel nipple is a short piece of pipe usually with external/male threads in both ends or in one end for connecting two other pipes or fittings. The threads at two ends can be the same or different types, such as NPT thread to BSP thread nipples are also exist. And it is one of the most popular categories of pipe fittings, a combination of pipe nipples is recommended for low-pressure discharge and suction service for various compatible liquids and not for compressible products like air, nitrogen, or steam.

Barrel Nipple Types

The barrel nipple have many types. There are carbon steel pipe nipples, stainless steel pipe nipples, galvanized steel pipe nipples, black steel/iron pipe nipples, welded pipe nipples, seamless pipe nipples. And the length of the nipple is usually specified by the total length of the threaded portion. Also, it may have a hexagonal section in the center for a wrench to grasp (we call hex nipple), or it may simply make from a piece of straight pipe (we call it to barrel nipple or pipe nipple). When the nipple ends are of two different sizes it is called a reducer or unequal nipple, and threads used on nipples are BSP, BSPT, NPT, NPSM, and Metric.

Pipe Nipple / Barrel Nipple

The basic type of steel pipe nipple is a short piece of pipe with threads at both ends and which is un-threaded in the middle. Its function is to connect pipes or other fittings in the same diameters. We also call the basic type as barrel nipple or pipe nipple. It can be simply made from a piece of pipe.

Hex Nipple

If the center section of a pipe nipple is hexagonal bolt shape, it is a hex nipple. The hex part is useful for a wrench to grasp when needing torque, tighten, or loose.

Hose Nipple

There is a special style of pipe nipple called a hose nipple used for connecting threaded pipes and smooth hose. One end of the nipple is an external thread and the other end is a hose barb. The size of the hose barb can be the same as the size of the pipe connection, or it can be reduced. For IBR Certified Barrel Nipple, click here.