When to Reuse (and Not Reuse) Compression Connectors

When to Reuse (and Not Reuse) Compression Connectors

Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics

Reusing compression connectors in hydraulic fluids process is recommended, and typically depends on the size of the coupling and the application type. These compression connectors are recommended for most low pressure applications, and in high pressure and suction lines. For example, bull rings are reusable but only on their high pressure hydraulic systems. They have line boxes connected that hold the rings, followed with extreme caution. Some of the compression bolting loads may or may not result in plastic deformation of the gaskets. Plastic deformation will create some re-use difficulties and problems. The installer will proceed very carefully and understand what’s at stake before reusing the compression connectors. Compression connectors can be safely reused in the hydraulic process with the existing ones, if the hydraulic equipment does not provide enough room to cut and reconstruct new compression fittings. To achieve reusing compression fittings, make sure that the right amount of torque is maintained. Hydraulics are capable of causing serious personal injuries and environmental damage, if assembly instructions are not strictly followed. This active assumption of responsibility has been attended in the form of legal frame work, based on the principles of industrial safety and other measures put in place.

Reusable Compression Fittings:

ETP copper type of connectors are reusable in a variety of applications, including electrical, plumbing and power plants. They are recommended and preferred because of theiy are very durable and soft for their best performance. In compression fittings, there are three main fittings which include, the compression ring, compression nut and compression seat. They are safe to be reused and apply to half the movement of the pipe outward from the fitting. In hydraulic process, compression fittings basically assure some secure fit in pipe connections. Leaks are only possible if they are not properly installed to each end of the fluid line .Other reusable compression connectors are the hose menders, male pipe rigid elbow,and straight tube rigid. Typical applications are low pressure process. RTJ rings can be reused in a tight fit joint. They can undergo very little deformation if handled and installed correctly. Also, in another light application process, a push-to connect-fitting is reusable by connecting to a tube with light metal, to provide a tough seal when it is pushed in to the tube. The installation is tool free and does not require any adjustment. Other reusable coneectors that can secure good fits in hydraulic systems include, adapters, bulkhead, caps, couplings, nipples and lengths pipe. These connectors have the sustained abilities to hold and provide a tight-fit in pipes or hydraulic assembly. Uncontaminated parkigs can be reused, but to improve the chance of successful seal, make sure to lubricate the rings and the threads on the compression nut. Before reusing these parkings, materials must be checked before each assembly procedure to ensure that they are in good conditions and would not pose any threat in assembly process. Other connectors like bolted, EC5 and hwh hose compression fittings can be safely reused to assemble hydraulic process. All these reusable connectors would provide successful secure fits and pipes connecting that deals on hydraulic fluid. Leaks can only be possible if the connections are not properly installed as per assembly instructions.

The following compression fittings may never be reused:

Some compression connectors may never be reused, such as API6A wellhead may never be reused, unless the gasket has not been plastically deformed. Ferrule can never be reused once they have been compressed. This connector is directly placed over the pipe and the nut is tightened compressing the ferrule between the pipe and the body of the fitting. Flare less-tube connectors can not be reused because of the characteristic nature of the process. In addition, copper connectors can not be reused because the gap between the pipe and the connector is fitted and done by heating the joint first. Never reuse hydraulic hose, ball valves and damaged hoses in the function of hydraulic applications. Also, any flexible fitting or coupling that has blown or pulled off a hose, may never be reused. Because of the function of hydraulic fluid, plastic fittings may never be reused,reusing these connectors may lead to a leak due to plastic deformation. They will not fit as tightly as they were at the original time. Pin strocking valve connector can not be reused once they have been removed. This is 1/4 orifice connector usually installed inside the strocking valve assembly to prevent the hydraulic leak. Reusing this connector will cause the hydraulic fluid to leak.

References:

Fliud Connector www.fcpi.com

Thomas & Belt. <strong>www.tnb.com</strong>

Hydraulic House. <strong>www.hydraulichouse.com</strong>

Compression Connectors

Hydraulic Fitting-Repair

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