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Difference Between BSPT and NPT

When it comes to threaded fittings, two of the most commonly used standards are the British Standard Pipe Thread (BSPT) and the National Pipe Thread (NPT). Both of these standards have been in use for many years and are still popular today. However, they have several differences that can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. In this article, we will explore the differences between BSPT and NPT and their applications.

What is BSPT?

BSPT stands for British Standard Pipe Thread, and it is a type of thread used primarily in Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is also known as the Whitworth thread, named after its inventor, Sir Joseph Whitworth. BSPT threads are tapered and have a 55-degree angle between the thread flanks. They are also known as "parallel" threads because they maintain the same diameter throughout the length of the thread.

BSPT threads are used in a wide range of applications, including plumbing, oil and gas, and hydraulic systems. They are also used in the automotive industry for brake lines, fuel lines, and coolant systems. In addition, they are commonly used in pneumatic systems, where airtight seals are necessary.

What is NPT?

NPT stands for National Pipe Thread, and it is a type of thread used primarily in North America. NPT threads are also tapered, but they have a 60-degree angle between the thread flanks. Unlike BSPT threads, NPT threads are known as "tapered" threads because they decrease in diameter towards the end of the thread.

NPT threads are widely used in the plumbing industry, as well as in the oil and gas industry, chemical processing, and other applications that require a high level of sealing. They are also commonly used in fire protection systems, where tight seals are essential to prevent leaks.

Differences between BSPT and NPT:

There are several differences between BSPT and NPT threads that are important to understand. These include:

  1. Angle of thread flanks:

The angle of the thread flanks is one of the most significant differences between BSPT and NPT. BSPT threads have a 55-degree angle between the thread flanks, while NPT threads have a 60-degree angle. This means that the threads are not interchangeable, and using the wrong type of thread can result in leaks and other problems.

  1. Taper:

Another difference between BSPT and NPT is the taper of the threads. BSPT threads are parallel, which means that the diameter of the thread remains the same throughout the length of the thread. NPT threads, on the other hand, are tapered, which means that the diameter of the thread decreases towards the end of the thread.

  1. Size:

BSPT threads are available in sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 6 inches, while NPT threads are available in sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to 12 inches. This means that NPT threads are available in a wider range of sizes than BSPT threads.

  1. Standardization:

BSPT threads are standardized according to British Standard BS EN 10226-1:2004, while NPT threads are standardized according to American Standard ASME B1.20.1. This means that BSPT threads are more commonly used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, while NPT threads are more commonly used in North America.

  1. Sealing:

Both BSPT and NPT threads are designed to provide a tight seal, but they do so in different ways. BSPT threads rely on a gasket or sealant to provide a seal, while NPT threads rely on the interference between the threads to create a seal. This means that NPT threads are more effective at sealing high-pressure systems, while BSPT threads are better suited for low-pressure systems.

  1. Pipe Thread Standards:

Another key difference between BSPT and NPT is that they belong to different pipe thread standards. BSPT threads are part of the ISO 7-1 standard, which is used in many countries outside of North America. In contrast, NPT threads are part of the American National Standard for Pipe Threads, which is commonly used in the United States and Canada.

Applications of BSPT and NPT:

BSPT and NPT threads are both used in a wide range of applications, including plumbing, oil and gas, and hydraulic systems. However, there are some differences in the applications where each thread type is most commonly used.

BSPT threads are more commonly used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, where they are the standard for plumbing and other applications. They are also commonly used in pneumatic systems, where airtight seals are necessary. In addition, BSPT threads are used in the automotive industry for brake lines, fuel lines, and coolant systems.

NPT threads are more commonly used in North America, where they are the standard for plumbing, oil and gas, and chemical processing applications. They are also commonly used in fire protection systems, where tight seals are essential to prevent leaks.

Conclusion:

BSPT and NPT threads are two of the most commonly used pipe thread standards in the world. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are several important differences between them that are important to understand. These differences include the angle of thread flanks, taper, size, standardization, sealing, and pipe thread standards.

When choosing between BSPT and NPT threads, it is important to consider the specific application and the standards that are used in that region. Using the wrong type of thread can result in leaks, system failures, and other problems, so it is important to choose the correct thread type for the job.

Ultimately, both BSPT and NPT threads are effective at providing tight seals and are widely used in many industries. By understanding the differences between them, you can make informed decisions about which thread type to use for your specific application.