T-Piece (Closed) - Wear-Resistant

The wear-resistant closed-end T-piece is produced for points that need a perpendicular branch and where the flow strikes the opposite surface. Because the wear load is highest in this geometry, a resistant body is the choice that makes the most difference here.

In a perpendicular branch, the opposite surface that the flow strikes is the most intensely wearing point of the line. High surface hardness makes a far more marked difference at this single point than in the other geometries — with abrasive raw material, a standard T-piece wears through here first.

The closed end must also be considered in terms of cleaning: the material that builds up leaves residue at a color change. The size and diameter are chosen according to the installation space.

The T-Piece (Closed) provides a side connection to the main line at a right angle (90°); the "closed" type is the variant in which the side arm is cut straight and closed at the end, used for observation/cleaning purposes. The available diameter range is Ø 40.0 – Ø 76.1 mm, and the wall thickness 1.5 / 2.0 mm.

The price and the justification of a 90° branch

A T-piece splits the line at a right angle. This is the option among the branch geometries that produces the highest wear load and pressure loss; the opposite surface that the flow strikes directly is the fastest wearing point of the line.

The reason it is used nonetheless is space: in tight spaces, at the foot of a wall and at points where the line has to turn sharply, a Y-piece physically does not fit.

Build-up at the closed end

The closed end is a pocket that the flow reaches but cannot continue through. Granulate that enters here cannot get out; over time it builds up and comes back as residue of the previous material at a color change. When changing to a transparent material this residue produces scrap directly.

On lines with frequent color changes the closed ends must be written separately into the cleaning plan; the subject is covered in the color and material change article.

With abrasive raw material

Because the impact point already takes the highest load, with abrasive raw material a wear-resistant body is the investment that makes the most difference in this geometry. Even so, moving to a Y-piece where possible is more effective than changing the material.

For gentler transitions you can look at the Y-piece and 45° connection options.