CONCENTRIC VS. ECCENTRIC REDUCER: WHEN TO USE WHICH?

CONCENTRIC VS. ECCENTRIC REDUCER: WHEN TO USE WHICH?

Pipe reducers are one of the many types of fitting that can be used to control the flow within a piping system. In a piping system, there are two major types of reducers: concentric reducers and eccentric reducers. We're going to talk about both types of reducers, what they are, and when you might use them. For the most part, reducing (and expanding) pipes is fairly straightforward. But there are some exceptions that are important to note for the health of a piping system.

1.What is a Pipe Reducer?
First, let's keep it simple: A pipe reducer is a pipe fitting that connects a larger pipe to a smaller pipe. Thus, it reduces the size of the pipe in the pipe system, from one size to another. Pipe reducers may frequently be used to connect pipes of different sizes. There are a variety of reasons why this might be done, and there are a variety of materials that could be flowing through the pipe, which is why there are different types of pipe reducers.

Like other pipe fittings, it can be very complicated to find the right pipe reducer. The fit can be complicated, and materials will matter. But once you find the right pipe reducer, the installation should be fairly simple and fast.

2. When Would You Use a Pipe Reducer?
Reducers can be used simply to adapt pipes of other sizes, but there are also more complicated uses for them. They may need to be used when the flow has to be limited or expanded in a piping system, such as if the hydraulic nature of the piping system demands it. If you're using a pipe reducer, you need to consider the consequences for the pipe system as a whole, because there will be changes in both flow and pressure.

Once you know that you need to use a pipe reducer, you need to make the decision between concentric and eccentric reducers. Most people are going to need to use a concentric pipe reducer, but there are some important reasons why an eccentric pipe reducer might be preferred.

3. Concentric vs Eccentric Reducer: What's the Difference?
A concentric reducer is used to join pipe sections or tube sections on the same axis. The concentric reducer is cone-shaped and is used when there is a shift in diameter between pipes. For example, when a 1" pipe transitions into a 3/4" pipe and the top or bottom of the pipe doesn't need to remain level. This pipe reducer may be used when there is a single diameter change or multiple diameter changes.

Unlike eccentric reducers, concentric reducers have a common centerline. Concentric reducers are useful when cavitation is present. Eccentricity occurs when the centerline is offset.

An eccentric reducer is a fitting used in piping systems between two pipes of different diameters. The same fitting can be used in reverse as an eccentric increaser or expander. They are used where the diameter of the pipe on the upstream side of the fitting (i.e. where flow is coming from) is larger than the downstream side, and where there is a danger that vapor may accumulate.

Unlike a concentric reducer, which resembles a cone, eccentric reducers have an edge that is parallel to the connecting pipe, referred to as the flat side. This parallel edge results in the two pipes having offset center lines. Because eccentric reducers are asymmetrical, they create asymmetrical flow conditions; flow is faster along the angled side, resulting in increased pressure.

Horizontal liquid reducers are always eccentric, with the flat side on the top, which prevents the build-up of air bubbles in the system, (unless on control set, same as PV, TV, HV, LV) or in a pipe rack. In a pipe rack, the flat side of an eccentric reducer is on the bottom, so that the position of the bottom of the pipe will be constant, and supported by the rack. Eccentric reducers are used at the suction side of pumps to ensure air does not accumulate in the pipe. The gradual accumulation of air in a concentric reducer could result in a large bubble that could eventually cause the pump to stall or cause cavitation when drawn into the pump.

Horizontal gas reducers are always eccentric, and bottom flat, which allows condensed water or oil to drain at low points. Reducers in vertical lines are generally concentric unless the layout dictates otherwise.

4. Concentric Reducers VS Eccentric Reducers
In concentric reducer, the reduction of the pipe size is achieved by decreasing the diameter of the fitting at a constant rate over a specified length, maintaining symmetry around the fitting. Concentric Reducers are used to join pipe or tube sections of different diameters on the same axis. They provide an in-line conical transition between pressurized pipes of differing diameters. Thus, concentric reducers connect pipes of unequal size