Complete Guide of Bulkhead Tank Fitting
In fluid handling and industrial piping systems, bulkhead tank fittings play a crucial role in creating a secure, leak-free passage through the walls of tanks, vessels, or containers. Whether you are managing hydraulic equipment, water treatment systems, or chemical processing, choosing the right bulkhead tank fitting ensures efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability.
As a professional manufacturer of stainless steel and carbon steel bulkhead fittings, we specialize in producing high-precision components for demanding applications. In this guide, we’ll explain what bulkhead tank fittings are, the different types available, their installation, applications, and how to choose the right one for your system.
What Is a Bulkhead Tank Fitting?
A bulkhead tank fitting is a specialized connector designed to allow fluid or gas to pass through the wall of a tank, container, or reservoir. It provides a watertight and pressure-resistant seal, ensuring that no leakage occurs at the connection point.
Bulkhead fittings consist of three main parts:
Body – passes through the tank wall
Gasket or O-ring – ensures a tight, leak-proof seal
Locknut – secures the fitting in place
These fittings are essential for connecting pipes, valves, or hoses directly to a tank while maintaining the tank’s structural integrity and preventing leaks.
Why Bulkhead Tank Fittings Are Important
Without a properly installed bulkhead tank fitting, leaks can occur at the connection point between the tank and pipe, leading to fluid loss, contamination, or even safety hazards. The fitting acts as a sealed gateway that allows controlled fluid transfer while withstanding internal pressure, temperature changes, and environmental conditions.
Types of Bulkhead Tank Fittings
1. Stainless Steel Bulkhead Tank Fittings
Stainless steel bulkhead fittings are ideal for corrosive, high-pressure, or sanitary environments.
They are commonly used in:
Food and beverage processing
Marine and coastal installations
Chemical and fuel tanks
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and temperature tolerance, making it the top choice for industrial applications requiring precision and longevity.
2. Carbon Steel Bulkhead Tank Fittings
Carbon steel bulkhead fittings are designed for heavy-duty and high-pressure environments.
They are preferred in:
Hydraulic machinery and power units
Fuel, oil, and gas pipelines
Construction and industrial equipment
Compared with brass or plastic types, carbon steel provides superior mechanical strength and is more cost-effective for large-scale engineering projects. These fittings are commonly used in CNC machined hydraulic systems and industrial piping lines where robustness and stability are essential.
3. Brass Bulkhead Tank Fittings
Brass fittings are corrosion-resistant and easy to machine. They are suitable for water plumbing, air systems, and irrigation, but not ideal for high-pressure or corrosive fluid applications.
4. PVC and Polypropylene Bulkhead Fittings
Plastic bulkhead fittings are lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. They are often used in aquariums, water tanks, and agricultural irrigation systems, but cannot handle high temperatures or extreme pressures like metal fittings.
5. Specialty and Custom Bulkhead Fittings
Some applications require flanged, double-threaded, or quick-connect bulkhead fittings.
As a factory, we also provide OEM & custom bulkhead tank fittings to meet unique dimensional or pressure specifications.
How to Install a Bulkhead Tank Fitting
Proper installation ensures a perfect seal and long-term reliability. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Drill the Hole – Cut an appropriate-sized hole in the tank wall using a hole saw.
Clean the Surface – Remove any debris or oil to ensure gasket adhesion.
Insert the Fitting – Place the fitting body through the tank hole from the inside or outside (depending on design).
Install the Gasket – Make sure the gasket or O-ring is positioned on the liquid-contact side.
Tighten the Locknut – Hand-tighten first, then use a wrench if necessary (avoid over-tightening).
Test for Leaks – After assembly, fill the tank partially and check for any leakage at the joint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Over-tightening, which can deform the gasket or crack plastic tanks
Using incompatible materials (e.g., carbon steel for corrosive chemicals)
Misalignment of threads during installation
Applications of Bulkhead Tank Fittings
1. Hydraulic Systems
In hydraulic equipment and machinery, bulkhead tank fittings connect oil reservoirs to pressure lines. Carbon steel or stainless steel types are preferred due to their pressure resistance and mechanical strength.
2. Water & Wastewater Treatment
Bulkhead fittings are used in water tanks, filtration systems, and wastewater facilities to ensure controlled flow between chambers or pipes.
3. Chemical and Process Industries
Stainless steel and polypropylene fittings are suitable for chemical tanks where corrosion resistance and safety are priorities.
4. Marine and Fuel Storage
In boats, marine tanks, and fuel systems, stainless steel bulkhead tank fittings ensure reliable, rust-free performance even in saline environments.
Where to Buy Bulkhead Tank Fittings
When it comes to sourcing reliable fittings, the manufacturer’s quality and material standards are critical.
You can purchase bulkhead tank fittings from:
Industrial suppliers (McMaster-Carr, Grainger)
Online platforms (Amazon, eBay)
Direct from manufacturers — ideal for bulk orders, customization, and cost control
Why Choose a Bulkhead Fitting Factory
As a professional stainless steel and carbon steel bulkhead fitting manufacturer, we offer:
High-precision CNC machining for consistent dimensions
OEM and custom bulkhead tank fitting production
Full material certification (304, 316 stainless steel, carbon steel)
Competitive pricing and global shipping
By sourcing directly from a factory, you gain better quality assurance, faster lead time, and support for technical drawings or non-standard thread types (NPT, BSP, metric).
Shipping and Packaging
Bulkhead tank fittings are shipped securely to prevent thread or surface damage:
Each fitting is individually packed in plastic or foam bags
Large orders packed in export-grade cartons or wooden boxes
Sea, air, and express shipping options available globally
We ensure every stainless steel and carbon steel bulkhead tank fitting meets export quality standards before dispatch.
How to Choose the Right Bulkhead Tank Fitting
Selecting the correct fitting involves several factors:
Material Type:
Stainless steel for corrosion resistance
Carbon steel for high-pressure systems
PVC for low-pressure, non-corrosive liquids
Tank Wall Thickness:
The fitting length should match the wall thickness for a perfect seal.Thread Standard:
Choose NPT, BSP, or metric threads according to your regional or system standard.Pressure and Temperature Rating:
Verify that the fitting can handle your system’s maximum operating conditions.Application Environment:
Consider exposure to chemicals, saltwater, or mechanical stress when choosing material.
Final Thoughts
A bulkhead tank fitting may seem like a small component, but it is vital for maintaining a leak-proof and reliable connection in industrial systems. Whether for hydraulic oil lines, fuel tanks, or water storage systems, selecting the right fitting material and design ensures long-term performance and safety.
For high-strength and corrosion-resistant applications, stainless steel and carbon steel bulkhead tank fittings are the best solutions. As a direct factory and OEM supplier, we provide customized, precision-machined bulkhead fittings to meet global industrial standards.