TPT January 2008

F ittings, C ouplings & T ubular J oints

users of right-first-time assembly. This is not the case with welded and cone and thread fittings, where many users expect a certain degree of rework. When used to replace a welded fitting, the Phastite connector also eliminates any need for a ‘hot work permit’, another equipment building expense faced by many organisations. The 20,000 psi (1,379 bar) pressure rating of Phastite opens up a large potential marketplace. Welded and cone-and-thread style tube fittings are used in industrial applications where there are pressures above those that can be handled by ferrule types – generally above 6,000 psi (413 bar).

High-pressure ‘push-fit’ fluid connections for larger bore sizes

Parker Instrumentation, UK, has extended the applications potential of its ‘push-fit’ fluid connectors for high-pressure industrial applications. Eight new variants allow the 20,000 psi (1,379 bar) rated connector to be used on larger metric and imperial tubing sizes of 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 25mm, ¾" and 1". The ‘push-fit’ fluid connector is suitable for use in new areas such as high pressure hydraulic systems, steam and gas services and supply lines in factories, plants, power stations and ships, and high performance test equipment. Assembled by means of a simple push-fit operation, the Phastite connectors provide permanent connections for high-pressure fluid systems. For permanent connections at these elevated pressures, system builders would typically use either welded or ‘cone and thread’ style fittings, which are time consuming and expensive to install. Compared with these products, the company claims that Phastite connectors can reduce installation costs by a factor of 90 per cent or greater. Phastite employs a compression assembly principle using a novel form of toothed profile to make the seal. The connectors are supplied as one-piece components. To make a joint, all that is required is to insert the tube, then push the collar along the connector body until it reaches a dead stop.

This operation is performed by a simple hydraulic tool requiring no skill to use, and takes only a few seconds. This assembly approach contrasts with the requirement to perform a 360º weld around the circumference of a tube, an operation requiring skill, consumables, expensive equipment, and up to 10 minutes of time. It also avoids the coning and threading of a tube end to prepare it for use in a special screw-together fitting.

Phastite connectors incorporate a sealing system based on a collar that slides along an angled body, in the process compressing a number of circular profiles into the tubing. At the end of the short transit is a vertical face that provides confirmation of correct assembly. The multiple profiles mean that less pressure is applied at each sealing point than a traditional fitting, which allows Phastite to be used with thin wall tubing – a further benefit when compared

› Phastite – Parker Instrumentation’s tube fitting for permanent and high pressure connection applications

with cone and thread fittings (which require more expensive, thicker wall tubing in order to allow for the threading and coning). In addition to being faster and easier to assemble, the high degree of control over make up that the tooling imposes assures

Applications include high pressure hydraulics, deepwater oil and gas drilling, ROVs and subsea, laboratory testing, and high pressure machinery such as water-jet cutters. Welded fittings are additionally used in lower pressure applications if there is a need for a ‘fit and forget’ permanent connection, or where a leak could have serious consequences. Examples include subsea applications, aerospace, boat building and military equipment, and plants that are remote or unmanned, or have safety implications. The extended Phastite range now includes straight union, union elbow, ‘tee’ and union cross connector shapes in imperial sizes from ¼" to 1", and metric sizes from 6mm to 25mm. A range of termination connectors provide a link between fixed, permanent tubing and any element that needs to be disconnected or maintained.

fi Now available in sizes up to 25mm/1", Phastite assembles can be completed in seconds via a push-fit

Parker Instrumentation – UK Fax : +44 1271 373636 Email : ipd@parker.com Website : www.parker.com

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J anuary 2008

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