What is the difference between a weldolet and a sockolet?

Answer 1

Weldolet and Sockolet are basically self reinforced fittings. Weldolet is used for Butt weld branch connection where standard tee is not available due to size restrictions and the piping is of critical / high pressure service. Sockolet is used for socket welding branch connection, which require reinforcing pad.

Answer 2

The weldolet and the sockolet both have a run end and a branch end. The run end connects to the larger diameter pipe, and the branch end connects to the smaller diameter pipe. The connection to the run pipe is a fillet weld for both the weldolet and the sockolet. They differ, however, at the connection to the branch pipe. The weldolet has a bevelled end to butt weld to the branch pipe (which will also have a bevelled end), whereas the sockolet has a socket into which a plain end branch pipe is inserted, then fillet welded together.

Answer 3

I believe the term Flexolet is the same as the term 'Olet which includes the various end types available (Weldolet, Thredolet, Sockolet, etc.

All Weldolets are Flexolets but not all Flexolets are Weldolets in the same way that all dogs are animals but not all animals are dogs. Hope I explained that clearly, LOL

The Flexolet® and the Weldolet® products are our two branch connection designs. They perform the same function, which is that they reinforce the strength lost when a hole is cut into the header pipe and they connect the header pipe to the branch pipe. The difference in designs is that the Weldolet® has a tapered bore while the Flexolet® has a straight-through bore. See below:

Sorry Dwg did not come thru

The tapered bore provides a better transition (reduces the flow resistance) and it also provides a lower stress intensification factor, which results in less stress on the welds and longer fatigue life. The straight-through bore decreases the diameter of the part and allows for larger run-size consolidations (meaning you can use them on a wider range of header pipe diameters). Because of the smaller size of the straight-through bore, the Flexolet® tends to be less expensive as compared to the Weldolet®. Compliments of Matt Danco-product Engineering Bonney Forge