Ensuring a tight fit by between connected pieces of tube is vital if we are to create a leak-free system. It’s not always easy though, to make the correct selection when it’s time to replace worn tube fittings. There are thankfully standard sizes. And there can also be huge variations in quality depending on the source. Some designs are intrinsically better and some materials better suited to exacting jobs.
Size and Design
Mixing alloys is to be avoided as anti corrosive qualities of tube fittings are vital to ensuring longevity in a system. There are a few manufacturers designing fittings with extraordinary ‘locking’ capacity according to stringent tolerances. Overall design and precision manufacturing is important. Consider the tube wall thickness and outside diameter when selecting fittings, as well as pressure, temperature, flow rate and site conditions.
Temperature
Every tube fitting is designed to perform at its best within a given temperature range. The ability of the fitting to withstand media and ambient temperature variations will depend on the type of material used in its construction, the plating and the seal. Fittings comprising a lock, nut and ferrule made from high quality steel alloys provide a tight fit and are made in accordance with specific heat tolerances.
Pressure Rating
Keeping in mind the anticipated pressure of a gas or fluid system, the tube fittings chosen for a specific job must be at least equal to or preferably higher than expected pressure through the system. Pressure ratings are a measure of the ratio between the holding capacity of a joint’s design and the strength of the fitting. Making sure we know the normal operating pressure conditions and potential shocks a system may experience is the best gauge for selecting fittings that will hold under this pressure.
Gas or Fluid Media
One of the most important considerations when choosing tube fittings to match requirements is the nature of the gas or fluid being carried within the system. Checking compatibility tables is helpful. Corrosion resistance is related to the gas or fluid media that is being transported. Protective coatings are usually applied to steel fittings to extend the life of the fitting in corrosive environments.
Errors in Application
Whether the system exists in stasis or is dynamic will have an effect on the wear and tear of tube fittings. The presence of hazardous gases or chemicals can lead to failure through corrosion if the best choices are not made in the earliest stages of design and installation. It’s important to properly analyze the setting before finalizing decisions on the tubing and fittings to be used for a particular application.
Well Constructed Tube Fittings
Finally, it is worth pointing out that a few companies are specialists in constructing tube fittings that are a good match to a variety of applications. These companies continues grow through its 100% commitment to customer satisfaction and creating value within the semiconductor, petrochemistry, natural gas, ocean industry, power plant, paper manufacture, shipbuilding, and railroad industries.