TPi October 2008

f i t t ings feature on . . . Fluid connectors simplify construction of state-of-the-art compressor seal testing line

Parker Instrumentation’s fluid connector, Phastite, has simplified the con- struction of a state-of-the-art facility for testing dry gas compressor seals at John Crane’s new turbomachinery facility in Slough, UK. The new connector’s combination of high pressure operation and push-fit assembly has allowed the company to make time savings compared with a system built using the conventional options of cone-and-thread and welded tube connections. John Crane is a manufacturer of mechanical sealing systems, and has invested over £2.4 million in its new gas seal test facility. This included the installation of five new high-pressure test rigs that reproduce a vast range of compressor environments.

Upgraded test facilities include the ability to test at higher pressures than was previously possible – up to 800 bar (11,603 psi). The rigs are also able to test seals with shaft diameters up to 500mm (19.7"), or at speeds to 42,000rpm. Phastite connectors have been used to provide high pressure connections in two areas: for the permanent flow connections inside each of the five test rigs, and for the permanent flow connections on the large-bore gas service tubes that supply compressed air and helium gases to the test cells. On previous compressor seal testing equipment, the company typically used cone-and-thread style fluid connectors for high-pressure lines, which required substantial time for preparation and assembly. ➦

Friatools scraper tool FWSG RA S S

They can be operated both manually with a hand crank as well as with a battery-operated power driver. Friatec also produces the Frialen spigot saddle SA-XL for large pipe applications, which offers an economic and efficient alternative to integrating a reduced T-piece when constructing large pipe outlets. The new Friagrip reducer coupling DN 32/40 has been developed specifically for high strength renovation of old cast iron house service lines using HDPE materials.

Friatec AG – Germany info-frialen@friatec.de www.friatec.com

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October 2008 Tube Products International