Stainless steel pipe caps and end caps for high-temperature applications
A heat resistant stainless steel pipe cap closes off piping safely, pressure-tight and permanently. As the closing element at the pipe end, the pipe end cap prevents media from escaping and stops pipe runs being opened improperly. In high-temperature plants the choice of material is decisive, because standard stainless steels reach their limits at continuous operating temperatures above 600 °C — which is why every high temperature stainless steel pipe cap from WITTE HiTEMP is made from specially selected grades.
What is a pipe cap and what is it used for?
A pipe cap is a pipe fitting that is welded on to create a permanent, pressure-tight closure.
Typical applications for pipe cap:
● Permanent closure of pipe ends in process plants
● Securing open pipe runs during installation and shutdown phases
● Closing test lines and test connections
● Sealing pipe branches for later use
Unlike a blind flange, the stainless steel end cap is a fixed, welded, permanent solution.
Which materials and dimensions are available?
Our high-temperature grades offer high scaling and oxidation resistance as well as creep strength:
● 1.4828 | AISI 309: good scaling resistance up to approx. 1,050 °C
● 1.4841 | AISI 314: very high scaling resistance up to approx. 1,150 °C
● 1.4845 | AISI 310 S/H: excellent high-temperature strength up to approx. 1,100 °C
● 1.4878 | AISI 321 H: titanium-stabilised, creep-resistant under continuous load
Dimensions vary depending on material and nominal size. For dimensions not held in stock, short-notice manufacture from bar stock is possible.
To which standards are the pipe caps manufactured?
The products meet internationally recognised standards and are supplied as standard with inspection certificates to EN 10204.
Applicable standards:
● DIN 28011: German standard for dished heads and caps
● EN 10253-4: European standard for stainless steel pipe fittings
● ASTM A 403: American standard for seamless and welded fittings
● ASME B16.9: American standard for factory-made pipe fittings
Covering both European and American standards makes our pipe caps suitable for international projects in petrochemicals, power plant construction and plant engineering worldwide.
What is the difference between a pipe cap and a blind flange?
● Butt weld cap: welded on, fixed and permanent; for permanent pipe closures
● Blind flange: bolted and detachable; for maintenance openings and temporary isolation
For applications where the pipe closure is to be permanent and maintenance-free, the pipe cap fitting is the more economical and compact solution.
Which high-temperature applications suit stainless steel pipe caps?
● Thermal process plants in chemicals, petrochemicals and refineries
● Power plants and energy generation for steam systems and heat exchangers
● Industrial firing systems such as reformers and furnaces
● Exhaust and flue-gas systems with high-temperature lines
● Steel mills and metallurgical works in the thermally affected zone
