INSTRUMENT COMPRESSION TYPE

FITTINGS AND TUBING

 CONTENTS

• Introduction – General
• Instrument Tube
• Background
– Why compression fittings and Advantage of tubing
compared to pipe.
• Tools and Accessories
• Compression type tube Fittings
 CONTENTS

• Tube variables and selection .

• Preparation of the tube and Bending
• Assembly/disassembly tubing
•  Identifying the correct fitting.
• Parts of the fitting.
• Installing the fitting
 CONTENTS

• Understanding how the fitting works.

• Types of threads.
• Tube storage and Handling
• Safety Considerations
• Other types of high pressure fittings -
awareness
 INTRODUCTION

The most important mechanical work done by the

instrument technician is laying out and connecting up
tubing used for:
• Connections from the process to the instrument. The
tube is commonly referred to as an impulse line or
tube
• Pneumatic signal and air supply connections to the
instrument.
• This course will explain the basic rules to be followed
when carrying out tubing work.
 TUBING

Characteristics of Tubing:
• Tubing is seamless thin wall pipe.
• It is made of copper or stainless steel.
• It is easy to bend using simple hand tools.
• Normally stainless steel tubing is used
throughout the oil/gas industry.
• This is because it does not corrode easily.
• Copper tubing is mostly used for water heating
systems.
 TUBING

• It is sometimes used in instrumentation workshops.

• Low pressure systems, (for example in a training
workshop), use plastic tubing which is cheap and
easy to use.
• Tubing comes in standard sizes; either metric or
imperial.
• Tubing layouts should be made all metric or all
imperial.
• They should not be a mixture of both.
 TUBING

• Compression fittings are usefully in installation

that may require occasionally disassembly or
partial removal for maintenance.
• CPDG Vendor List – Swagelok, Parker
 TUBING

• The table below shows the standard sizes

(outside diameter) of instrument tubing.
• Imperial (in inches)
1/8”, 3/16”, ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 7/8”, 1”.
• Metric (in millimeters)
3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mmm,
15mm, 16mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm.
WHERE WE USE THE TUBE AND FITTINGS?

• Impulse tubing.

• Instrument airline.
 ADVANTAGE OF TUBING COMPARED TO
PIPE
• Tubing can generally be installed faster than
pipes.
• Reduce overall installed
• Easier to disassembly compared to piping.
• Internal diameters of the tubing and fittings
are nearly identical,
which reduce pressure drops and turbulence.
ADVANTAGE OF TUBING COMPARED TO
PIPE

• Piping
Tubing
 ADVANTAGE OF TUBING
COMPARED TO PIPE
• Standard Wrenches
• No threading, Fewer Connections
• No Welding, Less turbulence
• Full wall thickness used for pressure
• More lighter, Low pressure drop
 ADVANTAGE OF TUBING
COMPARED TO PIPE
• Tube grip, Gas seal and Vibration resistance.
• Repeatable, leak-tight connections
• Easy to Install
ADVANTAGE OF TUBING
ADVANTAGE OF COMPRESSION TYPE TUBE
FITTINGS
Video
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
Tube Bender
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
Wise Clamp Block
 TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
Depth Marking Tool

• Swagelok depth marking tools help ensure

that tubing is bottomed on the shoulder inside
the Swagelok tube fitting body
 THREAD SEALANTS

• PTFE TAPE or Teflon Tape

 THREADS AND TEFLON TAPE

• Teflon tape is not as popular as it used to be,

particularly on systems running at high
temperatures. In some plants special sealing
compounds must be used instead of Teflon
tape.
 TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
Gap Inspection Gauges

• Swagelok gap inspection gauges assure the

installer or inspector that the fitting has been
sufficiently pulled up on initial installation,
whether using a multihead hydraulic swaging
unit (MHSU) or air- actuated hydraulic swaging
unit (AHSU), or wrench tightening
 INSTRUMENT TUBING AND PREPARATION

- Tubing Variables
– Concentricity Seamless or
Welded
– Ovality Wall
Thickness
– Differential Hardness
– Type of Material
Outside and Inside Diameter Lay
Line(Material, Specifications, OD)
 TUBE PREPARATION

• Check tubing O.D. and wall thickness

• Check Ovality and hardness grade
• Check tolerances are within specification
• Ensure surface is free from scratches and dirt
• Make a square cut, always use suitable tube
cutter with a sharp blade
• Remove burrs from inner and outer edges of
tubing.
TUBE PREPARATION
The tubing cutter
 TUBE PREPARATION
The tubing cutter

• The diagram shows a hand tubing cutter.

• The tubing is cut by the cutting wheel.
• This is rotated, by hand, round and round the
tube.
• The adjustment screw is tightened as the tube
is cut.
• This keeps the wheel in contact with the tube.
• The tubing cutter is easy to use and cuts
tubing better than a hacksaw.
 TUBE PREPARATION
The tubing cutter

• A tubing cutter will leave rough edges on the

inside of the tube.
• These rough edges are called burrs.
• They must be removed before a compression
fitting is connected.
• These burrs can be removed with a round file
but the easiest method is to use a de-burring
tool.
• The de-burring tool has many cutting edges.
DEBURRING THE TUBE
 THE DE-BURRING TOOL

• A normal tubing tool kit has two special tools;

the tubing cutter and the De-burring tool.
 DE-BURRING TOOL

• The tool is rotated by hand to remove the

burrs on the inside of the tube (see diagram).
INSTRUMENT TUBE - DEBURRING
 THE TUBING PREPARATION

• Make sure the bits of metal are removed

after de-burring.
• Any particles left inside the tubing will
quickly block instruments connected to the
tubing.
TUBE PREPARATION
Video
 TUBE BENDING

• When bending thin wall tubing it is important

not to kink the tube.
• The radius of a bend must be at least 2½
times the diameter of the tube as shown in
DIAMETER
TUBING

the example. RADIUS > 2.5 X ½

=1.25"

GOOD
BEND

SHARP BEND KINKS THE

PIPE

BAD
BEND
 TUBE BENDING

• Hand tubing benders are made so that the

radius of the bend is correct.
• The correct use of the hand bender will make
good bends automatically.
• A typical hand tubing bender is shown below.
 BENDING TUBE TO SIZE

• You need practice and judgement to make

bends of less than 90°.
• The smaller the angle, the nearer the
bending point to the required length.
• For example, for a 45° bend, the bending
point will be at 8.3/4".
• Remember it is safer to be too long and cut
a bit off the tubing.
 BENDING TUBE TO SIZE

• You must never force a short tube into a

connection.
• Tubing which has been strained to fit is
dangerous.
• It stresses the connectors, which may leak.
• When it is disconnected it can spring out of
place and injure people nearby.
 BENDING TUBE TO SIZE

• There is a good general rule for bending a

piece of tubing to the correct length.
• You should bend it at a point one tubing
diameter less than the required length.
• The diagram shows where you should bend a
1/2" diameter tube in order for it to reach the
required length of 9".
BENDING TUBE TO SIZE
 THE MEASURE BEND METHOD

• Place a “Reference Mark” at the end of the

tube from which you are beginning the
measurement
• Measure from the “Reference Mark” and
make a “ Bend Mark” on the tube at a
distance equal to the desired bend length.
This Mark indicates the vertex of the bend
• The vertex is the where the center lines of the
two legs of the angle intersect
 PREPARATION OF TUBE BENDING

• Slowly Push the Short handle down until the 0

on the roll support reaches the desired degree
mark on the name plate
THE MEASURE BEND METHOD
PREPARATION OF TUBE BENDING
Example - The Measure Bend Method
TUBE BENDER
Video
 COMPRESSION FITTINGS

COMPRESSION FITTINGS:
• Instrument tubing connections are done using
compression fittings.
• You must not thread instrument tubing and
use a nut to make a connection.
 COMPRESSION FITTINGS

• The diagram shows a section through a

compression fitting.
• When the nut is tightened the twin ferrules
are forced into the tube and against the sides
of the connector.
• They make a metal to metal seal.
 COMPRESSION FITTINGS
• This seal is very effective if the nut is
tightened correctly.
• It is good for pressures to at least 10,000
psi.
• Manufactures of compression fittings, e.g.
Parker, Swagelok etc.
• Some use only one ferrule (olive) but most
use two.
• The ferrules in different manufacturers'
 MAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

Step 1:
• Simply insert the tubing into the Swagelok
tube fitting.
• Make sure that the tubing rests firmly on
the shoulder of the fitting and that the nut
is finger tight.
 MAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING
Step 2:
• Before tightening the nut clearly mark the
nut at the 6 o’clock position
Step 3:
• Hold the connector tightly with a backup
wrench.
• Turn the nut about 1 ¼ turns (from finger
tight).
• This is enough to seal the connection
properly.
 MAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

Making a Compression Fitting:

Note: Don't over-tighten the nut!

 MAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

• Step 1 - Insert tubing into the tube fitting.

Ensure that the tubing abuts firmly on the
shoulder of the fitting body and that the nut is
finger tight.
• Step 2 - Before tightening the nut clearly mark
the nut at the 6 o’clock position
• Step 3 - While holding fitting body steady with
a back up wrench ; Tighten the nut 1 ¼ turns
to the 9 o’clock position.
• Step-4 - Note: For 1/16, 1/8, and 3/16 in., 2, 3,
MAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

• The tube Fitting is now correctly installed and

ready for immediate use
 REMAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

• Compression fittings can be re-made many

times by the method shown.
• The nut is re-tightened correctly by turning
the nut about 1 ¼ turns from finger tight.
• And slightly tightened by correct wrench if
required
• Shown in next slide:
 REMAKING A COMPRESSION FITTING

Disconnected Position

Inserted Tube and Ferrules

Nut Re-tightened
• Don't over-tighten the nut!
INSTALLING COMPRESSION
FITTING
TUBE FITTINGS INSTALLATION
INSTRUECTIONS
Video
 FITTINGS INSPECTION

• On initial installation, the gap testing gauge

shows that a fitting has been sufficiently
tightened
• Position the gap inspection gauge next to the
gap between the nut and body.
• If the gauge will not enter the gap, the fitting
is sufficiently tightened.
• If the gauge enters the gap, additional
tightening is required.
 FITTING INSPECTION
Gaugeability

• Swagelok gap inspection gauges should not be

used after preswaging or hydraulic swaging
unit
• Should only be used for the Initial Installation
of the fitting
 FITTING INSPECTION
Inspection Gauge
• Inspection gauge should be used only for
the initial inspection of the fitting.
TUBE FITTING ASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
Re-Cap

• Prior to disassembly, mark the tubing at the

back of the nut; mark a line along the nut and
body flats. Use these marks to ensure that you
the nuts to the previously pulled up position.
•  Insert the tubing or tube adapter end
connection with preswaged ferrules into the
fitting until the front ferule seats against the
fitting body. If need, reapply lubricant lightly
to the body thread and rear surface of the
back ferrules.
TUBE FITTING ASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY

• While withholding body steady, rotate the

nut with wrench to the previously pulled up
position as indicated by the marks on the
tubing and flats. At this point, you fill a
significant increases in resistance. Do not
use a gap inspection gauge with
reassembled fittings.
• While withholding body steady, rotate the
nut with wrench to the previously pulled up
position as indicated by the marks on the
TUBE FITTING ASSEMBLY
Video
TUBE FITTING ASSEMBLY
Video
 COMPRESSION FITTINGS

• Fittings - Types of Threads on the fitting

Tapere Straigh
d NP t SA
T E
BS Fractiona
P l
 FITTINGS - PARALLEL THREADS

• SAE

• FRACTIONAL
 FITTINGS - TAPERED THREADS

• NPT

• BSP
 FITTINGS - IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT
FITTING

• Fitting Types
FITTING - IDENTIFICATION
FITTINGS - DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE
FITTING
NPT TAPERED PIPE THREADS
IDENTIFING THREAD AND PITCH SIZE
Video
SWAGELOK & GYROLOK FERRULES
FITTINGS - DIFFERENCE IN NUTS
CONNECTORS
 CONNECTORS

• You must choose the right connectors to

connect tubing to an instrument.
Some plants can use two quite different
systems like:
• Metric tubing with ISO pipe threads.
• Imperial (fractional) tubing with National
Pipe Threads (NPT).
• Manufacturers make connectors to fit all
systems.
 CONNECTORS

• They also make connectors to connect two

different systems.
• Check which set of connectors are in use on
a job site before doing any new tubing
work.
• The diagram shows a few of the types of
connector available (Swagelok).
 THREADS AND TEFLON TAPE

• Teflon tape is used to seal the gaps between NO TAPE

threads.
DIRECTIO ON LAST
N OF THREAD
TAPE
WINDING

• It is only used on "tapered threads".

• This tape must not be used on threads of
compression fittings. DIRECTION WHEN
TIGHTENING
CONNECTIONS

• The tape will stop the metal to metal seal

being made.
• This tape must not be used on parallel thread
connectors.
• It will stop the connector from sealing on the
 THREADS AND TEFLON TAPE

• If Teflon tape is used, make sure the tape is

wound in the right direction.
• When the connector is screwed into the
device the tape must be tightened onto the
threads, (e.g. anticlockwise on a right hand
thread).
• Put on Teflon tape carefully so that it cannot
become loose and block air passages.
• A typical example of the correct method of
putting on Teflon tape is shown.
THREAD SEALANTS
PTFE TAPE

How to apply PTFE

Tape as a thread
sealant on male
tapered pipe
threads to aid in
PTFE TAPE APPLICATION
Video
SWAK APPLICATION
Video
 SEALANT USE

• Sealant location

Why not put

sealant here
also?
TUBING INSTALLATION

CONNECTION AT TOP
OF LINE
AIR SUPPLY LINE
(SLIGHT SLOPE)

AIR SUPPLY
INST INST
CONNECTIONS TO
INSTRUMENTS
MOISTURE

BLOW DOWN
VALVE
TO DRAIN (NORMALLY
CLOSED)
LIN
E
INSTRUM
TUBIN ENT TUBIN
G G

LINE
INSTRUMENT
ORIFICE
INSTRUMENT
PLATE
INSTRUMENT CONNECTED FOR LIQUID
CONNECTED FOR GAS MEASUREMENTS
MEASUREMENTS
 TUBING INSTALLATION

• Process connections are made differently for

gases and liquids.
• Tubing connections to a gas line are from
above.
• The tubing slopes upwards to the instrument.
• Tubing connections to a liquid line are from
below.
• The tubing slopes downwards to the
instrument.
• The diagram shows the above points.
 TUBING INSTALLATION

• Air lines are usually fitted at a slight slope.

• This is to make sure that any moisture which
collects in the lines does not run into the
instrument.
• The instrument is supplied from the top of the
supply line.
• Moisture collects above the blow down valve.
• The blow down valve is opened once a day to
blow out any moisture collected.
 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

– Never turn fitting body. Instead hold fitting body

and turn nut.
– Always use proper thread sealants on tapered
pipe threads.
– Do not make up and tighten fittings when the
system is pressurized.
– Metal tubing material should be softer than Fitting
material. For example, stainless steel tubing
should not be used with brass fittings.
– Mixing tube fitting and tubing material may cause
galvanic corrosion.
 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
• Mixed tube fittings & tubing are affected differently by changes
in temperature, and may cause leakage.
• Surface finish is very important for proper
sealing. Any tubing with depression, scratch or
surface defect will be difficult to seal.
• Do not bleed system by loosening fitting nut
or fitting plug
• After the deburr the tubing it was necessary to remove burrs
from the tubing by flushing with solvent or low pressure
compressed air.
 SAFETY CONSIDERATION - MIXING OF
FITTINGS
• Mixing of fittings-NOT ALLOWED !!
• Mixing of ferrules, nuts, unions etc. results in a
degraded seal. Voids any pressure guarantee
• Reason; safety is increased because human
errors are reduced to a Minimum by avoiding
mixing of fittings
 FITTINGS - POSITIONED OF
FERRULES/TUBE - DANGEROUS
 SAFETY CONSIDERATION

• Sour environment-For wet gas containing H2S

all material should be in accordance with
NACE standard MR-01-75
• Take care of the; fitting are of the
recommended make, type and composition.
• The tubing is conform the specification.
• Installation is done by skilled personal, in
accordance with manufacturers specification.
 SAFETY CONSIDERATION

• Don't Use of damaged or corroded

threaded components.
• Excessive use of Teflon tape may cause to
compensate for thread damage
• Cross-threading. Always make sure the two
threads are aligned properly
• Over-torquing. Never attempt to tighten a
threaded pipe joint while the system is
pressurized, or when a large inventory can
 SAFETY CONSIDERATION

• The impulse lines are pressure tested after

installation.
• Always make sure that piping assemblies are
adequately supported and restrained to
withstand the reaction forces induced by the
flow
TUBE STORAGE AND HANDLING
TUBE STORAGE AND HANDLING
 TUBE HANDLING

• Never Drag Tubing Off Racks

• May score or scratch OD surfaces
• May create dents, making tubing out-of-round
 CORRECT HANDLING AND STORAGE
TUBING

• CAUTION NOTE
• INSTALL SEPARATE SS 316 FROM REST OF
MATERIAL TO AVOID GALVANIC CORROSION
Other special Type of Instrument fittings –
High Pressure and Temperature

• Coned-and-Threaded Connection.
• Fittings manufactured from cold worked 316
stainless steel.
• Tubing is manufactured from dual rated
316/316L and 304/304L cold worked stainless
steel.
• Operating Temperatures from -423°F (-252°C)
to 1200°F (649°C)
• Pressures to from 20,000 psi (1379 bar) to
150,000 psi (10342 bar)
FITTINGS QUALITY TESTS
 CONCLUSIONS
• Advantage of tubing compared to pipe,
preparation of the tube and Tube selection
•  Tools, Thread sealants and Accessories
•  Identifying the correct fitting, identify of the
fitting, Installing the fitting, tube assembly/re-
assembly and Understanding how the fitting
works.
•  Common 2 mistakes to avoid – Inserting
tubing fully and use 1 ¼ instruction turning
nor rely on feelings.
 Conclusions
• Types of threads and don’t mix fittings.
•  Tube storage and handling
•  Safety Considerations.
QUESTIONS?