Instrumentation tube fittings are a vital component of most industrial operations, providing leak-tight joints and maximum fluid or gas flow. Instrumentation tube fittings are widely used in oil and gas, chemical process, power generation, and pharmaceutical industries, where accuracy and safety are of high importance. The article provides a comprehensive review of instrumentation tube fittings, their applications, types, advantages, and most critical considerations in selecting the appropriate fittings for your system.
What Are Instrumentation Tube Fittings?
Instrumentation tube fittings are precision components utilized to connect tubes in measurement and control systems. They play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the system by preventing leaks, resisting high pressure, and ensuring a safe and secure connection. Instrumentation tube fittings are also commonly utilized in pipelines for fluid and gas transmission, where safety and precision are of utmost importance.
Types of Instrumentation Tube Fittings
Instrumentation tube fittings are designed in different types for particular applications and working conditions. The most widely used types are described below:
Single ferrule fittings consist of a single compression ferrule, which tightens on the tube and grips it. These fittings provide a leak-tight and stiff connection, widely applied in medium to high-pressure applications.
Double ferrule fittings are employed due to their increased sealing and grip. They consist of a front ferrule and a back ferrule, which combined provide improved sealing and resistance to vibration. These fittings are appropriate for applications with high precision requirements, e.g., instrumentation and process control.
Tube to pipe fittings provide smooth transition between piping and tubing systems. These fittings are appropriate for high-pressure applications and are made from different materials such as alloy steel, stainless steel, and brass.
Male and female connectors are applied to join tubing to threaded components such as valves, manifolds, and other system elements. They are available in different types of threads such as NPT (National Pipe Thread), BSP (British Standard Pipe), and metric threads.
Bulkhead fittings are employed to transmit tubing through panels or enclosures while providing a leak-tight seal. These fittings are utilized widely in laboratory equipment and industrial equipment where controlled fluid or gas transfer is essential.
Union and Elbow Fittings Union fittings provide simple disconnection and reconnection of tubing, thus they are appropriate for maintenance and system adjustment. Elbow fittings, however, provide tubing direction change in a system without sacrificing fluid or gas flow.
Other Materials of Instrumentation Tube Fittings