At Arizona Sealing Devices, we offer a wide selection of plugs and stoppers that meet various specifications. Plugs and stoppers are used to reliably seal openings and contain various material flows. These crucial connecting pieces are valuable in any industry that needs to safely contain liquids and gases. Some of the most essential industries that use plugs include:
- Food and beverage. Plugs are an important part of food and beverage production, help to manage all of the liquid ingredients that go into such products. Keeping liquids, slurries, beverages, and other materials and finished products properly sealed keeps them fresh and protects against cross-contamination.
- Chemicals. Safety is a top priority in applications that use dangerous chemicals. Properly fitted plugs and stoppers can help prevent dangerous liquids and gases from leaking and creating dangerous working conditions.
- Pharmaceuticals. The development of lifesaving drugs requires safe and efficient material process flows. Stoppers and plugs help to facilitate proper control over these materials.
Threaded Plugs
Threaded plugs contain threading that matches the inside threading of a corresponding part, locking the plug securely into the hole. Some key benefits of threaded plugs include:
- Keeping out dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. The threading strengthens the bond between the plug and the hole, making sure that nothing can get into the container and contaminate the material.
- Preventing oil and fluid leakage. In the same way that threaded plugs keep dirt and contaminants out of the container, they also keep the contents in.
- Low-pressure testing. Threaded plugs are ideal for testing pipework, tubing, and other important components in low-pressure environments.
Tapered Plugs
The hallmark feature of tapered plugs is their variable diameter, which starts wide and narrows along the plug. Tapered plugs have a triangle-like shape that allows for maximum seal and durability. Standard applications of tapered plugs include:
- Protecting parts from moisture and contaminants. The shape of tapered plugs offers an extra layer of protection against incoming materials. Since the wide end of the plug is larger than the opening, foreign materials cannot enter the opening.
- Sealing. The inverted triangle shape of these plugs makes them ideal for sealing liquids and gases off from the rest of the environment, preventing leakage and other potentially harmful outcomes.
Other Types of Plugs
While threaded and tapered plugs are two of the most common varieties, there are a variety of other plug types. Some of these include:
- Corrosion-resistant
- Hole
- Masking
- Pipe
- Plating
- Sealing
To maximize the versatility of each of these plugs, there are also several different material options:
- Aluminum. As relatively inexpensive metal, aluminum plugs work well in low-pressure situations or in bulk applications.
- Heavier metals. Heavier metal plugs, such as steel, provide enhanced durability.
- Plastic. Plastic plugs are diverse and range from highly malleable to relatively sturdy.
- Rubber. More malleable than metal, rubber plugs offer a versatile general purpose solution for many application types.
- Silicone. The most dynamic of all plugs, silicone can change form to create tight seals on virtually any surface.
Fittings
Rather than halting a process flow, fittings attach to the ends of pipes or tubes to connect two disparate pieces. Fittings may facilitate a variety of functions, such as connecting two same-sized pieces, changing the diameter to connect differently sized or shaped connections, changing flow direction, and more.
These different types of fittings cover a wide range of use cases:
- Flared fittings facilitate branching, changing directions, and resizing diameter between pipes.
- Hose end fittings connect hoses to various endpoints like sprinklers, taps, and irrigation systems.
- Metric fittings run the gamut of applications, sizes, and materials, but they most notably convert between imperial and metric units.
- Mil-spec fittings are usually made of anti-corrosive metals and are the most durable, standardized options on the market.
- O-ring fittings include an O-ring to facilitate a tight seal between threaded metal surfaces.
- Tube. Made for sealing connections between different pieces of tubing, tube fittings connect components with like or unlike diameters.
The most common materials for fittings include:
- Aluminum. This is the go-to material for fittings that include threading, including O-rings and most flared fittings.
- Nylon. As a fibrous material, nylon provides both strength and flexibility. While not as sturdy as aluminum, nylon fittings are corrosion-resistant.
- Plastic. Plastic fittings offer a range of malleability specifications.
- Polypropylene. This thermoplastic addition polymer is common in industries like car and plane manufacturing, making it a sturdy, heat-resistant choice for your fitting needs.
Stoppers
Stoppers and plugs serve similar purposes, but stoppers are typically used as a temporary measure to seal pipe ends or drains during testing or other non-permanent applications.
- Pipe. These temporary stoppers are made to seal off the ends of a pipe.
- Plastic. Plastic stoppers are often tapered to make up for their decreased flexibility. This material is less expensive, but also requires more accurate sizing measurements.
- Rubber. As the most flexible stopper type, rubber stoppers act like corks. When inserted into a hole or tube, they expand to seal off the end.
Here at Arizona Sealing Devices, we sell a variety of plugs, fittings, and stoppers to suit virtually any application need. No matter what type, size, or material of plug you’re looking for, our expert team will find the perfect solution for you. To learn more about what we have to offer, check out our catalog of plugs and stoppers, or request more information from us today.