Patent Publication Number: US-10760693-B2

Title: Weldable, low lead and lead-free plumbing fittings and methods of making the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application that claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/402,582 filed on Jan. 10, 2017, entitled “WELDABLE, LOW LEAD AND LEAD FREE PLUMBING FITTINGS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME,” which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/279,969, filed on Jan. 18, 2016, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to weldable, low lead and lead-free plumbing fittings and methods of making the same, particularly valve assemblies for use with potable and non-potable aqueous media fabricated from silicon-copper and copper alloys. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, in order to reduce exposure of individuals to lead in their water supply systems, federal and state government agencies have issued regulations that provide standards for acceptable levels of lead in drinking water and the amount of lead that can leech from plumbing fittings. In order to meet these specifications, several low lead or lead-free alloys are now being employed in plumbing fixtures. 
     Plumbing fittings, such as valves, typically have valve bodies which are machined in two parts for ease of assembly. Valves, such as ball valves, typically have a body section into which the valve ball and valve stem are first inserted followed by an end cover which is threaded into the internally threaded valve body. 
     Typically, lead-free alloys are more difficult to machine than conventional lead-containing bronze alloys. Many low lead and lead-free alloys are abrasive, have higher tensile and yield strengths, require more costly tooling, result in shorter tool life upon machining and require increased energy consumption during manufacturing compared to lead-containing alloys. As a result, threads between the valve body and the end cover, when fabricated from low lead and lead-free alloys, are difficult and costly to machine in view of the material properties of these alloys. This, in turn, greatly increases the cost of manufacturing valves and various plumbing fittings in a traditional manner. 
     Engagement of low lead and lead-free copper alloy threads in fittings also presents challenges with respect to achieving and maintaining a good seal at the joints made with these threads. In contrast, the lead in leaded alloys would smear along the faces of the threads upon machining, thus providing a lead film that would lubricate and level out irregularities between mating surfaces. As a result, leaded alloys could facilitate higher thread engagement torques and excellent sealing capabilities. With the reduction and/or loss of lead in the low lead and lead-free copper alloy fittings, these inherent benefits of lead are lost. Not surprisingly, low lead and lead-free alloys can result in fitting designs with poor thread connections due to the relatively high strength and low ductility of these alloys. Further, these thread engagement issues with low lead and lead-free alloys become even more pronounced in high temperature applications, such as steam, where there is a potential for thermal expansion to impact mating components and create leak paths. 
     In general, welded joints are generally viewed as improvement over threaded joints in plumbing fittings and valves. While welding processes are generally understood to be lower in cost than machining processes used to make threaded features in valves, fittings and the like, welding has not been successfully employed to date to join valves, fittings and the like fabricated from lead-free and low lead alloys. Among other considerations, the low lead and lead-free alloys in such fittings and valves possess material properties that have inhibited the development and optimization of welding processes for these fittings and valves. 
     Weld joints employed with components fabricated from copper alloys typically exhibit a heat affected zone (“HAZ”). With regard to in-service corrosion resistance, the HAZ, when in contact with a corrosive media within the fitting (e.g., potable water), can exacerbate any leaching of alloy constituents from the fitting (e.g., small amounts of lead, other metals, and other constituents) into the corrosive media. Further, the HAZ itself can result in a degradation of the mechanical properties of the fitting, particularly portions of the fitting in proximity to the HAZ. Further, the HAZ of the weld joint can enhance the local corrosion rates of any portion of the HAZ in proximity to or contact with the corrosive media of the plumbing fitting. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for low lead and lead-free plumbing fitting designs for use with potable and non-potable aqueous media (and methods of making these fittings) with components that can be joined with welds that resist corrosion and exhibit high mechanical integrity. There is also a need for fitting designs, and welding methods for making these fittings, that optimize the size and location of the HAZ in view of the material properties of the components of the fitting and in-service corrosion resistance. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a stem; a valve body for receiving a stem and a valve, the body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ≤6.4 mm from the interface. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a stem; a valve body for receiving a stem and a valve, the body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a heat affected zone that has an average width ≤400 μm and is spaced from the interface. 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element or an end element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body, and the cover element or the end element, are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a heat affected zone that has an average width ≤400 μm and is spaced from the interface. 
     Certain aspects of the foregoing plumbing fittings possess one or more welds joining the cover element to the valve (or fitting) body with a centerline of about 7 mm or less from an interface of the plumbing fitting in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. Other aspects of the foregoing plumbing fittings possess one or more such welds with a centerline of about 6 mm or less, about 5 mm or less, about 4 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, about 2 mm or less, about 1 mm or less, and all values between these upper limits from the interface. 
     Further aspects of the foregoing plumbing fittings possess one or more welds that include a heat affected zone (“HAZ”) that has an average width of less than or equal to 10,000 μm, less than or equal to 7,500 μm, less than or equal to 5,000 μm, less than or equal to 2,500 μm, less than or equal to 1,000 μm, less than or equal to 800 μm, less than or equal to 700 μm, less than or equal to 600 μm, less than or equal to 500 μm, less than or equal to 400 μm, less than or equal to 300 μm, less than or equal to 200 μm, less than or equal to 100 μm, less than or equal to 50 μm, and all values between these HAZ width limits. 
     Additional aspects of the foregoing plumbing fittings include a cover element and a valve (or fitting) body fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of about 45 W/(m*K) or less, 40 W/(m*K) or less, 35 W/(m*K) or less, 30 W/(m*K) or less, 25 W/(m*K) or less, 20 W/(m*K) or less, 15 W/(m*K) or less, 10 W/(m*K) or less, 5 W/(m*K) or less, and all values between these limits. 
     A further aspect of the disclosure is a method of making a plumbing fitting that includes the steps: inserting a valve into a valve body; inserting a stem into the valve and the valve body; arranging a cover element in close proximity to the valve body to define an interface, the interface being in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium; and welding the cover element to the valve body. The welding is conducted to form a weld located in proximity to and spaced from the interface, the weld further comprising a centerline that is ≤6.4 mm from the interface. Further, the body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤45 W/(m*K). 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a fitting body; and a fitting element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the fitting element are fabricated from a low lead or lead-free, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤60 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ≤10 mm from the interface. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a fitting body; and a fitting element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the fitting element are fabricated from a low lead or lead-free, copper-silicon or copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of ≤60 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a heat affected zone (HAZ) that has an average width ≤10,000 μm and is spaced from the interface. 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting is provided that includes: a fitting body; and a fitting element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the fitting element are fabricated from a low lead or lead-free, copper-silicon or copper alloy. The weld has a heat affected zone (HAZ) that has an average width ≤10,000 μm and is spaced from the interface. Further, the weld has a centerline that is ≤10 mm from the interface. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of a ball valve assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ball valve assembly shown in  FIG. 1A , taken along section lines IB-IB; 
         FIG. 1C  is an enlarged detailed view of area IC of the ball valve assembly shown in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of a gate valve assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gate valve assembly shown in  FIG. 2A , taken along section lines IIB-IIB; 
         FIG. 2C  is an enlarged detailed view of area IIC of the gate valve assembly shown in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged detailed view of a weld joining the cover element to the body of a plumbing fitting according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged detailed view of a weld joining the cover element to the body of a comparative plumbing fitting; 
         FIG. 4A  is an optical micrograph of a cross-section of a weld joining a cover element without a cover element flange to the body of a plumbing fitting according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is an optical micrograph of a cross-section of a weld joining a cover element without a cover element flange to the body of a comparative plumbing fitting; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic flow chart of a method of making a plumbing fitting according to another embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are a series of optical micrographs depicting plumbing fittings with valve bodies and cover elements without cover element flanges that are welded with a gas tungsten arc welding (“GTAW”) process at energies of 50 amps, 75 amps, 100 amps and 125 amps, according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is an optical micrograph depicting a plumbing fitting with a valve body and cover element having a cover element flange that is welded with a GTAW process comparable to the fittings depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  is an optical micrograph depicting a plumbing fitting with a valve body and cover element having a cover element flange that is welded with a laser welding process, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is an optical micrograph depicting a plumbing fitting with a valve body and cover element without a cover element flange that is welded with a GTAW process in excess of 125 amps, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is an optical micrograph depicting a plumbing fitting with a valve body and cover element with a cover element protective flange that is welded with the same GTAW process employed in welding the fitting depicted in  FIG. 8A , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIGS. 1B and 2B . However, the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Also, the specific components, assemblies, devices and methods illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Certain recitations contained herein refer to a component being “configured” or “adapted to” function in a particular way. In this respect, such a component is “configured” or “adapted to” embody a particular property, or function in a particular manner, where such recitations are structural recitations as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is “configured” or “adapted to” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component. 
     The disclosure is directed to plumbing fittings (and methods of making these fittings) for use with potable and non-potable aqueous media with components that can be joined with welds, or otherwise contains welds, that resist corrosion and exhibit mechanical integrity. Such plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, check valves, elbows and other fittings without stems. Some or all of the primary components of these plumbing fittings (e.g., cover element, valve body, etc.) can be fabricated from copper and silicon-copper alloys. In addition, these plumbing fitting designs can achieve corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity through control of the weld location, extent of its heat affected zone (HAZ), and/or the extent of a cover element flange incorporated within the cover element to protect the weld. 
     In general, the control of the weld location, extent of its HAZ and size of a cover element flange employed in the fitting can be achieved through selection of particular welding parameters, component material properties, dimensioning of the component interfaces to be joined by the weld and/or size control of the HAZ. Upon welding, the volume and duration of energy input (heat) combined with the relative thermal diffusivity of the components to be joined can be factored into design parameters to drive the size and shape of the HAZ. As understood by those with ordinary skill in the field of the disclosure, the term “thermal diffusivity” associated with a material is defined as the thermal conductivity of that material divided by its density and specific heat capacity, i.e., the tendency of a material to conduct versus store thermal energy. Aspects of the disclosure match the magnitude of energy delivered to the weld with an appropriate composition, in view of its thermal properties including thermal diffusivity and/or thermal conductivity, to create an appropriate spacing distance from the weld centerline to portions of the fitting in contact with potentially corrosive potable and non-potable aqueous media. Further, this spacing distance can be adjusted by adjusting the size of a cover element flange employed in the fitting. 
     Without being bound by theory, the weld and adjoining HAZ experience changes associated with the heating and cooling from the welding process, particularly the energy and heat inputs. These changes include phase transformations, microstructural changes and the development of varied properties in distinct weld zones. The spacing (e.g., as provided by a cover element flange) between the weld centerline and contact point with aqueous media is set to encompass the HAZ and the full body of the weldment, while also providing additional material to serve as a protective barrier or buffer region between the aqueous media and the full body of the weldment and the HAZ. As used herein, “the full body of the weldment” is defined in terms of weld zones that radiate out from the centerline of the weld and terminate at some distance into the base metal that is unaffected by the weld. The body of the weldment, in some embodiments, progresses from the centerline of the weld to the base metal in the following order: 1) solidified weld from molten metal developed during the welding process; 2) liquid-to-solid transition region; (3) solid grain growth region; 4) solid recrystallization region; 5) solid partially transformed region; and 6) solid tempered region. The cover element flange is intended to provide protection of the weld zone(s) that are in some way negatively sensitized to the aqueous media. 
     According to some aspects of the plumbing fittings of the disclosure, a plumbing fitting design is provided in which a physical barrier in the form of a flange (or similar structure) exists between the butted members to be joined, i.e., the centerline of the weldment and the potentially corrosive potable or non-potable aqueous media. In general, embodiments of the fittings (and methods for making them) of the disclosure can effectively set the distance between the centerline of a weldment and the potable or non-potable aqueous media to ensure that any incomplete portions of the weld and/or the HAZ are not in contact with the media. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C , a plumbing fitting  100  in the form of a ball valve is depicted that includes a stem  22  and a valve body  12  for receiving the stem. The valve body  12  has a plurality of ends, namely ends  7   a  and  7   b  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Plumbing fitting  100  includes a cover element  14  (e.g., in the form of an end cover, as shown in  FIG. 1B ) that is joined to the valve body  12  with a weld  40 . Further, the weld  40  is located in proximity to and/or spaced from an interface  52  (see  FIG. 1C ) that is in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium (not shown) that can flow through and/or reside within the waterway  17  and waterway portion  50 . 
     In the aspect of plumbing fitting  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C , the fitting is a ball valve with a spherical aperture  16  having one more seal elements  32  (e.g., glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”)) for receiving a ball  18 . The valve body  12  also includes an aperture  20  for receiving a valve stem  22  that is coupled to the ball  18  and rotatable by a handle  24 . In addition, the handle  24  can be conventionally coupled to the valve stem  22  and secured by a locking nut  26 . Further, the valve stem  22  can be configured with stem packing  21  and a thrust washer  23  (see  FIG. 1B ). In operation, rotation of the handle  24  rotates the ball  18  between a position shown in  FIG. 1B , in which the valve (i.e., plumbing fitting  100 ) is open to allow the flow of the potable or non-potable aqueous media to a position rotated about 90° in which the waterway  17  in the ball  18  is enclosed or otherwise restricted by solid walls associated with the ball  18 . 
     The plumbing fitting  100  includes a valve body  12  that possesses at least two ends, namely, inlet  7   a  and outlet  7   b  as depicted in  FIG. 1B . One or both of the ends  7   a  and  7   b  can be threaded to allow connection to a conventional threaded pipe fitting. In configurations of the plumbing fitting  100  with one or more unthreaded ends, a pipe connection can be made through an alternative joining approach, such as soldering or brazing. 
     Further, the primary components of the plumbing fitting  100 , including the valve body  12  and the cover element  14 , can be fabricated from a lead-free, copper-silicon alloy. Suitable alloys include C87600, C87850, C69400 and other low lead or lead-free bronze compositions. For example, a C69400 composition can be employed for the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  which comprises: 80.59% Cu, 14.8% Zn, 4.42% Si, and 0.066% Pb (by weight). As used herein, “low lead” and “lead-free” alloys employed in the fabrication of the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  contain lead in an amount of less than about 1% by weight and less than 0.25% by weight, respectively. In certain preferred aspects of the plumbing fitting  100 , the alloy or alloys employed to fabricate the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  contain less than 0.1% lead by weight or, in some cases, no more than trace levels of lead. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the plumbing fitting  100  includes a weld  40  that joins the inlet end  7   a  of the cover element  14  to the valve body  12 . Further, as shown particularly in  FIG. 1C , the weld  40  has a centerline  44  substantially coincident with a chamfered region  52   a  and that is in proximity to the interface  52 , i.e., as defined at the edge of the cover element flange  14   a . In certain aspects, the weld  40  has a centerline  44  set at a distance  54  of no greater than 10 mm from the interface  52 . In other aspects, the centerline  44  of the weld  40  resides at a distance  54  of no greater than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm and all values between these upper limits, from the interface  52 . In a further aspect, the centerline  44  of the weld  40  is set at a distance  54  of no greater than 6.4 mm, or no greater than 2.5 mm, from the interface. As depicted in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the configuration of the cover element  14  with end  7   a  and the valve body  12  in proximity to the interface  52  and weld  40 , along with the size of the cover element flange  14   a , can be arranged to control the location of the centerline  44  of the weld  40  and/or increase the extent of corrosion protection afforded by the flange  14   a  over the chamfered region  52   a . It should also be understood that the cover element flange  14   a  can take on any of a variety of shapes, provided that it extends past the chamfered region  52   a  and provides protection to it by inhibiting contact with potable or non-potable corrosive media. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the weld  40  of the plumbing fitting  100  can include a heat affected zone (“HAZ”)  42  spanning a larger width than the width of the weld  40 . In general, the centerline of the HAZ  42  is coincident, or close to coincident, with the centerline  44  of the weld  40 . Locational control of the HAZ  42  can be achieved through control of the centerline  44  of the weld  40  and the distance  54  to the interface  52 . Further, it is believed that controlling the location of the HAZ  42  to ensure that it does not extend to the interface  52  can improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the weld  40 , leading to a plumbing fitting  100  that is weldable with mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 1C , the HAZ  42  of the weld  40  has an average width  46  that extends past the weld  40 . In certain aspects of the plumbing fitting  100  in the disclosure, the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  is maintained at 10,000 μm or smaller, 7,500 μm or smaller, 5,000 μm or smaller, 2,500 μm or smaller, 1000 μm or smaller, 900 μm or smaller, 800 μm or smaller, 700 μm or smaller, 600 μm or smaller, 500 μm or smaller, 400 μm or smaller, 300 μm or smaller, 200 μm or smaller, 100 μm or smaller, 75 μm or smaller, 50 μm or smaller, 25 μm or smaller and all values between these upper limits of the width  46  of the HAZ  42 . Further, it is believed that minimizing the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  (e.g., through the use of laser welding processes, arc welding processes with lower energy input levels) can provide further control over the location of the HAZ  42  relative to the interface  52 , thus ensuring that the HAZ  42  is not in contact with the interface  52 . Still further, aspects of the invention relate to minimizing the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  to reduce the extent or size of the cover element flange  14   a  needed to protect the chamfered region  52   a  from corrosion. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1C , control of the weld  40  and HAZ  42  in the plumbing fitting  100 , such that these features are not in contact or minimally in contact with the interface  52 , can also be achieved through selection of the alloys used to fabricate the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  (see  FIG. 1B ) in view of particular thermal properties. According to one embodiment, alloys having a relatively low thermal conductivity (as compared to the thermal conductivity of other alloys suitable for plumbing fittings) can be selected to fabricate the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  that result in a weld  40  having an HAZ  42  with a minimal average width  46 , particularly when the weld  40  joining the cover element  14  and the valve body  12  is formed with a butt welding, arc welding (e.g., gas tungsten arc welding (“GTAW”), gas metal arc welding (“GMAW”), tungsten inert gas welding (“TIG”), shielded metal arc welding (“SMAW”) etc.) and other comparable welding processes. In other aspects, alloys having a relatively low thermal conductivity can be selected to fabricate the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  to result in a weld  40  having an HAZ  42  with a minimal average width  46  with a laser welding process. 
     Furthermore, these various welding methods (e.g., butt-welding, arc-welding, tungsten inert gas welding and laser welding) deliver differing levels of energy input to result in the weld  40 . For example, the heat intensity associated with arc welding processes can range between 10 6  and 10 8  W/m 2 ; and the heat intensity associated with laser beam welding can range between 10 10  and 10 12  W/m 2 . As the energy inputs and associated heat intensity increases or decreases, depending on the type of welding process (e.g., arc welding or laser welding), the HAZ associated with the weld  40  will be confined to a narrower region or wider HAZ region in terms of the average width  46 , respectively (see  FIG. 1C ). That is, arc welding processes (e.g., GTAW, GMAW, TIG, etc.) tend to produce a wide HAZ  42 ; and conversely, laser welding processes, with a more concentrated power density, result in a narrower HAZ  42 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the thickness of the cover element flange  14   a  can be increased to accommodate the expected increase in the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  of the weld  40  based on the particular welding process selected to create the weld  40 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the cover element flange  14   a  can advantageously be decreased to accommodate the expected decrease in the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  of the weld  40  based on the particular welding process selected to create the weld  40 , thus lowering material costs and reducing weight of the fitting  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the alloys are selected for the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  with a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 60 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 55 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 50 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 45 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 40 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 35 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 30 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 25 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 20 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 15 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 10 W/(m*K), and all thermal conductivity values between these upper limits. For example, a C87600 Cu—Zn—Si alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 28 W/(m*K); and a C69400 Cu—Si alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 26 W/(m*K). Other copper alloys with low silicon content (less than 3% by weight) are also suitable with relatively low thermal conductivity levels. For example, a C63000 Cu—Al—Ni alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 39 W/(m*K); a C51000 Cu—Sn—P alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 40 W/(m*K); and a C64200 Cu—Al alloy has a thermal conductivity of about 45 W/(m*K). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that reducing the thermal conductivity of the alloys employed to fabricate the valve body  12  and the cover element  14  minimizes the conduction of heat within these elements to limit the average width  46  of the HAZ  42  that develops from the welding process, e.g., an arc-welding, butt-welding, laser welding or other similar welding process. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , a plumbing fitting  200  is depicted in the form of a gate valve that includes a stem  122  and a valve body  112  for receiving the stem. The valve body  112  has a plurality of ends, namely ends  107   a  and  107   b  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Plumbing fitting  200  includes a cover element  114  (e.g., in the form of a gate valve bonnet, as shown in  FIG. 2B ) that is joined to the valve body  112  with a weld  140 . Further, the weld  140  is located in proximity to and/or spaced from an interface  152  (see  FIG. 2C ) that is in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium (not shown) that can flow through and/or reside within the waterway portion  150 . 
     In the aspect of plumbing fitting  200  depicted in  FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , the fitting  200  is a gate valve with a stem  122  that is housed within the cover element  114  (e.g., a gate valve bonnet) and the valve body  112 . The stem  122  includes a rising wedge  118  that moves axially into and out of the valve body  112  to open or close the waterway between ends  107   a  and  107   b . Further, the stem  122  is rotatable by a handle  124  through a coupling in the form of a hex nut  126 . Rotation of the stem  122  via the handle  124  moves the stem and rising wedge in the axial, vertical direction by virtue of threads on the stem  122  and the cover element  114 . In addition, the stem  122  is rotatable and secured within the cover element  114  by virtue of a pack gland  120 , stem packing  121  and packing nut  123  (see  FIG. 2B ). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the plumbing fitting  200  includes a valve body  112  that possesses at least two ends, namely, inlet  107   a  and outlet  107   b . One or both of the ends  107   a  and  107   b  can be threaded to allow connection to a conventional threaded pipe fitting. In configurations of the plumbing fitting  200  with one or more unthreaded ends, a pipe connection can be made through an alternative joining approach, such as soldering or brazing. 
     Further, the primary components of the plumbing fitting  200 , including the valve body  112  and the cover element  114 , can be fabricated from a lead-free, copper-silicon alloy. Suitable alloys include C87600, C87850, C69400 and other low lead or lead-free bronze compositions. For example, a C87600 composition can be employed for the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  which comprises: 89.9% Cu, 5.1% Zn, 4.4% Si, and 0.052% Pb (by weight). As used herein, “low lead” and “lead-free” alloys employed in the fabrication of the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  contain lead in an amount of less than about 1% by weight and less than 0.25% by weight, respectively. In certain preferred aspects of the plumbing fitting  200 , the alloy or alloys employed to fabricate the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  contain less than 0.1% lead by weight or, in some cases, no more than trace levels of lead. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the plumbing fitting  200  includes a weld  140  that joins the cover element  114  to the valve body  112 . Further, as shown particularly in  FIG. 2C , the weld  140  has a centerline  144  substantially coincident with a chamfered region  152   a  and that is in proximity to the interface  152 , i.e., as defined at the edge of cover element flange  114   a . In certain aspects, the weld  140  has a centerline  144  set at a distance  154  of no greater than 10 mm from the interface  152 . In other aspects, the centerline  144  of the weld  140  resides at a distance  154  of no greater than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm and all values between these upper limits, from the interface  152 . In a further aspect, the centerline  144  of the weld  140  is set at a distance  154  of no greater than 6.4 mm, or no greater than 2.5 mm, from the interface. As depicted in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the configuration of the cover element  114  and the valve body  112  in proximity to the interface  152  and weld  140 , along with the size of the cover element flange  114   a , can be arranged to control the location of the centerline  144  of the weld  140  and/or increase the extent of corrosion protection afforded by the flange  114   a  over the chamfered region  152   a.    
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the weld  140  of the plumbing fitting  200 , like the weld  40  in the plumbing fitting  100 , can include a heat affected zone (“HAZ”)  142  spanning a larger width than the width of the weld  140 . In general, the centerline of the HAZ  142  is coincident or close to coincident with the centerline  144  of the weld  140 . Locational control of the HAZ  142  can be achieved through control of the centerline  144  of the weld  140  and the distance  154  to the interface  152 . Further, controlling the location of the HAZ  142  to ensure that it does not extend to the interface  152  can improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the weld  140 , leading to a plumbing fitting  200  that is weldable with mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2C , the HAZ  142  of the weld  140  has an average width  146  that extends past the weld  140 . In certain aspects of the plumbing fitting  200  in the disclosure, the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  is maintained at 10,000 μm or smaller, 7,500 μm or smaller, 5,000 μm or smaller, 2,500 μm or smaller, 1000 μm or smaller, 900 μm or smaller, 800 μm or smaller, 700 μm or smaller, 600 μm or smaller, 500 μm or smaller, 400 μm or smaller, 300 μm or smaller, 200 μm or smaller, 100 μm or smaller, 75 μm or smaller, 50 μm or smaller, 25 μm or smaller and all values between these upper limits of the average width  146  of the HAZ  142 . Further, minimizing the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  (e.g., through the use of laser welding processes, arc welding processes with lower energy input levels) can provide further control over the location of the HAZ  142  relative to the interface  152 , thus ensuring that the HAZ  142  is not in contact with the interface  152 . Still further, aspects of the invention relate to minimizing the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  to reduce the extent or size of the cover element flange  114   a  needed to protect the chamfered region  152   a  from corrosion. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2C , control of the weld  140  and HAZ  142  in the plumbing fitting  200 , such that these features are not in contact or minimally in contact with the interface  152 , can also be achieved through selection of the alloys used to fabricate the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  in view of particular thermal properties. According to an embodiment, alloys having a relatively low thermal conductivity can be selected to fabricate the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  that result in a weld  140  having an HAZ  142  with a minimal average width  146 , particularly when the weld  140  joining the cover element  114  and the valve body  112  is formed with a butt-welding, arc-welding (e.g., GTAW, GMAW, TIG, SMAW, etc.) and other comparable welding processes. In other aspects, alloys having a relatively low thermal conductivity can be selected to fabricate the valve body  112  and cover element  114  to result in a weld  140  having an HAZ  142  with a minimal average width  146  with a laser welding process. 
     Furthermore, these various welding methods (e.g., butt-welding, arc-welding, tungsten inert gas welding and laser welding) deliver differing levels of energy input to result in the weld  140 . As noted earlier, the heat intensity associated with arc welding processes can range between 10 6  and 10 8  W/m 2 ; and the heat intensity associated with laser beam welding can range between 10 10  and 10 12  W/m 2 . As the energy inputs and associated heat intensity increases or decreases, depending on the type of welding process (e.g., arc welding or laser welding), the HAZ associated with the weld  140  will be confined to a narrower region or wider HAZ region in terms of the average width  146 , respectively (see  FIG. 2C ). That is, arc welding processes (e.g., GTAW, GMAW, TIG, SMAW, etc.) tend to produce a wide HAZ  142 ; and conversely, laser welding processes, with a more concentrated power density, result in a narrower HAZ  142 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the thickness of the cover element flange  114   a  can be increased to accommodate the expected increase in the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  of the weld  140  based on the particular welding process selected to create the weld  140 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the cover element flange  114   a  can advantageously be decreased to accommodate the expected decrease in the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  of the weld  140  based on the particular welding process selected to create the weld  140 , thus lowering material costs and reducing weight of the fitting  200 . 
     In certain embodiments, the alloys are selected for the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  with a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 60 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 55 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 50 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 45 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 40 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 35 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 30 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 25 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 20 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 15 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 10 W/(m*K), and all thermal conductivity values between these upper limits. As noted earlier, a C87600 Cu—Zn—Si alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 28 W/(m*K); and a C69400 Cu—Si alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 26 W/(m*K). Other copper alloys with low silicon content (less than 3% by weight) are also suitable with relatively low thermal conductivity levels. For example, a C63000 Cu—Al—Ni alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 39 W/(m*K); a C51000 Cu—Sn—P alloy typically has a thermal conductivity of about 40 W/(m*K); and a C64200 Cu—Al alloy has a thermal conductivity of about 45 W/(m*K). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that reducing the thermal conductivity of the alloys employed to fabricate the valve body  112  and the cover element  114  minimizes the conduction of heat within these elements to limit the average width  146  of the HAZ  142  that develops from the welding process, e.g., an arc-welding, butt-welding, laser welding or other similar welding process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , an enlarged detailed view of a weld  240   a  of a plumbing fitting  300   a  is depicted as joining a first element (e.g., a cover element of a check valve, an end of an elbow) to a second feature (e.g., a fitting body) of the fitting  300   a  according to another aspect of the disclosure. In general, the plumbing fitting  300   a  is comparable to the exemplary plumbing fittings  100  (e.g., a ball valve) and  200  (e.g., a gate valve) depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C , respectively. Plumbing fitting  300   a  is also indicative of other plumbing fittings according to the disclosure including but not limited to elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems (not shown). For example, in certain types of fittings without stems, the weld  240   a  joins a fitting body having one or more ends for transmitting a potable aqueous media to a cover element (e.g., a check valve). As another example, a weld  240   a  can join an end (or each end) of a fitting body (e.g., an elbow or other fitting lacking a valve and/or stem). That is, the plumbing fitting  300   a  is configured according to the foregoing principles—i.e., it has mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance indicative of a weld  240   a  in proximity to a potable or non-potable medium carried by the fitting but having a heat affected zone that is not in contact with it. More particularly, the weld  240   a  includes a heat affected zone  242   a  with an average width  246   a . Further, the centerline of the weld  240   a  is substantially coincident with a chamfered region  252   a . The centerline of the weld  240   a  is also located in proximity to an interface  252 , which is in contact with a portion of waterway  250  and defined at the edge of flange  214   a . The flange  214   a  is set off from a distance  254  or less from the interface  252 . In contrast,  FIG. 3B  is an enlarged detailed view of a weld joining a first and second feature of a comparative plumbing fitting  300   b . The plumbing fitting  300   b  is comparative in the sense that it contains a weld  240   b  that is formed without the control and principles outlined in the foregoing. In particular, the weld  240   b  has a heat affected zone  242   b  that overlaps with the interface  252  in contact with a portion of waterway  250 . That is, the average width  246   b  of the heat affected zone  242   b  extends past the interface  252  such that the heat affected zone is in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium within the portion of the waterway  250 . Further, as the heat affected zone  242   b  extends past the flange  214   a  (see  FIG. 3B ), the flange  214   a  offers no significant corrosion protection to the chamfered region  252   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , an optical micrograph of a cross-section of a weld joining the cover element to the body (e.g., a valve body or fitting body to a cover element that lacks a cover element flange) of a plumbing fitting is provided, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In particular, the weld formed in the sample depicted in  FIG. 4A  with a GTAW process joins a cover element and valve body formed from a C87600 alloy having a thermal conductivity of about 28.4 W/(m*K). As shown, the as-formed weld possesses a relatively small HAZ with an average width of about 326 to 333 μm. A modest cover element flange, for example, could be added to the cover element to protect a chamfered region and the HAZ from corrosion. 
     In contrast,  FIG. 4B  presents an optical micrograph of a cross-section of a weld joining the cover element to the body of a comparative plumbing fitting. For the sample depicted in  FIG. 4B , the weld is formed with a similar set of GTAW process conditions as employed in the sample shown in  FIG. 4A . However, for the sample shown in  FIG. 4B , the weld joins a cover element (without a cover element flange) and valve body that were fabricated from a C12200 copper alloy with residual phosphorous having a thermal conductivity of about 340 W/(m*K). As shown in  FIG. 4B , the as-formed weld possesses a large HAZ with an average width of about 1704 to 1944 μm. As a result, an extremely large and impractical cover element flange would be required to protect the chamfered region and this large HAZ from corrosion. In addition, the HAZ of the weld depicted in  FIG. 4B  has significantly less uniformity with regard to its average width compared to the HAZ of the weld of the sample depicted in  FIG. 4A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic flow chart of a method  400  of making a plumbing fitting (e.g., a gate valve, ball valve, check valve and other stemless fittings) is provided, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. More particularly, the method  400  can be employed to fabricate the plumbing fittings  100 ,  200  and  300   a  depicted according to the foregoing aspects of the disclosure, or fitting  500 , also consistent with the foregoing principles. As shown in exemplary form in  FIG. 5 , the method  400  can include a step  402  for inserting a valve into a valve body and a step  404  for inserting a stem into the valve and the valve body. Note that when the method  400  is employed to make plumbing fitting lacking a valve and/or a stem, portions or all of step  402  would necessarily be omitted from the overall method  400 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 5 , the method  400  can also include a step  406  for arranging a cover element in close proximity to the valve body (or fitting body) to define an interface. Further, the interface is defined such that it is in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium (e.g., potable or non-potable water that flows within the fitting formed by the method  400 ). Substep  405   a  can be employed as part of step  406  to dimension or otherwise configure the cover element, valve body and cover element flange (as applicable) to ensure that the weld formed later in the method  400  is located in relative proximity to the interface, while at a sufficient distance to ensure that its HAZ, along with any chamfered region (e.g., between the cover element and valve body) is not in contact with the potable or non-potable aqueous medium. Similarly, substep  405   b  can be employed as part of step  406  to select the thermal properties of the cover element and body to ensure that the weld formed later in the method  400  includes an HAZ that is not in contact with the potable or non-potable aqueous medium. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the method  400  also includes a step  408  for welding the cover element to the valve body (or fitting body). In step  408 , the welding is conducted such that the resulting weld is located in proximity to and spaced from the interface (e.g., an interface in contact with the potable or non-potable aqueous medium). As also shown in  FIG. 5 , the step  408  can include a substep  407 , the substep  407  includes various welding parameters that can be employed to influence the size and location of the weld and its HAZ (e.g., GTAW input energy, travel speed and others) in association with configuring the interface and/or thermal properties of the features to be joined by the weld for purposes of controlling its location and the size and position of its HAZ. 
     In certain preferred aspects, the weld of the fittings  100 ,  200 ,  300   a  and  500  fabricated with the method  400  includes a centerline that is 6.4 mm, or 2.5 mm or less, from the interface. In other aspects, the weld has a centerline that is no greater than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm and all values between these upper limits from the interface. In another preferred aspect, the weld has an HAZ with an average width of 600 μm or less, or 400 μm or less. In other aspects, the average width of the HAZ is held to 10,000 μm or smaller, 7,500 μm or smaller, 5,000 μm or smaller, 2,500 μm or smaller, 1000 μm or smaller, 900 μm or smaller, 800 μm or smaller, 700 μm or smaller, 600 μm or smaller, 500 μm or smaller, 400 μm or smaller, 300 μm or smaller, 200 μm or smaller, 100 μm or smaller, 75 μm or smaller, 50 μm or smaller, 25 μm or smaller and all values between these upper limits of the average width of the HAZ. Similarly, the features to be joined by such welds (e.g., cover element and valve body) can be selected with a relatively low thermal conductivity—i.e., less than or equal to 60 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 55 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 50 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 45 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 40 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 35 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 30 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 25 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 20 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 15 W/(m*K), less than or equal to 10 W/(m*K), and all thermal conductivity values between these upper limits 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following examples represent certain non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure. 
     Example 1 
     In this example, a set of four plumbing fittings (e.g., comparable to fitting  100 ) are welded with a GTAW process to demonstrate the effect of welding parameters on the width and depth of the weld and its HAZ, along with the influence of these factors on the size and configuration of the cover element to protect a chamfered region from corrosion. Cross-sections of the resulting welds are depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6D , which were conducted at 50 amps, 75 amps, 100 amps, and 125 amps, respectively, with a GTAW welder. Each plumbing fitting includes: a stem, a valve body (e.g., valve body  12 ) for receiving a stem and a valve, the body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element (e.g., cover element  14 ) joined to the body with a weld (e.g., weld  40 ) in proximity to and spaced from a chamfered region (e.g., chamfered region  52   a ) and an interface (e.g., interface  52 ) in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. Further, the body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free, copper-silicon alloy, C69400, having a thermal conductivity of about 26 W/(m*K) and the following composition: 80.59% Cu, 14.8% Zn, 4.42% Si, and 0.066% Pb (by weight). In addition, the cover elements of the fittings depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6D  were purposely fabricated without a cover flange element (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1C , element  14   a ) to aid in illustrating the need for this feature in view of the extent and size of the resulting welds and their respective HAZs. 
     As is evident from  FIGS. 6A through 6D , the size and the extent of the weld and its HAZ increases as a function of increasing GTAW energy inputs. In  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the full width of the HAZs associated with these welds is about 3.5 mm (3,500 μm) and 5.7 mm (5,700 μm) as conducted at 50 amps and 75 amps, respectively. As is also evident in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the depth of the welds and the HAZs do not extend completely through the joint in proximity to the chamfered region ( 52   a ) and the interface ( 52 ). Accordingly, a cover element flange (not shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) would only be necessary between the interface and chamfered region, about 0.5 mm as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Advantageously, the configuration of the plumbing fitting, particularly its cover element flange, can be adjusted to minimize the extent and size of the cover element flange, thus reducing weight and cost of the fitting. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 6C and 6D , the full width of the HAZs associated with these welds is about 7.1 mm (7,100 μm) and 9.2 mm (9,200 μm) as conducted at 100 amps and 125 amps, respectively. As is also evident from  FIGS. 6C and 6D , the depth of the welds extends much closer to the chamfered region ( 52   a ) and interface ( 52 ), which tends to result in a stronger joint. Further, the depth of the HAZs extends up to the chamfered region ( 52   a ). Accordingly, a cover element flange (not shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D ) would be necessary (e.g., for purposes of preventing ingress of potable or non-potable media into the weld via the chamfered region) between the chamfered region ( 52   a ) and interface ( 52 ), well past the chamfered region. As shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D , a cover element flange that extends 2.5 mm and 4.2 mm from the chamfered region, respectively, can effectively ‘cover’ the HAZ and ensure that the chamfered region is adequately protected from potentially corrosive non-potable or potable media. 
     Example 2 
     In this example, as shown in  FIG. 7A , a plumbing fitting (e.g., comparable to fitting  100 ) is configured with the same features and alloy compositions as the fittings in Example 1, along with a cover element flange (e.g., cover element flange  14   a ) and welded with a GTAW process using parameters similar to those used for the welds depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  (e.g., between about 50 amps and 75 amps). However, in this example, the cover element flange is extended well past the chamfered region (e.g., region  52   a ) and width of the HAZ to advantageously add additional support to the weld and form an extended interface (e.g., interface  52 ). As noted earlier, an incomplete bond or weld of the joined pieces (e.g., a valve body and cover element) can result in a relatively weaker weld that can be more susceptible to mechanical failure and/or corrosion from aqueous potable or non-potable media. As shown in  FIG. 7A , however, the added length of the cover element flange past the width of the HAZ provides added support to a weld that may be less than 100% complete. Another benefit of this plumbing fitting configuration is that it offers added manufacturing robustness to account for variable energy inputs (e.g., within a given process window), which can significantly change the completeness and extent of the weld and the HAZ. 
     Example 3 
     In this example, as shown in  FIG. 7B , a plumbing fitting (e.g., comparable to fitting  100 ) is configured with the same features and alloy compositions as the fittings in Example 1, along with a cover element flange (e.g., cover element flange  14   a ) and welded with a laser welding process with suitable energy inputs to produce the weld shown (e.g., between about 10 10  and about 10 12  W/m 2 ). More particularly, the laser weld depicted in  FIG. 7B  was conducted with a spot size of about 200 microns, a focus position of about −6 mm, a power of 2 kW and a surface speed of 3.32 m/min. As noted earlier, a laser welding process employed in the fittings of the disclosure (e.g., with low lead or lead-free copper or copper-silicon alloys) can advantageously produce a weld with significant penetration (e.g., about 3.029 mm as shown in  FIG. 7B ) while having a narrow width (e.g., about 0.919 mm (919 μm), as shown in  FIG. 7B ) and narrow HAZ (e.g., about 1.305 mm (1,305 μm) as shown in  FIG. 7B ). In addition, the weld produced by the laser weld process has a convex-shaped portion (e.g., about 0.146 mm in height, as shown in  FIG. 7B ). 
     In this example, however, the cover element flange is extended well past the chamfered region (e.g., region  52   a ) and width of the HAZ to advantageously add additional support to the weld and form an extended interface (e.g., interface  52 ). In this case, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the weld is complete (e.g., near to full penetration) but the extended cover element flange advantageously offers additional safety margin for the weld by providing additional support to it. Another benefit of this plumbing fitting configuration is that it offers added manufacturing robustness to account for variable energy inputs (e.g., within a given process window) associated with a laser welding process, which can significantly change the completeness and extent of the weld and the HAZ. In addition, it is also evident from  FIG. 7B  that a laser welding process, when optimized for a given fitting geometry and material compositions for the valve body and cover element, affords the plumbing fittings of the disclosure flexibility in reducing the extent of the cover element flange (or, in some cases, eliminating it) to save weight and material cost. 
     Example 4 
     In this example, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , two plumbing fittings (e.g., comparable to fitting  100 ) are configured with the same features and alloy compositions as the fittings in Example 1, and were both welded with a GTAW process using parameters somewhat more aggressive (i.e., greater than 125 amps) than those used for the weld depicted in  FIG. 6D  (i.e., about 125 amps). The fitting depicted in  FIG. 8A  does not include a cover element flange. In contrast, the fitting depicted in  FIG. 8B  includes a cover element flange. As is evident from  FIG. 8A , the weld formed by these parameters is complete and the HAZ is fairly large at about 10.9 mm. However, the weld associated with the fitting shown in  FIG. 8A  is not ideal in the sense that it exhibits some degree of material ‘blow-through’ (and scalloping on the opposing side of the weld), which can negatively reduce the cross-sectional length of the weld and its mechanical integrity. Advantageously, the fitting depicted in  FIG. 8B  includes a cover element flange, sized to accommodate the HAZ and manage material ‘blow-through’ associated with higher energy input weld process conditions. That is, the cover element flange in the fitting depicted in  FIG. 8B  serves to protect the chamfered region (e.g., region  52   a ) from corrosion from non-potable or potable media and, additionally, provides added protection from ‘blow-through’ welding conditions. Hence, certain embodiments of the plumbing fittings of the disclosure, by virtue of a cover element flange, offer added processing-related robustness given that these fittings can even accommodate high energy welding conditions within or even outside of a given process window. 
     It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, the ball valve and gate valve depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C , respectively, are merely exemplary. Other plumbing fittings and components (e.g., a check valve and other stemless fittings) can be designed and/or made according to aspects of the disclosure with mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance that contain one or more such welds with positional and/or size control. Similarly, the flanges  14   a  and  114   a  of the fittings  100 ,  200  depicted in  FIGS. 1C and 2C  can take on any of a variety of shapes to, for example, provide support beneath the weld during its formation, and/or more effectively cover the chamfered region  52   a  and  152   a  (or similar feature potentially susceptible to corrosion) in view of the shape and dimensions of the region and the HAZ  42 ,  142 . Further, the foregoing concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     Other variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of this disclosure. These concepts, and those mentioned earlier, are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the claims by their language expressly state otherwise.