When working in the field, you’ll encounter various types of connections, especially for smaller lines. Two commonly used types are compression fittings and flared fittings. Choosing the right type of outlet for your specific situation is crucial, and understanding the differences between them is key. Here’s a brief overview to help you begin.
What Are Flare Fittings?
Flare fittings are a type of connection used in various systems where a secure, strong seal is needed. They work by fitting a tapered end into a flared piece of tubing. This connection is then tightened with a sleeve and a threaded nut, creating a strong seal that can withstand high pressure and temperature. To prepare the tubing for this fitting, you need to use a tool to flare the end of the tube. This can be done using either a manual tool, like a mandrel or rolling cone, or with a powered pneumatic flaring tool.
These fittings are very reliable over a long period and are often used in critical and hard-to-reach places. This makes them popular in military, aerospace, heavy machinery, and industrial settings. They’re especially good for high-pressure and high-temperature situations, like in hydraulic systems in machinery and equipment.
Flare fittings are a great choice for tubes that are thin to medium in thickness. They’re able to handle a lot of pressure, making them suitable for stressful conditions. Their simple design has made them popular worldwide, and they are used in a variety of fields, including in hydraulic tube and hose systems, as well as in petro-chemical, fertilizer, water, and other fluid systems.
Hydraxio is a manufacturer of stainless steel flare fittings that meet SAE J514 standard which is a 37° flare, commonly referred to as JIC (Joint Industry Council). The three main components to the flare fittings are the body, the ferrule, and the nut. These three parts work together to create a metal-to-metal seal when the nut draws the flared tubing, sleeve and fitting body together.
What Are Compression Fittings?
A compression fitting consists of the a ferrule, a nut, and the fitting body, which compresses a component of the fitting into another component, usually some type of tubing, to create a watertight seal between two different lines. With the introduction of quick-connect style fittings to the water treatment industry, the compression fitting was used less frequently, but it’s still a great fitting that can handle high pressure and give you a reliable, tight seal.
What are compression fittings made from?
Compression fittings are made from a variety of materials. The most common material for a compression fitting is stainless steel, brass and plastic. Depending on the material or your fitting, the amount of pressure or temperature that the fitting can withstand will vary.
Compression Fittings Usage
Compression fittings are a type of pipe fitting used in plumbing and mechanical systems. They have been around for decades and were first invented by Swagelok company. These fittings can be used to connect copper pipes with different shapes and materials, such as PVC or steel pipes. In addition, they can also be used for compression joints or couplings to join two lengths of pipe together.
Hydraxio is a manufacturer of stainless steel compression fittings that are interchangeble with Swagelok, Parker and SSP. Please feel free to contact us if you have any demands.
