Flush pipe plugs
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 1:35 am
The previous owner of my boat decided that the unused ports on the boiler should be plugged with nipples and caps. Stunningly ugly. Looks like a porcupine boiler inside out.
I'm going to replace them with plugs but am hoping to use flush type plugs, the ones that have a square or hex socket for tightening. I want to hide the plugs under the lagging. Also so passengers can't put their fingers on them.
In sizes up to 1", I'm having no problem but I need some 2" plugs and McMaster Carr only shows high pressure ones up thru 1" or so. Their 2" ones are only rated for 150 psi. My safety is set for 150 but I will be testing to 225 every year at least.
Looking at the design of these plugs, I wonder of they are all that weak. The thinner area in the center is less than one square inch. At 225 psi the loads are minimal. I'm wondering of they are being too conservative.
I suppose I could put together a test setup with a 2" coupler and hydro one way up there.
Any thoughts on this? Perhaps a source of high pressure flush plugs?
I'm going to replace them with plugs but am hoping to use flush type plugs, the ones that have a square or hex socket for tightening. I want to hide the plugs under the lagging. Also so passengers can't put their fingers on them.
In sizes up to 1", I'm having no problem but I need some 2" plugs and McMaster Carr only shows high pressure ones up thru 1" or so. Their 2" ones are only rated for 150 psi. My safety is set for 150 but I will be testing to 225 every year at least.
Looking at the design of these plugs, I wonder of they are all that weak. The thinner area in the center is less than one square inch. At 225 psi the loads are minimal. I'm wondering of they are being too conservative.
I suppose I could put together a test setup with a 2" coupler and hydro one way up there.
Any thoughts on this? Perhaps a source of high pressure flush plugs?
Den