Description
Stainless Press Tee
Merit Stainless Press Tees are designed to create a 90-degree branch connection in compatible stainless steel piping systems using press connections. The three-opening configuration allows a straight-through run with a perpendicular branch while avoiding threaded assembly or welding at the fitting connections.
Merit Stainless Steel Press Fittings are designed for use with Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 Type 304/304L or 316/316L stainless steel pipe conforming to ASTM A-312. The stated working pressure range is from full vacuum to 300 PSI (20.7 bar) on Schedule 5 and Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
Product Highlights
- Stainless steel press tee
- Three-way press fitting
- Provides a 90-degree branch connection
- Maintains a straight-through main run
- Press connections at all three openings
- Designed for Schedule 5 and Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe
- Compatible with Type 304/304L stainless steel pipe
- Compatible with Type 316/316L stainless steel pipe
- Designed for ASTM A-312 stainless steel pipe
- Working pressure range from full vacuum to 300 PSI
- Maximum stated working pressure: 300 PSI / 20.7 bar
- Manufacturer approvals, dimensional information, tooling guidance, and compatibility documentation available below
Press Tee Design
A press tee provides three press connection points within one fitting. Two openings form the straight-through run, while the third opening creates a branch at 90 degrees.
This configuration is commonly used to divide a piping run, combine compatible flow paths, or create a branch connection for equipment, fixtures, or additional piping.
The press design allows the fitting to be installed without cutting pipe threads or welding the fitting into place. Properly prepared pipe is inserted into each connection and mechanically pressed using compatible tooling.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Press Tee |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Connection Type | Press |
| Configuration | Three-Way Tee |
| Branch Angle | 90° |
| Compatible Pipe Material | 304/304L or 316/316L Stainless Steel |
| Compatible Pipe Schedule | Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 |
| Pipe Standard | ASTM A-312 |
| Working Pressure Range | Full Vacuum to 300 PSI |
| Maximum Working Pressure | 300 PSI / 20.7 bar |
| Primary Function | Creating a 90-Degree Branch in a Stainless Steel Piping Run |
Compatible Stainless Steel Pipe
304 / 304L Stainless Steel
- Compatible pipe material identified by Merit
- Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 pipe
- Pipe must conform to ASTM A-312
- Verify pipe outside diameter and condition before installation
- Confirm chemical compatibility for the intended media
316 / 316L Stainless Steel
- Compatible pipe material identified by Merit
- Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 pipe
- Pipe must conform to ASTM A-312
- Suitable where the specified system requires 316/316L pipe
- Confirm chemical compatibility for the intended media
Press Connection Benefits
Mechanical Press Installation
- Uses compatible press tooling
- No threaded joints required
- No fitting welds required
- Supports repeatable mechanical connections
- Suitable for compatible stainless steel piping systems
Branch Connection
- Creates a 90-degree branch
- Maintains a straight-through main run
- Useful for equipment takeoffs
- Suitable for distribution piping
- Combines three press connections in one fitting
Tee vs. Reducing Tee
Standard Press Tee
- Three-way press fitting
- Provides a 90-degree branch
- Typically connects matching nominal sizes
- Used for same-size branch piping
- This product configuration
Reducing Press Tee
- Three-way press fitting
- Provides a 90-degree branch
- Uses different nominal connection sizes
- Useful where a reduced branch or run connection is required
- Different configuration from a standard tee
Pressure Range
Merit states that its Stainless Steel Press Fittings have a working pressure range from full vacuum to 300 PSI (20.7 bar) when installed on compatible Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
System suitability should be confirmed based on fitting size, pipe material, temperature, conveyed media, seal compatibility, installation method, and the applicable Merit Stainless Press documentation.
Common Applications
Commercial & Mechanical Piping
- Stainless steel piping systems
- Branch piping connections
- Equipment takeoffs
- Utility piping
- Mechanical system installations
Industrial & Process Service
- Process piping systems
- Compatible liquid-service applications
- Distribution piping
- Equipment piping
- Applications requiring stainless press branch connections
Installation & Selection Guidance
- Confirm the required nominal fitting size before ordering.
- Use only compatible Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
- Confirm pipe is Type 304/304L or 316/316L stainless steel as required.
- Verify that the pipe conforms to ASTM A-312.
- Confirm all three fitting openings are compatible with the intended pipe sizes.
- Inspect and properly prepare all pipe ends before installation.
- Insert each pipe to the required depth before pressing.
- Use compatible press tooling and jaws approved for the Merit Stainless Press system.
- Follow the applicable pressing sequence and tooling instructions.
- Confirm tee orientation and branch direction before making the final press connections.
- Support connected piping as required to avoid excessive load on the tee.
- Confirm system media compatibility using the Merit chemical compatibility chart.
- Verify that the full-vacuum-to-300-PSI working range is suitable for the intended system.
- Review applicable approvals and submittal requirements before specifying the fitting.
- Installation should follow Merit instructions and applicable piping codes and project requirements.
Important Ordering Notes
- Product is a stainless steel press tee.
- Three-way fitting with a 90-degree branch connection.
- Designed for Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
- Compatible pipe materials identified as 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel.
- Compatible pipe must conform to ASTM A-312.
- Working pressure range is stated as full vacuum to 300 PSI / 20.7 bar.
- Confirm nominal fitting size before ordering.
- Verify all three pipe sizes and outside diameters before installation.
- Confirm tee orientation and branch direction before completing press connections.
- Confirm media compatibility using the manufacturer chemical compatibility chart.
- Use compatible Merit Stainless Press tooling.
- Review approvals, dimensional information, tooling requirements, and submittals before installation.
Product Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stainless press tee used for?
It is used to connect three compatible stainless steel pipe sections while creating a 90-degree branch from the main piping run.
What pipe is this tee designed for?
Merit identifies the Stainless Press system for Schedule 5 or Schedule 10 Type 304/304L or 316/316L stainless steel pipe conforming to ASTM A-312.
What is the working pressure range?
The stated working pressure range is from full vacuum to 300 PSI (20.7 bar) on compatible Schedule 5 and Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
Does this fitting require welding?
No fitting weld is required for the press connections. The tee is mechanically pressed onto compatible stainless steel pipe using the appropriate tooling.
Does this tee use threaded connections?
No. This fitting uses press connections at its openings rather than threaded pipe connections.
Can this fitting be used with both 304 and 316 stainless steel pipe?
The supplied Merit information identifies Type 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel pipe as compatible when the pipe also meets the specified schedule and ASTM A-312 requirements.
What pipe schedules are compatible?
The supplied information identifies Schedule 5 and Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe.
What angle is the tee branch?
The branch extends at 90 degrees from the straight-through main run.
Where can I find dimensions?
Use the Merit Stainless Press Dimensional Catalog in the Product Documents section above.
Where can I check chemical compatibility?
Use the Merit Stainless Press Chemical Compatibility Chart in the Product Documents section above.
Where can I find compatible press tooling?
Use the Merit Stainless Press Tooling document in the Product Documents section above.
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