Tees
When To Use A Tee
A Burnett & Hillman tee is used in hydraulic systems when you need to split a fluid line into two directions or combine two flows into one. With three connection points arranged in a “T” shape, it allows fluid to be diverted or shared between different parts of the system while maintaining a strong, leak-free joint.
You would typically use a tee when:
- Branching a hydraulic line to supply two separate components (e.g. running one hose to a cylinder and another to a valve).
- Merging two flows back into a single return line.
- Creating service or test points in the middle of an existing line.
- Distributing pressure evenly in a system with multiple actuators or circuits.
- Adapting layouts in compact machinery or hydraulic blocks where space is limited.
A Burnett & Hillman tee is the fitting of choice whenever you need to split, join, or reroute hydraulic flow reliably, whether for powering multiple components, creating access points, or optimising system layout.
Key Features & Benefits
- Creates a three-way connection to split or join hydraulic flow.
- Allows one line to feed two components or two lines to merge into one.
- Helps distribute pressure and improve system layout.
- Made from durable, corrosion-resistant steel.
- Pressure-rated for tough hydraulic applications.
- Compact design for easy installation in tight spaces.
- Provides a reliable, leak-free seal with the correct washers or O-rings.
Connecting Threads Guide
Threads That Match Directly:
- BSPP to BSPP → Seals with a bonded washer or O-ring.
- BSPT to BSPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
- NPT to NPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
- JIC to JIC → Seals metal-to-metal on the 37° cone seat.
- ORFS to ORFS → Seals on the O-ring face for a leak-free joint.
- SAE O-Ring Boss to SAE O-Ring Boss → Seals with an O-ring at the port face.
- Metric to Metric → Seals with an O-ring or bonded washer.
Sometimes Compatible (with care):
- BSPT male into BSPP female → Will screw in, but must be sealed with a washer or sealant.
- JIC and SAE 37° → Often compatible, both use a 37° flare, but check standards before use.
- JIS BSPP to BSPP → Same thread, but JIS often seals on a 30° cone rather than a washer.
Not Compatible:
- BSP ↔ NPT → Different angles (55° vs 60°), will not seal reliably.
- Metric ↔ BSP/NPT → Different thread form, not interchangeable.
- UNF ↔ BSP/NPT/Metric → Won’t seal unless part of a designed fitting.
- NPSM ↔ anything else → Only seals with a gasket, not designed for high pressure.
Rule of thumb:
- Tapered threads (BSPT, NPT) seal on the thread + tape/sealant.
- Parallel threads (BSPP, Metric, SAE, UNF) need a washer or O-ring.
- JIC and ORFS seal on the face or cone, not the thread.
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BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) |
BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) |
NPT (National Pipe Taper) |
JIC (Joint Industry Council) |
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) |
Metric (mm) |
Imperial (") (UN/UNF/UNC) |
SAE (Society Of Automotive Engineers) |
ORFS (O-Ring Face Seal) |
UNF (Unified Fine Thread) |
NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical) |
| Thread Form | Parallel | Tapered | Tapered | Parallel with 37° Cone | BSPP/Metric (Parallel) | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel (UN/UNF) | Parallel (UNF) | Parallel | Parallel |
| Flank Angle | 55° | 55° | 60° | 60° | 55°(BSPP) / 60° (Metric) | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° |
| Sealing Method | Washer / O-Ring | Thread Interference + PTFE Tape | Thread Interference + PTFE Tape | 37° Cone Seat (Metal To Metal) | Gasket Or 30°/60° Cone Seat | Washer / O-Ring | Gasket / O-Ring | O-Ring Boss | O-Ring On The Face | Angled Cone Seat / O-Ring | Gasket |
| Standard | ISO 228 / BS 2779 | ISO 7 / BS 21 | ANSI B1.20.1 (USA) | SAE J514 (USA) | JIS B 0203 / B 2351 | ISO 261 / ISO 724 | ANSI B1.1 (USA) | SAE J1926 | SAE J1453 | ANSI B1.1 (USA) | ANSI B1.20.1 (USA) |
| Applications | Medium-high pressure hydraulics, pneumatics, water systems; common in UK/European machinery | High-pressure pipework (hydraulic, steam, gas, water); widely used in construction | High-pressure hydraulics; common in North American equipment | High-pressure hydraulics (up to ~420 bar); mobile plant, aerospace & automotive | Medium pressure hydraulics & pneumatics; Japanese/Asian machinery & vehicles | Medium-high pressure hydraulics; European industrial, agricultural & mobile equipment |
Low Pressure, for fastening & mechanical joints, not fluid sealing; general engineering & hydraulic systems |
High-pressure hydraulics; common in hydraulic blocks, automotive & aerospace | Very high pressure, leak-free hydraulics; common in agriculture, construction, heavy plant | Medium pressure hydraulics; also used in automotive, aerospace & precision machinery | Low-pressure mechanical joints; used in piping, fire protection & water systems |
If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.
