Yconnector

A Y-connector, also known as a Y-splitter or wye fitting, is a type of plumbing or tubing fitting that has three ports. These ports are arranged in a Y-shape, with one inlet port and two outlet ports. The purpose of a Y-connector is to divide a single flow of fluid or gas into two separate streams, or conversely, to combine two streams into one.

Y-connectors are commonly used in various applications. In plumbing, they can be found in irrigation systems to split a water line to multiple sprinklers, or in household plumbing to connect a single water source to two different fixtures. In automotive systems, they are used for coolant lines or vacuum hoses to split or combine flow. In laboratory settings, Y-connectors are employed in gas delivery systems or fluid circuits for experimental setups.

The design of a Y-connector ensures that the flow is distributed relatively evenly between the two outlet ports. The angle of the 'Y' can vary, affecting the flow characteristics. Materials used for Y-connectors range from plastics like PVC and polypropylene for water and chemical applications, to metals such as brass or stainless steel for higher pressure or temperature environments. The connection types can also vary, including threaded, barbed, or compression fittings, depending on the specific system requirements.