• Pipe Fitting Bulkheads

Bulkhead Fittings

Pipe anchor are specially designed pneumatic fittings designed to allow the free flow of liquids in tank, drum drainage and other plumbing connections. Pipe anchor bulkheads are also used as distribution outlets in a piping system due to their water tight sealing capabilities. Pipe anchor bulkheads are generally made of strong and durable materials such as brass, PVC, and plastic.

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Looking for high-quality pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation components? Universal Power Conversion provides a broad range of products from trusted manufacturers for industrial, commercial, and OEM applications. Our team can help identify the right solution for any project. Contact us today to learn more about our product offerings or request a quote to start a custom order.
 

Bulkhead Fittings for Reliable Tank & Pipe Connections

Creating secure, leak-resistant connections through tanks, containers, and piping systems requires fittings designed specifically for pass-through applications. Bulkhead Fittings provide a dependable way to route liquids or gases through the wall of a tank, drum, vessel, or enclosure while maintaining a tight seal and protecting system integrity.
Universal Power Conversion (UPC) supplies a wide selection of Pipe Bulkhead Fittings and Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings for industrial, hydraulic, pneumatic, water, chemical, and process applications. Available in multiple materials, sizes, and configurations, these fittings help OEMs, maintenance professionals, contractors, and engineers build reliable fluid handling systems that are easy to install and maintain.
Whether you're installing a new storage tank, upgrading a process system, or replacing worn fittings, UPC offers bulkhead solutions designed for long-term performance. Contact us for more information, or request a quote today.

What Are Bulkhead Fittings?

Bulkhead Fittings are specialized hydraulic and pneumatic fittings that create a sealed connection through the wall of a tank, drum, reservoir, or other container. Unlike standard fittings that connect piping externally, bulkhead fittings pass through a wall while using sealing components to prevent leaks.
These fittings allow fluid to safely enter or exit a vessel without compromising the integrity of the container.
Bulkhead fittings are commonly used to:
  • Create watertight pass-through connections
  • Connect piping to tanks and reservoirs
  • Drain or fill storage vessels
  • Route process fluids
  • Install valves, gauges, or plumbing components
  • Simplify equipment maintenance and replacement
Properly selected bulkhead fittings help reduce leakage, improve reliability, and simplify installation across a wide range of industrial systems.

Pipe Bulkhead Fittings vs. Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings

Although closely related, these fittings serve slightly different purposes.

Pipe Bulkhead Fittings

Pipe Bulkhead Fittings provide a sealed passage through a tank or enclosure wall while allowing piping or tubing to connect on both sides of the vessel. They are commonly used wherever a leak-resistant fluid connection is required.
Typical applications include:
  • Water storage tanks
  • Chemical processing equipment
  • Hydraulic reservoirs
  • Agricultural tanks
  • Industrial fluid handling systems
  • Plumbing installations

Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings

Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings provide the same sealed pass-through while also helping stabilize or support connected piping. By reducing movement and vibration at the tank wall, these fittings can improve system durability and help protect connected components from unnecessary stress.
They are often selected for systems where piping experiences vibration, mechanical loads, or frequent operation.

Material Options

Selecting the proper fitting material depends on the application, operating environment, pressure requirements, and media being handled.

Brass

Brass bulkhead fittings offer excellent corrosion resistance and are commonly used in water systems, pneumatic applications, plumbing, and general industrial service.
Best suited for:
  • Water systems
  • Air systems
  • General plumbing
  • Industrial utility applications

PVC

PVC bulkhead fittings provide outstanding resistance to many chemicals while remaining lightweight and economical.
Common applications include:
  • Water treatment
  • Irrigation
  • Chemical transfer
  • Low-pressure fluid systems

Polypropylene (Plastic)

Polypropylene bulkhead fittings offer excellent chemical compatibility for many aggressive fluids while resisting corrosion that can affect metal components.
Frequently used for:
  • Chemical processing
  • Laboratory systems
  • Agricultural applications
  • Water handling

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel bulkhead fittings provide exceptional corrosion resistance and durability in demanding environments.
Ideal for:
  • Food processing
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Marine applications
  • Pharmaceutical production
  • Washdown environments
  • High-corrosion industrial systems

Common Bulkhead Fitting Configurations

Bulkhead compression fittings are available in several configurations to accommodate different piping layouts and installation requirements.
  • Straight bulkhead fittings
  • Elbow bulkhead fittings
  • Union bulkhead fittings

Typical Applications

Bulkhead Fittings are widely used anywhere fluid must safely pass through a tank, enclosure, or vessel.
Typical applications include:
  • Tank drainage systems
  • Distribution outlets
  • Hydraulic reservoirs
  • Chemical storage tanks
  • Water storage tanks
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Industrial processing systems
  • Plumbing connections
  • Pump systems
  • Fluid transfer equipment
These fittings and accessories help simplify installation while providing dependable connections throughout hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Available Product Options

Product Type Typical Use Common Materials
Straight Bulkhead Fittings General tank pass-through connections Brass, PVC, Polypropylene, Stainless Steel
Elbow Bulkhead Fittings Directional piping connections Brass, PVC, Stainless Steel
Union Bulkhead Fittings Easy system disassembly and maintenance Brass, Stainless Steel
Pipe Bulkhead Fittings Fluid transfer through tanks and vessels Multiple material options
Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings Pipe support and vibration reduction Brass and steel options
*Available sizes and configurations vary by product. Contact UPC for product selection assistance.

How to Select the Right Bulkhead Fitting

Choosing the correct fitting depends on the overall system design and operating conditions.
Selection Consideration Why It Matters
Material Compatibility Helps ensure long-term corrosion resistance and chemical compatibility.
Thread Type & Size Ensures proper connection to existing piping and components.
Pressure Rating Confirms suitability for the operating system.
Fluid Type Different materials perform better with specific liquids or gases.
Tank Wall Thickness Helps determine the correct fitting length and sealing performance.
Configuration Straight, elbow, or union fittings affect installation flexibility and maintenance access.
Environmental Conditions Temperature, UV exposure, moisture, and chemicals influence material selection.
*Evaluating these factors before installation helps maximize system reliability and reduce maintenance requirements.

Why Choose Universal Power Conversion?

Universal Power Conversion supplies industrial fluid power and piping components that help customers build dependable hydraulic, pneumatic, plumbing, and process systems.
Customers choose UPC because of its:
  • Broad selection of Bulkhead Fittings
  • Multiple material options
  • Industrial and hydraulic application expertise
  • Quality fluid handling products
  • Responsive customer support
  • Reliable solutions for OEM and MRO applications
Whether you're designing new equipment or maintaining existing systems, UPC can help you identify the right bulkhead fitting for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bulkhead fitting used for?

A bulkhead fitting creates a leak-resistant connection through the wall of a tank, drum, or vessel, allowing fluid to safely enter or exit while maintaining a sealed connection.

What is the difference between pipe bulkhead fittings and pipe anchor bulkhead fittings?

A Pipe Bulkhead Fitting primarily provides a sealed pass-through connection, while a Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fitting also helps stabilize connected piping and reduce movement or vibration.

Which material is best for bulkhead fittings?

Brass is commonly used for water and plumbing systems, PVC and polypropylene are excellent for many chemical applications, and stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance in demanding industrial environments.

Where are bulkhead fittings commonly used?

Bulkhead fittings are widely used in tanks, reservoirs, drums, water treatment systems, chemical processing equipment, hydraulic systems, agricultural equipment, and industrial fluid handling applications.

Can bulkhead fittings be used in both hydraulic and plumbing systems?

Yes. Depending on the material and pressure rating, bulkhead fittings can be used in hydraulic, pneumatic, plumbing, water handling, and many industrial process applications.

Request a Quote for Bulkhead Fittings

Whether you need Pipe Bulkhead Fittings for a new installation or Pipe Anchor Bulkhead Fittings for a demanding industrial application, Universal Power Conversion offers dependable solutions for fluid handling systems. Contact the UPC team for assistance selecting the best bulkhead fitting for your system, or request a quote today.