Pipe Threads Explained: NPT, BSPT and BSPP and Why They Must Not Be Mixed
The three pipe thread families met on Saudi sites, the standards behind them, how each one seals, where the thread count...
Blog
Piping & Fittings articles
Selection guides, standards explained and procurement advice for piping materials and contracting in Saudi Arabia, written by the Al Safsaaf technical team.
Piping & Fittings articles
Pipe Supports, Hangers and Clamps: Spacing, Loads and Selection
How to choose between clevis hangers, clamps, rollers, spring supports and anchors, how far apart to place them, what ea...
Gaskets, Bolts and Flange Joint Integrity: Getting the Bolted Joint Right
Why flanged joints leak and how to stop it: gasket selection to ASME B16.20 and B16.21, ASTM A193/A194 bolting grades, a...
Flexible Hoses: Selecting Industrial, Hydraulic and Food-Grade Hose Assemblies
A buyer's guide to hose assemblies: the STAMPED checklist, SAE J517 and EN 853/856 hydraulic hose types, food-contact co...
Expansion Joints and Bellows: Managing Thermal Movement in Pipework
How to estimate thermal growth, choose between metal and rubber expansion joints, pick the right bellows configuration a...
UPVC and HDPE Piping: Applications, Pressure Ratings and Jointing Methods
How UPVC and HDPE pressure pipe differ in material, pressure rating basis, temperature limits and jointing, and how to d...
GI vs MI Fittings: Galvanised and Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings Explained
What GI and MI threaded fittings actually are, how galvanised and black malleable iron differ, which standards and threa...
Butt-Weld, Socket-Weld and Threaded Fittings: Where Each Belongs
How to choose between butt-weld, socket-weld and threaded steel fittings by line size, pressure class, service and fabri...
Flange Types and Pressure Classes: Weld-Neck, Slip-On, Blind, Threaded and Lap-Joint
A buyer's guide to ASME B16.5 flanges: how weld-neck, slip-on, socket-weld, lap-joint, threaded and blind flanges differ...
Have a specification question?
Our team answers material and standards questions as part of quoting. Send the drawing or data sheet and we will respond.