Tubing & Fitting are designed to safely handle both high pressure & high-temperature conditions with hazardous and corrosive fluids. In order to achieve optimum performance, it is essential to ensure correct assembly & installation for high-pressure fittings and tubing. Various industries require the applications of high-pressure fittings and tubing. Not only must the high-pressure fittings be used correctly but they must correctly assemble with the tube and be prepared in a manner to ensure maximum fitting performance. It, therefore, becomes important to be knowledgeable of the following:
- Awareness for the key installation procedures and installations.
- Familiarization with pipes, tubes and fittings including their key characteristics, assembly procedures and safety precautions.
- Key installation procedures including selection, cutting, deburring and bending.
- Familiarization with Medium & high pressure fittings and the differences between products offered by manufacturers.
Care in handling tubing to achieve a proper seal with the fitting
- Not only should tubing be ordered according to exact specifications but it is essential to follow safety precautions in preparation assembly to protect both the tubing and fitting characteristics.
- Always use tubing that is compatible with the fitting or valve materials. Stainless steel tubing will work best with stainless steel fittings.
- A smooth and unscathed tubing surface is essential for a proper seal with the fitting. It is important to avoid dragging the tubing from the storage racks.
- When working with coiled tubing, do not uncoil more than what is necessary to prevent surface hardness.
- Tubing must be cut squarely to maximize fitting functions. A tube cutter will be better than a hacksaw since it will ensure appropriate cutting for the tubing material.
- Burrs on the tubing after cutting should be deburred prior to installation. Excessive burring of the tubing’s outside diameter may damage the fittings during assembly.
- For applications requiring high pressure, high safety factor or severe services, the nut of high pressure fittings should be tightened until the tube does not rotate. A wrench could be used to tighten the nut.
- A presetting tool assembly will allow installation of the high pressure fittings and tubing in hard-to-reach locations. Each presetting tool is supplied with its own set of instructions from the manufacturer.
- Use products suitable for the application like Medium & high pressure fittings with outstanding protection against pressure, shocks and vibrations.
- Make sure that the system is not pressurized when tightening or loosening a fitting or valve connection.
- When relieving or bleeding system pressure, do not loosen the tube fitting nut. Use the appropriate devices intended for bleeding or relieving pressure.
- Do not exceed product temperature specifications.
- Do not exceed maximum allowable working pressure/temperature combinations for tubing assembly.
- When the application involves hazardous and toxic fluids, it is important to exercise a lot of caution during installation, operation and maintenance.
