Prochem Pipeline Products

Street name:	6 Forge Street
Suburb:	Welshpool
State:	Western Australia
Post Code:	6106
Postal Address:	PO Box 638 Cloverdale WA 6985
Phone:	618 9458 7777
Fax:	618 9351 8170
Contact Names:	(1) Ian Barnett. Mobile number 0419 812221 (2) Peter Winter. Mobile number 0419 812222
Email:	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web Site:	Prochem Website: www.prochem.com.au  Product Web Sites: Hoke - www.hoke.com Go Regulators - www.goreg.com Circle Seal - www.circle-seal.com Butech Pressure Systems - www.butech-valve.com

Prochem Instrumentation

Prochem Pipeline Products serves instrumentation industries throughout Australia and offers the following comprehensive range of products.

Our complete range of high quality, world leading, instrumentation valves, manifolds and regulators are available to suit your specific applications.

Butech Pressure Systems

Butech Pressure Systems manufacture a range of low / medium / high pressure fittings and valves to suit applications upto 150,000psi. Included are couplings, check valves, filters, tubing, fittings, needle valves, metering valves and ball valves. Butech products are used in oil, natural gas, chemical, petrochemical, aerospace, marine and niche industrial markets.

HOKE GYROLOK

Twin Ferrule Compression Fittings

Hoke Gyrolok tube fittings have been carefully designed and manufactures to provide a wide range of outstanding leak-tight application capabilities.

Hoke Gyrolok fittings are available as standard in brass, 316 stainless steel and monel. Also available for custom orders in special shapes and materials: Hastelloy^tmC, HC-Duplex 2205, DO3-Inconel^tm, INC-Super Duplex 2507, D50-Titanium, Ti-254 SMO, 6MO.

Hoke Valves

Comprehensive range of needle, metering, ball, plug and packless valves. Also manifolds & sampling cylinders, regulators and actuated valve packages. Hoke needle and ball valves feature the unique Dyna-Pak Stem Packing System.

Hoke Instrument Pipe Fittings

Hoke precision instrument pipe fittings are manufactured in 316 stainless steel and brass, complete with high quality NPT threads in a wide variety of configurations to meet broad application capabilities.

Go Regulators

Select from Go’s comprehensive range of industrial and analyser products including: Pressure Regulators - single stage, two stage, vaporizing and back pressure, Valves, Filters and Flow Controllers.

Seamless Tube

Prochem leads the field in the supply of high quality instrument tube which is stocked throughout Australia specifically for use with compression fittings. The tube is dual graded, 316/316L and dual specified A269/A213 to not only cover instrumentation applications, but boiler, superheater and heat exchanger applications as well. All tube in sizes 4.76mm (3/16") to 25.40mm (1") OD inclusive are dual specified, contain 2.5% minimum molybdenum to provide maximum corrosion protection and are produced to a maximum hardness of RB 80.

Sizes from 1" through 2" are supplied to ASTM A269 TP 316. High quality seamless tube from Prochem is fully certifiable and available in standard 6m lengths although 1/8" OD tube is supplied in coils. Other sizes maybe supplied in coils if required.

Flexible Hoses

Prochem assemble and test stainless steel braided hoses to your requirements. Available with various end connections including: stand pipe, Gyrolok, nut & ferrule, NPT male and female.

Prochem Tube Saddles

Prochem offers a complete range of stainless steel saddles in 6.35mm (1/4") trough to 50.8mm (2") configuration for single tube through to four tube capacity. Fabrication from the highest quality 316 grade stainless steel.

Excess Flow Valves

(Provided by Circor International)

Excess Flow Valves are a useful safety accessory for an Instrument Hook up in that they limit the potential leak if a fitting or tubing fails for some reason.

Excess flow valves close automatically to ensure system safety

Circle Seal XVH Series excess flow valves automatically close leak-tight when a flow spike occurs, preventing uncontrolled release of system fluid to ensure a safe and reliable working environment at low cost and with minimal maintenance requirement. These quick-acting and versatile flow switches have a high pressure working range of 0 to 6000psig, with various seal and body materials offered for use with any any liquid or gas service and choice of end connections allowing assembly in any system or application. The spring-loaded poppet can be mounted in any orientation. Both automatic and manual reset versions are available. The bleed valves on automatic models have an 'anti-clog' wire that prevents fluid build-up at the bleed port to increase reliability. Manual valves assure zero leakage until individually reset. Colored ring bands on all models give instant visual indication of valve type, trip range and seal material.

Circle Seal XVH Series excess flow valve

Monoflanges and Instrument Manifolds

Jump to the Various Sections of this and other Instrument Fittings and Tubing Page: Monoflanges and  Instrument Manifolds | Frequently Asked Questions associated with Monoflanges and Instrument Manifolds | Instrument Monoflanges | Instrument Manifolds | Instrument Fitting Technical Information | Gauging Instrument Threads and Fittings |

 

Monoflanges and  Instrument Manifolds

Monoflanges and Instrument Manifolds are used as an alternative to multivalve systems. They have been specifically designed to provide a compact installation for gauge or transmitter instruments. An application where a monoflange is used is in place of other equipment. For example, the instance where instead of having one valve and relying on it to close so that a transmitter can be isolated, two valves are used. A double block and bleed monoflange can be used in place of the two valves. It takes away that need for two valves and reduces it all into one. That is the monoflange has two valves on it, which are closed, and a vent that is opened to reduce the pressure between. It has reduced weight and minimum leak paths providing a higher integrity system. The reduced length of the installation also reduces the risk of damage through vibration.

Monoflange manifolds can be mounted directly onto vertical or horizontal flanged connections, allowing a gauge to be kept in an upright position. Suitable for both primary isolation (double block and bleed) and instrument (block and bleed) duties a Monoflange provides isolation, venting and instrument mounting in a single compact unit. The designs incorporate safety features that limit vibration and reduce the overall height of a gauge installation.

In order to ensure System Integrity one must not lose sight of the fact that Monoflanges and Instrument Manifolds are subject to Process Conditions eg., pressure and temperature, therefore it is important to purchase high quality units. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions associated with Monoflanges and Instrument Manifolds

What materials are used and why?

The materials generally used in producing a suitable alloy are Carbon, Silicon, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Nickel and Copper in different proportions to create different mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, depending on the conditions in which they are to be placed. That is, for example, whether the environment is corrosive, hot, wet or changeable etc.

What does NPTF thread stand for?

NPT thread stands for National Pipe Taper. It refers to the thread that tapers inward to create a better seal. It is recommended that care is taken in regards to the thread tolerances and only the best quality units are purchased to achieve this. It is imperative that any manufacturer has demonstrated quality assurance to a high standard. It is worthwhile ensuring the quality of threads by gauging at least a proportion of the threads to ensure compliance. Also it is recommended that  thread tolerances and gauging should be specified to a tolerance better than the requirements of ASME B1.20.1. ICEweb's compression fittings page has a more detailed explanation of the gauging and tolerance requirements.

What does ASTM/UNS stand for?

ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials.
UNS stands for Universal Numbering System.

What is an OS&Y valve?

An OS&Y valve is an Outside Screw and Yoke valve. It is a part of the piping specification. It has a firesafe outside screw construction.

Why is the Molybdenum content of 316SS 2% minimum in an offshore environment?

The molybdenum content is at a minimum 2% to prevent chloride corrosion.

Why is 303 or 304SS not to be used in an offshore environment?

303 or 304SS is not to be used because their molybdenum content is nil and thus the material is subjected to chloride corrosion.

Is there a maintenance issue when Close Coupled Monoflanges are used?

If the Monoflange is installed on a clean, non blocking process then it is not an issue in that access to the tapping point is required very rarely. This is especially so on Fieldbus and HART systems as the transmitter provides a huge amount of diagnostics on-line.  The huge advantage of Close Coupling is that many instrument fittings are no longer required, thus eliminating potential leak failure points. 

 

Instrument Monoflanges

More Details on Monoflanges - From Prochem Pipeline products.

Close Coupled Monoflanges - This design incorporates all the integrity features of the convention models, however adds even more safety and cost saving features. The design eliminates the requirement for instrument tube, fittings and threaded connections. Mono Flange Direct, can be provided in a direct mount version or a interface mounting plate can be facilitated if required - From Prochem Pipeline products.

Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Monoflanges - Comprehensive Information from Anderson and Greenwood.

 

Instrument Manifolds

Comprehensive Catalogue of Instrument Manifold Technical information and specifications - From Anderson and Greenwood - with 162 pages this is a large 6 Meg download. 

Co-Planer Instrument Manifolds -  Read from page 105 - Anderson Greenwood MC & MT series Integral Manifolds are designed specifically for Rosemount Coplanar style transmitters including Model 3051C, Model 3051P, Model 2024, and the Model 3095 Multivariable transmitters.

Manifold and Isolation Valve Mounting System for Direct Mounting DP Transmitters - The system does not require impulse lines, thereby considerably reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Co-Planer Instrument Manifolds - This technical engineering note from Rosemount gives a good description of the advantages and benefits of these manifolds.

Information on Manifolds 

 

Instrument Fitting Technical Information

ICEweb’s Instrument Fittings Technical Data Page - This comprehensive page covers just about all the engineering information that you need to know including Design, Interchangability, Installation, Maintenance, Thread Tolerances, Material Selection, Gauging and much more!

 

Gauging Instrument Threads and Fittings

The following excellent links are from Glastonbury Southern Gage.

• Fittings Technical Information covering NPT Pipe Threads, Sealing Theory, Pipe Nomenclature, Gauging, Indirect Measurement, Dryseal, Step Plug and Ring, Zones and Truncation Limits, Interchangability of Gauges and Straight Pipe Threads.
• Definition of Terms - A list of terms pertaining to thread gauges.
• Gage Criteria - Includes Standards, Reference documents and Gauge criteria.
• Gage Allowances - A feature which must be considered is the allowance. This computed amount is subtracted from the basic pitch diameter to attain an adjusted maximum size for the external product.The purpose of this is to guarantee ease of assembling the internal and external products.
• Thread Forms - External and Internal thread Geometry, Unified Inch Screw Threads per ASME B1.1, Federal Standard H28/2, Inch "J" Series SCrew Threads: per Military Standard, MIL-S-8879C (25 July 1991):Metric Screw Threads:per ASME B1.13M, Federal Standard H28/21, Tolerance and Allowance Grades.
• Master Setting Plugs - Master Set Plug Gages, Thread Ring Diagnostics & Setting, Tightness of Fit
• Use of Thread Plug Gages - Description on the use of "Go" and "No Go" gauges.
• Southern Style Thread Rings - This page explains the use and setting of the Southern Style Ring.
• AGD Style Thread Rings - This page explains the use and setting of the American Gage Design (AGD) Ring.
• Comparison of Southern Style and AGD Ring - This page is an analysis of the differences between the Southern Style Ring and the American Gage Design (AGD) Ring.
• Variable Thread Gages - A thread gaging system comprises a list of thread characteristics that must be inspected and the gaging necessary to inspect these characteristics to assure product acceptability. Many organizations through their quality system provide methods / systems for the inspection and acceptability of their product. ASME has set an industry standard of gaging systems for screw threads known as ASME B1.3M. These systems provide different levels of inspection to insure dimensional conformance has been achieved. Covers system 21, 21A, 22 and 23.
• Pipe Thread History
• Frequently Asked Questions about Thread Gauges - Some of your questions answered here.
• Download Comprehensive Technical Book on Gauges - This is a large download >20Megs but is worth it for your library, coving all the Glastonbury Southern Gauge Technical Data it is a great resource.
• What is a Fixed Limit Gauge? - Part 1 and Part 2 - The objective of this publication is to offer, in usable, simple terms, a basic summary, and source of information for those individuals given responsibility for the purchase and use of attribute or fixed limit gages.

Thread and End Connection Identification Guide - a 56 page document from Swagelok.

Instrumentation - Includes information on;

• Anderson Greenwood
• ATKOMATIC Solenoid Valves
• BuTech Pressure Systems - System components are available in every imaginable alloy to handle pressures form vacuum to 150,000 PSI (10,000 bar) in tube and pipe sizes from 1/8" to 1" and temperatures from -423°F (-253°C) to over 1200°F (649°C). Suitable for extreme application of erosive or corrosive solids, liquids or gases.
• Circor Tech
• Circle Seal
• Classic Filters - These filters are suitable for a variety of gas and liquid applications and are used in a wide range of industries around the world. The disposable microfibre filter elements are extremely efficient as well as being low cost. There are a number of benefits with this type of element and they offer high flow rates with very low pressure drops.
• DOPAK^® Sampling Systems - Due to the growing complexity of the industrial processes in general and more specific for processes in the (petro)chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the need for tests and analyses increases continuously. The need for representative samples plays a critical role in ensuring product verification. Yet sampling directly from the process often includes the risk of exposure to the operator, as well as contamination and pollution to the environment. The Manual Sample Systems method reduces such risks with its patented design and simple method of operation.
• GO Regulator^®
• GYROLOK^® Twin Ferrule Tube Fittings
• HOKE^® Instrumentation Valves
• King Instrument Company - King Instrument Company offers a comprehensive line of variable area flow metres including acrylic, polysulfone, glass and metal tube metres. Optional alarms and 4-20 mA transmitter available on selected models. See more technical information on ICEweb's Flow page.
• Leak-Check
• Prochem NPT Ball Valves - Full Bore 2-piece threaded valves allowing straight-through flow. Virtually no head loss and a superior performer with mildly abrasive as well as corrosive fluids. Ideal for in-line control of process fluids.
• Saddles
• Stainless Steel Braided Hoses - Teflon^® Lined
• Stainless Steel Tube
• Thread Tape & Thread Paste
• Tooling
• HOKE^® Pipe Fittings

Hydraulic - Includes information on; 

• Tube-Mac Piping Technologies
• Tube-Mac - PYPLOK System
• Tube-Mac Non-welded Flange Connections
• Seamless Steel Tubes
• PYPLOK Tooling
• Stainless Steel Ball Valves - Hydraulic
• Stainless Steel JIC Fittings - JIC Fittings and Adaptors provide a straightforward, positive, mechanical seal. They have been used for many years for reliable sealing in commercial, industrial and military applications. They are proven to supply dependable, reusable connections under a wide range of operating conditions including extremes of vibration, temperature and shock.

Valves and Actuators - Includes information on;

• Prochem Actuated Valve Packages -  Specialising in Poyam, ATC, BSM, Pacson and Habonim - Prochem can deliver actuated valves in any combination to suit your valve, actuator and control system specification.
• AMPO Poyam Valves - These are high-technology valves with best performance and low maintenance costs. Applications include Cryogenic Service, High Pressure, General Service, Metal Seated and Special Application.
• BSM Valving Solutions - Emergency Fast Track Valve Producers and Delivery Specialists, providing Ultra fast deliveries.  Hard to obtain valves need specialist engineering.  These valves are manufactured  in a wide range of exotic materials to tight specifications..
• ATC Actuators - The heart of the ATC actuator design is the revolutionary torque conversion mechanism combined with the integrated actuator spring. The simple operating principle offers a combination of high efficiency and small displacement, thereby creating greater design flexibility and improved reliability. This design flexibility, combined with the innovative integration of all actuator parts, results in the most compact actuator available in the market. In virtually all applications, irrespective of hydraulic or pneumatic supply, the ATC actuator diameter is smaller than the Face-to-Face dimension of the valve.
• Pacson Valves - These are high integrity valves specifically designed for the Oil and Gas Industry.
• Anderson Greenwood Primary Isolation Valves - Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation Products provide the ultimate solutions for a compact range of forged body Primary Isolation Valves, featuring a choice of end connections, body styles and valve technology.
• Habonim Industrial Valves and Actuators - Habonim’s new series of ZERO-Stem-Leak valves, is based on the HermetiX™ technology. HermetiX™ is a patented stem seal designed to reduce stem leaks to a minimum and to provide maintenance-free service.

Manufacturing - Includes information on; 

• Quality Management System
• Fully Traceable and Complying Threads
• Leaders in Thread Manufacture
• Exotic Alloys
• Engineered Solutions
• World Class Manufacturing
• Safety, Integrity and Reliability
• Special Service
• Standard Products - BSP Fittings
• Standard Products - NPT Fittings
• Standard Products - Other

Piping Products - Includes information on; 

• Branch Fittings - Details on a  range of Buttweld, Socketweld, Threaded and Flanged reinforced branch fittings from 8 (1/4") NB upwards.
• BSP Fittings - Prochem manufactures a complete range (from 6 (1/8") - 100 (4") NB) of BSP tapered, BSP parallel and BSP fastening and sealing threads for a variety of applications, in class 150 and 3000. All our BSP threaded fittings are checked with calibrated gauges during manufacture. Each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international standard and before they are released into the market, all products undergo a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling.
• Buttweld Fittings - Concentric and eccentric reducers, equal and reducing tees, 45° and 90° elbows, buttweld caps and stub ends, are all part of the comprehensive range of buttweld fittings carried by Prochem.
• Duplex Stainless Steels - Duplex Stainless Steels are unlike the 300 (Austenitic) and 400 (Ferritic) series of stainless steels in that they have a structure consisting of approximately equal amounts of both ferrite and austenite. Therefore, they are often referred to as ferritic-austenitic stainless steels. With a chromium content ranging from 18 to 28 percent, they have improved passivity compared to standard grades. The nickel content ranges from 4.5 to 8 percent which is insufficient to promote a complete austenitic crystal structure, hence the mixed ferrite-austenite structure. Most grades contain molybdenum in the range of 2.5 to 4 percent plus small amounts of nitrogen - enhancing both strength and pitting resistance.
• Flanges - A flange is designed to connect sections of pipe, or to join a pipe to an assembly such as a pressure vessel, valve or pump. Flanges are joined by bolting, and sealing is completed with the use of gaskets, and fixed to the piping system by welding or threading.
• Heat Exchanger, Condensor & Boiling Tubes - Useful technical datasheet.
• Hygienic and Tube - Prochem is well established as a supplier to the food industry. A comprehensive range of BSM, Tri-clover and buttweld fittings and valves are available throughout Australia, complete with welded and annealed polished tubes to suit. 
• NPT Fittings - NPT fittings are designed for high-pressure (class 3000 - class 6000) applications, and have a distinctive profile for maximum strength. All NPT products are checked with calibrated gauges during the manufacturing process and each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international thread standard. Before they are released into the market, each item is subject to a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling. Materials used comply with ASTM A403 or A182.
• Pipe Nipples - Pipe nipples are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials, from 6 (1/8?) NB upwards, threaded BSP or NPT, beveled or plain ended. Prochem has the ability to manufacture pipe nipples up to 6000 mm (6 m) in length in sizes 6 NB to 80 NB.
• Saflok Self-Locking Quick Coupler Range - Prochem provides the safest quick couplers on the market from Saflok. Included the patented locking cam arm, the Saflok design has no peer among other quick couplings.
• Socketweld Fittings - Prochem manufactures and supplies an extensive range of the highest quality Socketweld fittings, all thoroughly inspected to ensure complete dimensional compatibility with the requirements of the ASME B16.11 manufacturing standards.
• Swage and Pipe Nipples - Prochem manufactures, stocks and supplies a range of plain, bevelled and threaded concentric and eccentric swage nipples, from 8 (1/4") NB through to 100 (4") NB, with other sizes available on request. All swage nipples are either manufactured from seamless pipe or bar material and have an available working pressure equivavlent to straight seamless pipe. These fittings are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials with other materials available on request.
• Stainless Steel Shim - Grade 316 shim, annealed and with a hardness rating of HV200, is available in coiled 305 mm (12?) wide rolls, in various thicknesses and sold by the linear metre.
• Stainless Water Solutions Package - With increased height of buildings, pressures, and life time expectations, people are turning to Stainless Steel for their Water Solutions. These pipe and fittings bear the Water Mark logo ensuring compliance to the industry specifications. Coupled with roll grooving, Prochem has the complete package to offer your Water Solutions package. All designers, architects and builders should contact Prochem to see how we can save you money!!
• Swing and Spring Check Valves.

Tube Mac/PYPLOCK

• Pyplok - Now you can have the benefits of a welded joint, but without the hazards of hot work, using the Tube-Mac PYPLOK^® DM and DP40 Series. It’s not only a permanent system, it goes on cold. This means all of the risks and requirements associated “with hot work” are avoided.
• Pyplok Video's
  Assembly and Verification Process of PYPLOK fittings
  PYPLOK fittings installed in a BOP (Blowout preventer) installed in the Gulf of Mexico at a depth of 2.400 m
  PYPLOK fittings - Assembly Using a Hose Crimper - Pyplok fittings can be also crimped with a hose crimper, allowing companies the use of the fittings without having to buy a portable unit. The time and cost savings compared to welding, cutting ring or flaring are huge.
  PYPLOK fittings for Water Mist Piping - PYPLOK fittings are the perfect choice for high pressure water mist piping systems. They are very fast to install, more economical than classical systems and totally reliable.

Welded Duplex Tube - Welded Duplex Tube to: ASTM SA789/A789 UNS S31803/S32205.

Y-Type Strainer

Instrument Compression Fittings

Jump to the Various Sections of this and other Instrument Fittings and Tubing Pages: Achieving Optimal Results | Pressure Ratings | Assembly | Metric and Imperial Fittings | Thread Types | Gauging External Taper Threads | Gauging Internal Threads | BSP (British Standard Pipe) (ISO228) Parallel | Mixing BSP/NPT and any other Thread Standard | Making up NPT Connections | Use of Thread Tape | Thread Gauges - Use and Handling | Technical Information on Instrument Tubing and Fittings | Codes and Standards | Excess Flow Valves | Instrument Fittings Technical Data | Instrument Manifolds, Monoflanges,Valves and Accessories | Tubing Selection | Prochem Pipeline Products |

 

Achieving Optimum Results

• Select fittings to match the tubing diameter and pipe thread size.
• Fittings must be handled correctly.
• Assemble fittings correctly to manufacturer's installation instructions and ensure all components are compatible (from the same manufacturer).

 

Pressure Ratings

Ensure fittings are rated to the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of the tubing.

 

Assembly

Compression fittings are supplied assembled.  The fitting, pipe thread and general appearance should be inspected visually before use.  It is recommended that fittings are not disassembled. However nuts and ferrules should be checked for correct assembly.

 

Metric and Imperial Fittings

Compression fittings are supplied in either Metric or Imperial tube sizes.  It is very important that types are not mixed or used on the incorrect tubing.

 

Thread Types

There are several common thread configurations,  in instrumentation design two types are commonally utilised.

NPT (National Pipe Tapered) threads such as Pipe Threads General Purpose (inch) conforming to ASME B1.20.1

These threads use the “interference” principle and the use of thread tape or other thread sealant is essential.  The thread tape will stop leaks via the gaps in the thread and avoid galling of the threads by giving lubrication.

Caution: In ICEWEB's opinion care should be taken on higher pressures to ensure the tolerance is better than the requirements of ASME B1.20.1 as if the male and female threads are to the outside of the tolerance then only 1.5 threads will be engaged or alternately the fittings may “bottom out”.  In both cases there are potential for blowout.  How many times have you seen this scenario?  Whilst the 1.5 threads in itself will contain most pressures without blowout it is quite possible that the Instrument Fitter will gall the threads because of insufficient thread entry.

The recommendation is NPT threads are designed to meet the dimensional requirements stated in ASME B1.20.1-1993 with the following modifications,  this will ensure that if both the fitting and the mating instrument get a 4 to 6 thread engagement. 

It is important to specify the revised tolerance on the instrument as well,  particularly on high pressure connections on equipment which are designed for noxious or hydrocarbon fluids.

The L1 thread gauging requirement in sections 8.1 and 8.2 modified to:

 

Gauging External Taper Threads with Ring Gauge (Male Threads)

When hand tight the male fitting must engage into the ring gauge + 1/4 to + 1 turn more than the start of the first scratch mark on the chamfer zone.

 

Gauging Internal Threads with Plug Gauge (Female Threads)

When hand tight the plug gauge must engage into the female fitting + 1/4 to + 1 turn below the last thread scratch on the chamfer zone.

 

BSP (British Standard Pipe) (ISO228)  Parallel

This type of thread utilises a washer/gasket or O-ring to achieve a seal.  It is important that any fitting also is fitted with a pin lock arrangement so that the fitting cannot vibrate loose.

 

Mixing BSP/NPT and any other Thread Standard on a Facility

It is highly recommended that no mixing of thread types occur on a facility.  If this culture exists it is possible for example that a Parallel thread is installed into a Tapered thread.  Thus, potential for blowout is large.

 

Making Up NPT Connections

Engage the threads hand tight - minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6.

An additional 0.5-1.5 turns can be expected with wrench tightness using a quality thread tape.

Hand tight engagement should be checked before applying any thread tape.

 

Use of Thread Tape

Thread tape should always be utilised on NPT threads,  however never on the compression fittings themselves.  Any tape should be high quality and NOT obtained from the local hardware store. A good rule is to obtain thread tape that meets the requirements of UL 340-M1979 (AGA) 3226, MIL-T-27730A or AG208.  There are thread tapes that are specifically designed for 316ss and other fittings.

There are liquid type sealants available,  these should be selected based on their specification and any anti-galling features. These sealants are particularly useful for hydraulic or clean services where small particles of tape could contaminate valves, ports etc.

Making up a Fitting when Utilising Thread Tape

• Initially ensure that the hand-tight joint assembly gives 4 to 6 full turns of engagement.
• Unscrew the joint, cleaning any dirt on the threads and then apply tape to the male thread.  Begin with the first thread in direction of the pitch ensuring the tape is wrapped with a slight overlap.
• Check that the tape does not overhang the first thread, as small portions of tape may be cut off and enter the tubing system. 
• Tension the tape but do not stretch or thin it out.
• Cut the tape and draw the free end around the threads tautly.
• Rub the tape onto the thread ensuring engagement with it.  In the case of stainless steel fittings, apply a second layer of tape.
• Re-assemble hand-tight and make wrench tight with REASONABLE FORCE only to achieve another 0.5 to 1.5 turns. Please note excessive force may damage the fitting.  Teflon provides lubrication which will aid deformation or collapse of fittings if excessive force is used.  Teflon can also exacerbate loosening of slack joints.
• When it is necessary to break and remake connections ensure that any old tape residues are removed from the threads.

 

Thread Gauges - Use and Handling

• Use hand tight pressure only when gauging fittings with precision thread gauges. Do not use gauges where any rust, swarf or dirt is present in the thread. Threads must be clean and bright.   If the fitting cannot be cleaned, discard it.
• When checking NPT threads with secondary gauges ensure that a hand tight engagement allows the leading thread of the fitting to fall between the two gauging benchmarks.
• Do not screw any thread gauges together.  Thread gauges are precision instruments.  Engagement will cause wear and possibly dry seizure in storage.
• When not in use, gauges should be kept clean and in their protective case.  It is good practice to apply a smear of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to gauges in storage.

Primary Thread Gauges

Primary gauges are intended to be used as a master set with which regular comparative checks of secondary gauges can be made against a series of fittings.

Secondary Thread Gauges (L1 Standard)

Secondary gauges are intended for field use.  They must be regularly checked against primary gauges for wear and damage.

Testing Frequency for Thread Gauges

Frequency of testing secondary gauges depends on the frequency of use.  Testing is required after impact damage and chipping.  It is recommended that Primary gauges and secondary gauges are checked every six months by profile graph inspection.

NPT Standards Applicable to Thread Gauges

Primary master gauges and secondary working gauges should be manufactured and supplied in accordance with ASME B1.20.1-1993 specifications.

Correct Makeup Gauges

These gauges are product specific and give indication whether the make up is correct.  It is suggested that you contact your supplier to determine whether they are available for the product.  

 

Just click on the super ICEweb links below for more Technical Information on Instrument Tubing and Fittings.

 

Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles - A Tubing Bundle consists of a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It may be steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance. Tubing Bundles are used in Instrument hook-up and impulse lines, Analyser sample transport, Insulated Tubing and Jacketed Tubing. This page provides many relevant  free technical references to Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles.

 

Codes and Standards - A useful list of Instrument Fitting and Tubing Codes and Standards.

 

Excess Flow Valves - These devices are a real "Safety Boost" in that they limit flow in the event of a rupture.

 

Instrument Fittings Technical Data - This is a page which has a vast amount of Technical Engineering Information on Instrument Fittings and Tubing.

 

Instrument Manifolds, Monoflanges, Valves and Accessories - Information on what is a great addition to an Instrument Engineers Instrument take-off design engineering arsenal. Saving potential "failure points" means enhanced safety!

 

Tubing Selection - Instrument Tubing has to treated with "Respect" in that there are many facets of any design of tubing systems. This page goes into great detail with many tips.

Other Links

Fittings and Small Bore Tubing Systems - Handbook This superb 72 page document from the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association covers most engineering aspects of small bore tubing and fittings.

Tube and Tube Fittings - This open source book Lessons in Industrial Instrumentation by Tony R. Kuphaldt has a useful section on instrument connections has a useful section on Instrument Tube Fittings - go to page 573. This is a fantastic resource but be prepared for the 50Mbit download!

 

Instrumentation - Includes information on; 

• Anderson Greenwood
• ATKOMATIC Solenoid Valves
• BuTech Pressure Systems - System components are available in every imaginable alloy to handle pressures form vacuum to 150,000 PSI (10,000 bar) in tube and pipe sizes from 1/8" to 1" and temperatures from -423°F (-253°C) to over 1200°F (649°C). Suitable for extreme application of erosive or corrosive solids, liquids or gases.
• Circor Tech
• Circle Seal
• Classic Filters - These filters are suitable for a variety of gas and liquid applications and are used in a wide range of industries around the world. The disposable microfibre filter elements are extremely efficient as well as being low cost. There are a number of benefits with this type of element and they offer high flow rates with very low pressure drops.
• DOPAK® Sampling Systems - Due to the growing complexity of the industrial processes in general and more specific for processes in the (petro)chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the need for tests and analyses increases continuously. The need for representative samples plays a critical role in ensuring product verification. Yet sampling directly from the process often includes the risk of exposure to the operator, as well as contamination and pollution to the environment. The Manual Sample Systems method reduces such risks with its patented design and simple method of operation.
• GO Regulator®
• GYROLOK® Twin Ferrule Tube Fittings
• HOKE® Instrumentation Valves
• King Instrument Company  - King Instrument Company offers a comprehensive line of variable area flow metres including acrylic, polysulfone, glass and metal tube metres. Optional alarms and 4-20 mA transmitter available on selected models. See more technical information on ICEweb's Flow page.
• Leak-Check
• Prochem NPT Ball Valves - Full Bore 2-piece threaded valves allowing straight-through flow. Virtually no head loss and a superior performer with mildly abrasive as well as corrosive fluids. Ideal for in-line control of process fluids.
• Saddles
• Stainless Steel Braided Hoses - Teflon® Lined
• Stainless Steel Tube
• Thread Tape & Thread Paste
• Tooling
• HOKE® Pipe Fittings

Hydraulic - Includes information on; 

• Tube-Mac Piping Technologies
• Tube-Mac - PYPLOK System
• Tube-Mac Non-welded Flange Connections
• Seamless Steel Tubes
• PYPLOK Tooling
• Stainless Steel Ball Valves - Hydraulic
• Stainless Steel JIC Fittings - JIC Fittings and Adaptors provide a straightforward, positive, mechanical seal. They have been used for many years for reliable sealing in commercial, industrial and military applications. They are proven to supply dependable, reusable connections under a wide range of operating conditions including extremes of vibration, temperature and shock.

Valves and Actuators - Includes information on;

• Prochem Actuated Valve Packages -  Specialising in Poyam, ATC, BSM, Pacson and Habonim - Prochem can deliver actuated valves in any combination to suit your valve, actuator and control system specification.
• AMPO Poyam Valves - These are high-technology valves with best performance and low maintenance costs. Applications include Cryogenic Service, High Pressure, General Service, Metal Seated and Special Application.
• BSM Valving Solutions - Emergency Fast Track Valve Producers and Delivery Specialists, providing Ultra fast deliveries.  Hard to obtain valves need specialist engineering.  These valves are manufactured  in a wide range of exotic materials to tight specifications..
• ATC Actuators - The heart of the ATC actuator design is the revolutionary torque conversion mechanism combined with the integrated actuator spring. The simple operating principle offers a combination of high efficiency and small displacement, thereby creating greater design flexibility and improved reliability. This design flexibility, combined with the innovative integration of all actuator parts, results in the most compact actuator available in the market. In virtually all applications, irrespective of hydraulic or pneumatic supply, the ATC actuator diameter is smaller than the Face-to-Face dimension of the valve.
• Pacson Valves - These are high integrity valves specifically designed for the Oil and Gas Industry.
• Anderson Greenwood Primary Isolation Valves - Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation Products provide the ultimate solutions for a compact range of forged body Primary Isolation Valves, featuring a choice of end connections, body styles and valve technology.
• Habonim Industrial Valves and Actuators - Habonim’s new series of ZERO-Stem-Leak valves, is based on the HermetiX™ technology. HermetiX™ is a patented stem seal designed to reduce stem leaks to a minimum and to provide maintenance-free service.

Manufacturing - Includes information on; 

• Quality Management System
• Fully Traceable and Complying Threads
• Leaders in Thread Manufacture
• Exotic Alloys
• Engineered Solutions
• World Class Manufacturing
• Safety, Integrity and Reliability
• Special Service
• Standard Products - BSP Fittings
• Standard Products - NPT Fittings
• Standard Products - Other

Piping Products - Includes information on; 

• Branch Fittings - Details on a  range of Buttweld, Socketweld, Threaded and Flanged reinforced branch fittings from 8 (1/4") NB upwards.
• BSP Fittings - Prochem manufactures a complete range (from 6 (1/8") - 100 (4") NB) of BSP tapered, BSP parallel and BSP fastening and sealing threads for a variety of applications, in class 150 and 3000. All our BSP threaded fittings are checked with calibrated gauges during manufacture. Each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international standard and before they are released into the market, all products undergo a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling.
• Buttweld Fittings - Concentric and eccentric reducers, equal and reducing tees, 45° and 90° elbows, buttweld caps and stub ends, are all part of the comprehensive range of buttweld fittings carried by Prochem.
• Duplex Stainless Steels -  Duplex Stainless Steels are unlike the 300 (Austenitic) and 400 (Ferritic) series of stainless steels in that they have a structure consisting of approximately equal amounts of both ferrite and austenite. Therefore, they are often referred to as ferritic-austenitic stainless steels. With a chromium content ranging from 18 to 28 percent, they have improved passivity compared to standard grades. The nickel content ranges from 4.5 to 8 percent which is insufficient to promote a complete austenitic crystal structure, hence the mixed ferrite-austenite structure. Most grades contain molybdenum in the range of 2.5 to 4 percent plus small amounts of nitrogen - enhancing both strength and pitting resistance.
• Flanges - A flange is designed to connect sections of pipe, or to join a pipe to an assembly such as a pressure vessel, valve or pump. Flanges are joined by bolting, and sealing is completed with the use of gaskets, and fixed to the piping system by welding or threading.
• Heat Exchanger, Condensor & Boiling Tubes - Useful technical datasheet.
• Hygienic and Tube - Prochem is well established as a supplier to the food industry. A comprehensive range of BSM, Tri-clover and buttweld fittings and valves are available throughout Australia, complete with welded and annealed polished tubes to suit. 
• NPT Fittings - NPT fittings are designed for high-pressure (class 3000 - class 6000) applications, and have a distinctive profile for maximum strength. All NPT products are checked with calibrated gauges during the manufacturing process and each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international thread standard. Before they are released into the market, each item is subject to a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling. Materials used comply with ASTM A403 or A182.
• Pipe Nipples - Pipe nipples are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials, from 6 (1/8?) NB upwards, threaded BSP or NPT, bevelled or plain ended. Prochem has the ability to manufacture pipe nipples up to 6000 mm (6 m) in length in sizes 6 NB to 80 NB.
• Saflok Self-Locking Quick Coupler Range - Prochem provides the safest quick couplers on the market from Saflok. Included the patented locking cam arm, the Saflok design has no peer among other quick couplings.
• Socketweld Fittings - Prochem manufactures and supplies an extensive range of the highest quality Socketweld fittings, all thoroughly inspected to ensure complete dimensional compatibility with the requirements of the ASME B16.11 manufacturing standards.
• Swage and Pipe Nipples - Prochem manufactures, stocks and supplies a range of plain, bevelled and threaded concentric and eccentric swage nipples, from 8 (1/4") NB through to 100 (4") NB, with other sizes available on request. All swage nipples are either manufactured from seamless pipe or bar material and have an available working pressure equivavlent to straight seamless pipe. These fittings are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials with other materials available on request.
• Stainless Steel Shim - Grade 316 shim, annealed and with a hardness rating of HV200, is available in coiled 305 mm (12?) wide rolls, in various thicknesses and sold by the linear metre.
• Stainless Water Solutions Package - With increased height of buildings, pressures, and life time expectations, people are turning to Stainless Steel for their Water Solutions. These pipe and fittings bear the Water Mark logo ensuring compliance to the industry specifications. Coupled with roll grooving, Prochem has the complete package to offer your Water Solutions package. All designers, architects and builders should contact Prochem to see how we can save you money!!
• Swing and Spring Check Valves

Tube Mac/PYPLOCK

• Pyplok -  Now you can have the benefits of a welded joint, but without the hazards of hot work, using the Tube-Mac PYPLOK® DM and DP40 Series. It’s not only a permanent system, it goes on cold. This means all of the risks and requirements associated “with hot work” are avoided.
• Pyplok Video's
  Assembly and Verification Process of PYPLOK Fittings
  PYPLOK fittings installed in a BOP (Blowout preventer) installed in the Gulf of Mexico at a depth of 2.400 m
  PYPLOK fittings - Assembly Using a Hose Crimper - Pyplok fittings can be also crimped with a hose crimper, allowing companies the use of the fittings without having to buy a portable unit. The time and cost savings compared to welding, cutting ring or flaring are huge.
  PYPLOK fittings for Water Mist Piping - PYPLOK fittings are the perfect choice for high pressure water mist piping systems. They are very fast to install, more economical than classical systems and totally reliable.

Welded Duplex Tube - Welded Duplex Tube to: ASTM SA789/A789 UNS S31803/S32205.
Y-Type Strainer

More Information

 http://www.hoke.com/ Again some great information here.  

http://www.swagelok.com This Swagelok link has considerable technical information.  It is however difficult to navigate to,  when on the main page enter as a guest or register,  go to “fittings tube” and then click on “connects tubing to tubing” and then click on any product and you will be into the technical information area.

Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles

A Tubing Bundle consists of a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It may be steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance. Tubing Bundles are used in Instrument hook-up and impulse lines, Analyser sample transport, Insulated Tubing and Jacketed Tubing. This page provides many relevant free technical references to Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles. 

Go to Specific Subject: Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles | Tubing Bundles Applications | Heat Tracing and Tube Bundle Useful Links |

 

Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles

TRACEPAK Solves Problems for Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Plant Utility Applications - Drop-out and viscosity control are major considerations in instrument impulse connections, small diameter process lines and analyzer sample transport. A properly designed and selected pre-traced tubing bundle offers an effective solution to these problems. This technical brochure also details the various temperature control options across a broad range of applications including both electrical and steam tracing. There are also options for pre-insulated weatherproof tubing bundles and a wide variety of connections.

Tubing Bundles and Heated Hose - A tubing bundle is a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It's steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance.

Heat Traced Tube Bundles for High Temperature Lines - Got a high temperature application? Extreme temperature applications such as high pressure drums, turbine inlets and main steam headers, are often part of design considerations. Temperatures up to 1200^°F (650^°C) are common and O’Brien buffered TRACEPAK^® products offer the total solution to the most demanding applications.

Cut-To-Length Bulk Bundle for Field Installed Temperature Sensors - O’Brien TRACEPAK^® - Stackpak tubing bundles can be configured to meet your design requirements. Standard design bundles with Sensor Tube are supplied in long continuous lengths. The advantage is that the expense and uncertainty of estimating an anticipated run length for factory installed sensors is eliminated.

Cost Comparision between Electrical Heat Tracing Solutions and Field Fabrication - This Simple Materials breakdown gives a good indication of the potential savings by utilising electrical heat tracing.

Heated Tubing: Prefabricated or Field Trace & Insulate? - Peter R. Baen and Rory R. Johnson - Heated instrument tubing is common throughout industry and is most often used for winterization. It is also common for tubing to be maintained at high temperatures for viscous processes or to keep gas samples above dew point and prevent condensation. In many cases the tubing is field routed, electrical heat tracing is then installed, followed by the insulation and weather barrier. Alternatively, pre-insulated and heat traced "tube bundles" are designed to expedite installation, minimize total installed cost, and ensure predictable and reliable operation. This paper addresses the advantages and limitations of both approaches.

Specifying and Designing Tubing Bundles for Analysers - As many as 50% of the process analysers installed today are either not in service or fail to provide reliable results - Improperly selected tubing bundles are one of the major contributors to this complaint.

LNG Processing and On Stream Analysis - When natural gas is cooled below -160 ^°C (-256 ^°F) at atmospheric pressure it condenses to a liquid and becomes liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is stored as a boiling cryogenic liquid at relatively low pressure; the gases that boil off are vented and collected insuring that the liquid temperature remains constant. This paper discusses a typical LNG process and examine the critical measurements required.

Tube Selection for Analyzer Sample Systems - Selecting the right process tube for use in analyzer sample transport systems requires consideration of process and application conditions.

Best Practices: Right Way / Wrong Way - To ensure reliable analyser performance sample transport lines require thought and the implementation of some key practices.

Sample Transport Systems Present Tremendous Opportunities for Improved Analyser Accuracy - Chemical and petrochemical industries around the world have clearly identified that yield, scrap and compliance improvements can be directly attributed to the effectiveness of the sample transport system. Analyzers will function only as well as the transport system yet this same system is often the most overlooked and misunderstood component. This product bulletin details the potential sample transport system solutions.

Steam Distribution and Condensate Return - When you need a weatherproofed, preinsulated single tubing line for your steam supply and condensate return lines, think O'Brien S-LINE. Perfect for insulation for personal protection or to prevent heat loss from your lines, S-LINE provide an inexpensive alternative to field insulation and weatherproofing small lines.

Instrument Impulse Lines - Effective Freeze Protection and Temperature Maintenance - Details on how to keep your impulse lines from freezing, or maintaining a certain temperature.

Chloride Stress Corrosion in Tubing Bundles - Chloride stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) is certainly not a new problem nor is it specifically related to tubing bundles. In fact, controlling or eliminating this type of failure is much more attainable in a pre-manufactured tubing bundle than with field construction. 316SS and 304SS are particularly susceptible to this type of stress corrosion and 316SS is the most commonly used grade of SS tubing. A combination of factors must be present before CSCC is created.

An Investigation into the Sources of Background CO in Heated Flexible Sample Transport Hose - This technical paper details tests that were administered with the goal of determining the source of background CO present in flexible heated sample system hoses.

Winterising Best Practices - You’ve just spent $250 million on a plant project. How much will a freeze-up cost you in lost revenue and added expense? Most facilities are designed and constructed with very fast project time lines. Critical instrument and impulse line freeze protection details often fall to the bottom of a project priority list or pushed off to the field. Without careful considerations about each application the chances for plant freeze-ups become very likely. As with all new construction, there are “right ways” and “wrong ways” in dealing with winterization. These are detailed in this article.

TRACEPAK Installation Instructions - Installation instructions are provided to give the field engineer and installers the necessary information to install TRACEPAK in an efficient and effective manner.

Applications - A Wide Range of Process, Sample and Environmental Applications of Tubebundles - These links give good examples of various applications.

Value Added Solutions - This white paper outlines some of the traps and solutions for Tubing Bundles.

Innovations in Stainless Steel Tube Installation for Solar Applications - For years, Semiconductor, Biopharmaceutical and Solar facilities have used stick tubing for gas delivery systems. In addition to longer installation time, and multiple welds, other risks can occur with stick tubing: leaks, slugs, purity degradation, vapour and particle entrapment, and tube corrosion. This bulletin addresses this and gives solutions.

 

Tubing Bundles Applications

Analytical - Sample transport systems present tremendous opportunities for improved analyser accuracy. Chemical and petrochemical industries around the world have clearly identified that yield, scrap and compliance improvements can be directly attributed to the effectiveness of the sample transport system. Analysers will function only as well as the transport system yet this same system is often the most overlooked and misunderstood component. Additional Information can be found here.

Instrumentation - Inefficiencies can make your plant work harder, produce less, and cost millions in lost profit and opportunity. Recent studies show that plants producing $500 million in annual revenue give away an estimated $5 to $10 million because of poorly performing devices and systems. Instrument winterising is currently a combination of independent products, designs and crafts with little incentive to work together. There is a shortage of skilled and experienced instrument technicians and craftsmen in the field, which makes coordinating loose parts and pieces difficult and costly. O’Brien is the leader in complete solutions to guarantee a Warm Loop.

Monitoring (CEM) - These applications are unique in that stack gas is very wet and hot. You must maintain temperatures above the dew point during extraction at the sample probe and transport to the sample conditioning cabinet.

Piping, Mechanical & Utilities - Refineries and Chemical facilities generate enormous volumes of steam to heat their process raw materials and to provide freeze protection across the entire plant. Electric and steam traced tubing bundle is ideal for the static-leg impulse lines that are attached to the main steam header pipes.

Offshore - The offshore market presents the most demanding applications in the process controls industries. HSE issues surrounding corrosion and leak points as well as installation ease and speed are major considerations.

Oil Sands - Oil Sands are a large deposit of oil-rich bitumen located in northern Alberta, Canada. These oil sands consist of a mixture of crude bitumen (a semi-solid form of crude oil), silica sand, clay minerals, and water. The separation / upgrading process takes place outdoors, putting process samples and field instrumentation at risk. O'Brien Corporation has developed products that make it possible for the process monitoring and control instrumentation to function in the harsh Winter conditions where temperatures can reach -55C.

Power - The power industry has many unique winterisation applications not seen in any other industry. The power industry subjects tubing bundles to extreme temperatures and extreme pressures. Additional information can be found here.

Winterization Solutions for the Power Industry - In the power industry, winterization often presents a set of engineering, design and installation details that can fall to the bottom of a project priority list. Poor coordination of these details can result in a freeze up, which can cost millions in lost revenue and additional expense. High process temperatures combined with sub-freezing ambient conditions requires industry expertise in design and installation of winterizing systems.

Stack Gas Sample Systems - These applications are unique in that stack gas is very wet and hot. You must maintain temperatures above the dew point during extraction at the sample probe and transport to the sample conditioning cabinet.

 

Heat Tracing and Tube Bundle Useful Links

New Directions in Pipe Heat-Tracing Designs - Escalating energy costs drive the future - Knox Pitzer and Roy Barth - Heat-tracing systems are often overlooked when industrial energy reduction initiatives are considered, but these systems are large energy consumers that may be optimized for energy conservation. A large variety of heat-tracing methods are available today. From www.insulation.org.

Heat Tracing - Steam or Electric? - For decades, steam tracing has been an accepted practice in the heating of piping, vessels and equipment. Steam tracing has been used in industrial processing plants for over a century. Early on, steam jacketing and tubular tracing became the chosen means of keeping the contents of pipes at required temperatures. As refineries and chemical plants expanded in size and product diversity following World War II, electric-tracing methods were developed to provide thermostatic control for low-temperature and heat-sensitive materials. There are applications where one method may show to advantage over the other, but today steam tracing continues to be the most widely used method of heat tracing in industrial plants around the world from Steam Online.

The Benefits of Steam Tracing vs. Electric Tracing - Horst Thieme and James R. Risko - Many articles have been written concerning the advantages of steam over electricity (or vice versa) for- tracing applications. A valid case can probably be made for either, depending on the method being promoted by the particular author. These promotional articles have generally been based on strictly economical considerations which represent only part of the story. This article is intended to provide insights into inherent practical advantages of steam which may have been overlooked in the past. Here are some points and simplified piping schematics to consider. From the Fluid Controls Institute.

The Relative Merits and Limitations of Thermal Fluid, Electric and Steam Heat Tracing Systems - R. Knox Pitzer Sr- The cost of one heat tracing method versus another is of importance when selecting a heating system for plant pipes and equipment, given that each system has the capability to perform the required function. Today, however, long-term energy efficiency and the reduction of hydrocarbon pollutants may be the most important aspect in the selection of plant equipment including heat-tracing systems. Energy conservation and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions go hand-in-hand. From thermon.com.

Steam Tracing with MS Excel - Andre de Lange - Steam Tracing with MS Excel is presented as a guide to understanding how the spreadsheet "steam_tracing.xls" works to perform various calculations associated with steam tracing. From cheresources.com.

Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles

A Tubing Bundle consists of a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It may be steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance. Tubing Bundles are used in Instrument hook-up and impulse lines, Analyser sample transport, Insulated Tubing and Jacketed Tubing. This page provides many relevant free technical references to Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles. 

Go to Specific Subject: Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles | Tubing Bundles Applications | Heat Tracing and Tube Bundle Useful Links |

 

Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles

TRACEPAK Solves Problems for Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Plant Utility Applications - Drop-out and viscosity control are major considerations in instrument impulse connections, small diameter process lines and analyzer sample transport. A properly designed and selected pre-traced tubing bundle offers an effective solution to these problems. This technical brochure also details the various temperature control options across a broad range of applications including both electrical and steam tracing. There are also options for pre-insulated weatherproof tubing bundles and a wide variety of connections.

Tubing Bundles and Heated Hose - A tubing bundle is a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It's steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance.

Heat Traced Tube Bundles for High Temperature Lines - Got a high temperature application? Extreme temperature applications such as high pressure drums, turbine inlets and main steam headers, are often part of design considerations. Temperatures up to 1200^°F (650^°C) are common and O’Brien buffered TRACEPAK^® products offer the total solution to the most demanding applications.

Cut-To-Length Bulk Bundle for Field Installed Temperature Sensors - O’Brien TRACEPAK^® - Stackpak tubing bundles can be configured to meet your design requirements. Standard design bundles with Sensor Tube are supplied in long continuous lengths. The advantage is that the expense and uncertainty of estimating an anticipated run length for factory installed sensors is eliminated.

Cost Comparision between Electrical Heat Tracing Solutions and Field Fabrication - This Simple Materials breakdown gives a good indication of the potential savings by utilising electrical heat tracing.

Heated Tubing: Prefabricated or Field Trace & Insulate? - Peter R. Baen and Rory R. Johnson - Heated instrument tubing is common throughout industry and is most often used for winterization. It is also common for tubing to be maintained at high temperatures for viscous processes or to keep gas samples above dew point and prevent condensation. In many cases the tubing is field routed, electrical heat tracing is then installed, followed by the insulation and weather barrier. Alternatively, pre-insulated and heat traced "tube bundles" are designed to expedite installation, minimize total installed cost, and ensure predictable and reliable operation. This paper addresses the advantages and limitations of both approaches.

Specifying and Designing Tubing Bundles for Analysers - As many as 50% of the process analysers installed today are either not in service or fail to provide reliable results - Improperly selected tubing bundles are one of the major contributors to this complaint.

LNG Processing and On Stream Analysis - When natural gas is cooled below -160 ^°C (-256 ^°F) at atmospheric pressure it condenses to a liquid and becomes liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is stored as a boiling cryogenic liquid at relatively low pressure; the gases that boil off are vented and collected insuring that the liquid temperature remains constant. This paper discusses a typical LNG process and examine the critical measurements required.

Tube Selection for Analyzer Sample Systems - Selecting the right process tube for use in analyzer sample transport systems requires consideration of process and application conditions.

Best Practices: Right Way / Wrong Way - To ensure reliable analyser performance sample transport lines require thought and the implementation of some key practices.

Sample Transport Systems Present Tremendous Opportunities for Improved Analyser Accuracy - Chemical and petrochemical industries around the world have clearly identified that yield, scrap and compliance improvements can be directly attributed to the effectiveness of the sample transport system. Analyzers will function only as well as the transport system yet this same system is often the most overlooked and misunderstood component. This product bulletin details the potential sample transport system solutions.

Steam Distribution and Condensate Return - When you need a weatherproofed, preinsulated single tubing line for your steam supply and condensate return lines, think O'Brien S-LINE. Perfect for insulation for personal protection or to prevent heat loss from your lines, S-LINE provide an inexpensive alternative to field insulation and weatherproofing small lines.

Instrument Impulse Lines - Effective Freeze Protection and Temperature Maintenance - Details on how to keep your impulse lines from freezing, or maintaining a certain temperature.

Chloride Stress Corrosion in Tubing Bundles - Chloride stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) is certainly not a new problem nor is it specifically related to tubing bundles. In fact, controlling or eliminating this type of failure is much more attainable in a pre-manufactured tubing bundle than with field construction. 316SS and 304SS are particularly susceptible to this type of stress corrosion and 316SS is the most commonly used grade of SS tubing. A combination of factors must be present before CSCC is created.

An Investigation into the Sources of Background CO in Heated Flexible Sample Transport Hose - This technical paper details tests that were administered with the goal of determining the source of background CO present in flexible heated sample system hoses.

Winterising Best Practices - You’ve just spent $250 million on a plant project. How much will a freeze-up cost you in lost revenue and added expense? Most facilities are designed and constructed with very fast project time lines. Critical instrument and impulse line freeze protection details often fall to the bottom of a project priority list or pushed off to the field. Without careful considerations about each application the chances for plant freeze-ups become very likely. As with all new construction, there are “right ways” and “wrong ways” in dealing with winterization. These are detailed in this article.

TRACEPAK Installation Instructions - Installation instructions are provided to give the field engineer and installers the necessary information to install TRACEPAK in an efficient and effective manner.

Applications - A Wide Range of Process, Sample and Environmental Applications of Tubebundles - These links give good examples of various applications.

Value Added Solutions - This white paper outlines some of the traps and solutions for Tubing Bundles.

Innovations in Stainless Steel Tube Installation for Solar Applications - For years, Semiconductor, Biopharmaceutical and Solar facilities have used stick tubing for gas delivery systems. In addition to longer installation time, and multiple welds, other risks can occur with stick tubing: leaks, slugs, purity degradation, vapour and particle entrapment, and tube corrosion. This bulletin addresses this and gives solutions.

 

Tubing Bundles Applications

Analytical - Sample transport systems present tremendous opportunities for improved analyser accuracy. Chemical and petrochemical industries around the world have clearly identified that yield, scrap and compliance improvements can be directly attributed to the effectiveness of the sample transport system. Analysers will function only as well as the transport system yet this same system is often the most overlooked and misunderstood component. Additional Information can be found here.

Instrumentation - Inefficiencies can make your plant work harder, produce less, and cost millions in lost profit and opportunity. Recent studies show that plants producing $500 million in annual revenue give away an estimated $5 to $10 million because of poorly performing devices and systems. Instrument winterising is currently a combination of independent products, designs and crafts with little incentive to work together. There is a shortage of skilled and experienced instrument technicians and craftsmen in the field, which makes coordinating loose parts and pieces difficult and costly. O’Brien is the leader in complete solutions to guarantee a Warm Loop.

Monitoring (CEM) - These applications are unique in that stack gas is very wet and hot. You must maintain temperatures above the dew point during extraction at the sample probe and transport to the sample conditioning cabinet.

Piping, Mechanical & Utilities - Refineries and Chemical facilities generate enormous volumes of steam to heat their process raw materials and to provide freeze protection across the entire plant. Electric and steam traced tubing bundle is ideal for the static-leg impulse lines that are attached to the main steam header pipes.

Offshore - The offshore market presents the most demanding applications in the process controls industries. HSE issues surrounding corrosion and leak points as well as installation ease and speed are major considerations.

Oil Sands - Oil Sands are a large deposit of oil-rich bitumen located in northern Alberta, Canada. These oil sands consist of a mixture of crude bitumen (a semi-solid form of crude oil), silica sand, clay minerals, and water. The separation / upgrading process takes place outdoors, putting process samples and field instrumentation at risk. O'Brien Corporation has developed products that make it possible for the process monitoring and control instrumentation to function in the harsh Winter conditions where temperatures can reach -55C.

Power - The power industry has many unique winterisation applications not seen in any other industry. The power industry subjects tubing bundles to extreme temperatures and extreme pressures. Additional information can be found here.

Winterization Solutions for the Power Industry - In the power industry, winterization often presents a set of engineering, design and installation details that can fall to the bottom of a project priority list. Poor coordination of these details can result in a freeze up, which can cost millions in lost revenue and additional expense. High process temperatures combined with sub-freezing ambient conditions requires industry expertise in design and installation of winterizing systems.

Stack Gas Sample Systems - These applications are unique in that stack gas is very wet and hot. You must maintain temperatures above the dew point during extraction at the sample probe and transport to the sample conditioning cabinet.

 

Heat Tracing and Tube Bundle Useful Links

New Directions in Pipe Heat-Tracing Designs - Escalating energy costs drive the future - Knox Pitzer and Roy Barth - Heat-tracing systems are often overlooked when industrial energy reduction initiatives are considered, but these systems are large energy consumers that may be optimized for energy conservation. A large variety of heat-tracing methods are available today - From www.insulation.org.

Heat Tracing - Steam or Electric? - For decades, steam tracing has been an accepted practice in the heating of piping, vessels and equipment. Steam tracing has been used in industrial processing plants for over a century. Early on, steam jacketing and tubular tracing became the chosen means of keeping the contents of pipes at required temperatures. As refineries and chemical plants expanded in size and product diversity following World War II, electric-tracing methods were developed to provide thermostatic control for low-temperature and heat-sensitive materials. There are applications where one method may show to advantage over the other, but today steam tracing continues to be the most widely used method of heat tracing in industrial plants around the world from Steam Online.

The Benefits of Steam Tracing vs. Electric Tracing - Horst Thieme and James R. Risko - Many articles have been written concerning the advantages of steam over electricity (or vice versa) for- tracing applications. A valid case can probably be made for either, depending on the method being promoted by the particular author. These promotional articles have generally been based on strictly economical considerations which represent only part of the story. This article is intended to provide insights into inherent practical advantages of steam which may have been overlooked in the past. Here are some points and simplified piping schematics to consider. From the Fluid Controls Institute.

The Relative Merits and Limitations of Thermal Fluid, Electric and Steam Heat Tracing Systems - R. Knox Pitzer Sr- The cost of one heat tracing method versus another is of importance when selecting a heating system for plant pipes and equipment, given that each system has the capability to perform the required function. Today, however, long-term energy efficiency and the reduction of hydrocarbon pollutants may be the most important aspect in the selection of plant equipment including heat-tracing systems. Energy conservation and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions go hand-in-hand. From thermon.com.

Steam Tracing with MS Excel - Andre de Lange - Steam Tracing with MS Excel is presented as a guide to understanding how the spreadsheet "steam_tracing.xls" works to perform various calculations associated with steam tracing - From cheresources.com.

Instrument Tubing - Technical Data

Jump to the Various Sections of this and other Instrument Fittings and Tubing Pages: Instrument Tubing Selection | Instrument Tubing Preparation | Instrument Tubing for Hazardous Gas Service | Instrument Tube Bending | Minimum Straight Lengths | Fitting Preparations | Tubing Installation | Supporting Tubing | Instrument Tubing Welding | Plastic Instrument Tubing | Instrument Tubing Data Charts | Training | Instrument Tubing Links | Instrument Tubing and Fittings Manual | Technical Information on Instrument Tubing and Fittings | Codes and Standards | Compression Fittings | Excess Flow Valves | Instrument Fittings Technical Data | Instrument Manifolds, Monoflanges, Valves and Accessories | Prochem Pipeline Products | Other Links |

 

Instrument Tubing Selection

There is a huge selection of materials to choose from when selecting instrument tubing. The selection is dependent on the service, installation and how long the tubing is required. It is important that these are considered before making a choice. One has to be careful when selecting polished tubing as the manufacturers polishing can work harden it and increase the surface hardness to unacceptable levels. Thus when specifying tubing it is best to select dull annealed type, then one can be assured that no untoward hardening has occurred.

 

Instrument Tubing Preparation

Tube Handling

The tubing surface is essential to sealing when using a compression fitting, hence good handling practices should be used to reduce scratches and protect surface finish. For example dragging tubing across any surface that could scratch its surface can cause real corrosion and sealing problems. On offshore facilities, scratches may lead to corrosion of 316SS tubing from salt water pitting.

Visual Inspection of Tubing

It is a good idea to visually inspect instrument tubing to ensure it is free from scratches and other damage. Severe scratches or damage to tubing could affect the safe installation of the compression fitting. It is recommended that tubing in poor condition should be disposed of. Finished tubes should be scratch free, reasonably straight and have smooth ends free of burrs.

Cutting

When cutting tubing do not use a hacksaw, the correct tool is a tube cutter which has a sharp blade.

Deburring

Using the correct deburring tool (usually found on the cutter), deburr both the inside and outside edges of tube ends.

Cleaning

It is recommended that instrument tubing is cleaned with dry instrument air, however where the service requires a high level of cleanliness a proprietary cleaning agent should be used.

 

Instrument Tubing for Hazardous Gas Service

On hazardous gas service take care to ensure that the correct wall thickness has been chosen. Gas molecules are small and can migrate through thinner wall tubing. Contact your tubing supplier for details.

 

Instrument Tube Bending

Tube Benders

On applications where bending is required, a tube bender must be used. Follow the tube bender manufacturer’s instructions to assure good bends. Either compression or draw type hand benders should be used for tubing up to ¹/₂ inches. Above this size hydraulic tools are recommended.

Instrument Tubing Bending & Installation - Wesley Tucker - Instruments around a plant monitor and control systems ranging from pressure differentials to contents of materials measured in percentages. Installing tubing to and from various instrument locations involves an understanding of the process and the application. Tubing installation is often dictated by the requirements of process. Bending, positioning and bracing tubing means more than just measuring a straight line and getting enough tube to fit. Tubing benders permit maximum tolerances for pressurized lines while reducing waste from cracked, misshapen or misaligned tubes of all sizes - from ehow.

Video - How to Bend 1/4 Inch Stainless Tubing - from BTC Instrumentation.
Video - Copper Tube Bending - A video of how to bend copper tube.

 

Minimum Straight Lengths

To ensure proper insertion depth into compression fittings minimum straight lengths of tubing are needed. The following information may be used as a reference for the bending radius and for the minimum straight length before the bend for proper installation.

• If the tubing O.D. is ¹/₂ inches or less, provide at least 25mm straight length.
• If the tubing O.D. is greater than ¹/₂ inches provide at least 50mm straight length.

If the straight length is not possible, an elbow should be used.

 

Fitting Preparations

Compression fittings are supplied assembled. The fitting, pipe thread and general appearance should be inspected visually before use. It is recommended that fittings are not disassembled. Always ensure that the tubing material is softer than the fitting.

 

Tubing Installation

• If practical, it is recommended that instrument process impulse lines are installed in the vertical plane. Horizontal impulse lines are generally run with a slope of not less than one in twelve between the process connection and the instrument. Slope should be down from the tapping points for liquids and up for gases.
• For reasons of accessibility offset and stagger tube unions wherever practicable.
• Tube fittings must not be used to support instruments, which should be independently mounted.
• It is recommended that any Weld splatter on stainless tubing be removed.

 

Supporting Tubing

• It is a good idea to ensure all instrument impulse lines are as short as possible. For lengths up to approximately 1m tubing is self-supporting, however for longer lengths it is recommended that the tubing be supported at approximately 1m intervals.
• The number of joints in the impulse line should be kept to a minimum. Process and utility piping must not be used for supporting instrumentation piping or tubing.
• Tubing should be adequately supported and braced. It is suggested that support fixing distances not exceed the following:

Outside Diameter	Distance
1/4 inch OD	Continuously Supported
1/2 inch OD	1.0 m
3/4 inch ODtd>	1.5 m
1 inch OD	2.0 m

• It is recommended that three or more tubes run in parallel are supported in steel angle or channel, or on cable tray or ladder with appropriate insulation.
• To avoid the possibility of corrosion, it is recommended that stainless steel tube and/or fittings (316, duplex or otherwise) is NOT be in direct contact or located directly under Zinc coated or galvanised components.
• Electrically non-conductive tubing clamps are available. These isolate ubing from its supports.

Beware of Tubing Vibration!

It is suggested that impulse lines for instruments shall be arranged to avoid:

• Movement through thermal expansion.
• Mechanical damage from impact.

When tube vibration is a problem, due to the closeness of machinery, process pressure changes or other excitation, it is recommended:

• Tubing is clamped to the monoflange, process take-off or process line using a suitable clamp with the minimum span between the compression fitting and the clamp.
• A vibration loop (pigtail) is installed in the tube span between the process line and any independent structure used to support the tube. The orientation of the loop should be chosen with due regard to the probable relative motion between the connections.
• The vibration loop crossover has a minimum clearance of 2 x tube OD to prevent fretting of the tube.

 

Instrument Tubing Welding

There are several instrument tube welders on the market, they are excellent for hazardous gas applications. These units provide consistent high quality welds when operated correctly.

 

Plastic Instrument Tubing

Ensure that extremely soft plastic tubing is used with an insert. Never use metal ferrules on plastic tubing.

 

Instrument Tubing Data Charts

Stainless Steel Tube - Covering Seamless Stainless Steel Tube in Duplex, Monel, PVC sheathed copper tube and exotic metals. This technical article includes important subjects such as Ferrule hardness, 2.5% Minimum Molybdenum, Pickled & Passivated vs. Bright Annealed Tubing along with weights and working pressures.

Hoke Gyrolok^® Tubing Data Charts - These charts are very useful and contain information on design, type of tubing, tubing preparation, calculating Yield, Burst, and Maximum Allowable Working Pressures, Maximum Allowable Stress Values for Material at Various Temperatures, Stainless Steel Calculation Factor Tables, Maximum Working/Burst Pressures and Tubing Tolerances.

Pipe and Tube - Lots of very useful information here including descriptions on seamless and welded, common pipe and tube terms, manufacturing methods, nominal working pressures, pipe dimensions and weights, tube weights and working pressures.

Useful Facts About Stainless Steel - This technical data sheet is full of useful facts and information about stainless steel.

Selection of Materials - This very useful table gives the composition of the various materials used such as 304SS and 316SS etc.

Steel Terms and Definition - A very useful table full of term and descriptions.

 

Training

It is strongly recommended that any personnel associated with the installation of tube fittings and tubing attend vendor courses that are Internationally available. Tubing and fittings may look easy, however they are complex, precision items which require fully competent personnel to install them - we suggest that individuals and companies take ICEweb advice and attend a course.. Prochem are Instrument Tubing and Fittings experts and have excellent Training Courses.

 

Instrument Tubing Links

http://www.hoke.com/ - some great information here.

Fittings and Small Bore Tubing Systems - Handbook This superb 72 page document from the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association covers most engineering aspects of small bore tubing and fittings.

Supercritical Instrument Installations - The Tricky Process of Designing Impulse Lines for ASME B31.1 Compliance - Allan G. Gilson P.E. - When it comes to tubing, everyone knows that a grip-type tube fitting will meet or exceed the rating of the tubing itself. This makes instrument tubing installation easy-right? Simply ensure that the tubing is sized correctly, and everything will work. Piece of cake. The recent generation of coal plants in the United States (and around the world) has seen a major increase in the use of supercritical technologies due to inherent efficiency advantages over subcritical designs. However, no gain is without cost in some form. Greater efficiency requires considerably higher pressures and temperatures, resulting in significant new challenges for critical system instrument impulse line design and installation. In a supercritical plant, the pressures and temperatures for the main steam and feed water cycles routinely exceed that of conventionally fired drum-type boilers and combined cycle units. These elevated pressures and temperatures are particularly challenging for boiler manufacturers and engineers. Compliance with ASME B31.1 Power Piping requires much thicker piping and tubing walls, as well as stronger materials for valves and fittings - from FlowControl.

Video - Techniques for Effective Tubing - Note these training videos from Yellow Jacket are for Copper Tubing only and whilst concentrating on HVAC applications have some useful tips. They cover Cutting, Deburring, Flaring, Swaging, Bending etc. They are large downloads.

Technical Document on Instrumentation Tubing and their Connections - Nirbhay Gupta - Instrumentation tubing covers both Impulse tubes (sensing lines) as well as pneumatic tubes. Connections include tapping points, root valves and tube fittings. Usually one has to refer to a myriad of technical documents, codes and standards to search for a specific aspect of tubing design or construction. This technical note is an attempt to put all the information at one place. The efforts have been put to expose the readers to all the aspects of tubing and make them aware of all the developments in the world.

 

Instrument Tubing and Fittings Manual

It is important to understand that both of the above can affect the ferrule(s) ability to seal on the tubing. It is recommended to order tubing manufactured to the plus (+) side of the outside diameter tolerance. Wall thickness variations can affect pressure ratings and flow characteristics.

Instrument Tubing and Fittings Manual - This is an excellent resource from instrumentationtubing.blogspot.com.au. ICEweb always acknowledges Authors however it is a shame that the originator who has obviously put lots of time and effort into this blog is anonymous - anyway for whoever it was WELL DONE!
Section 1 - Instrumentation Tubing Introduction Impulse sensing lines are the lines containing process fluid which run between the sensing instruments and process tapping points, and are usually made of tubing/piping, valves and tube fittings. This document covers Difference between a pipe and a tube, Major Advantages of Tubing over Piping Systems, Types of tubes, Guidelines for selection of instrumentation tubes, Different sizes of tubes, Criteria for selecting the size of a tube, Selection and Design criteria, Gas Service, System Pressure and Systems Temperature.	Section 2 - Design of Tubing and Tubing Systems Covers: Class I Instrumentation Tubing Design Requirements, Maximum Allowable Stress, Pressure and Temperature Ratings, Allowances, Dynamic Effects, Pressure Design (Internal Pressure) of Instrument Tubing/ Piping, Analysis Criterion of Tubing/Piping System, Consideration for Various Forces and Tube Bending Considerations.
Section 3 - Technical Requirements of 304 SS tubes- Suggested design requirements that should be specified when ordering 304SS tubes.	Section 4 - Pneumatic Tubing Copper tubes are primarily used for pneumatic connections. Earlier pneumatic instruments were more popular and used (controllers, transmitters, indicators etc). Thus pneumatic tubing was used widely. However now-a-days most of the instruments that are used are electronic instruments, thus the use of pneumatic tubing is limited. Still, at present this is used to connect the pneumatic actuator and its accessories viz. positioners, I/P converters, solenoid valves etc. which are quite important from plant operation point of view. Pneumatic instruments are still prevalent in hazardous areas. Even though the pneumatic instruments are older generation, they still provide a very reliable alternative to electronic instruments. This document covers Advantages of Using Copper Tubes, Different Types of Copper Tubes, Selection of Copper Tube, Technical Requirements of Copper tube and Applicable International Standards for Copper Tubes.
Section 5 - ASTM Tubing Specifications Outside Diameter	Section 6 - Embedded Penetrations Whenever the tubes have to pass through some floor slab or a wall an embedded penetration is used. This serves two purposes of (a) Supporting the tube and (b) Making a leak tight passage.
Section 7 - Methods of Connections of Instrumentation Tubes Covers Welded, Flared, Flareless & Compression Joints and Threaded Joints.	Section 8 - Guidelines for Take-Off Connections for Sensing Lines Covers the Location of Pressure Taps, Considerations for Pressure Tap Design and Recommendations for Pressure Tap Design.
Section 9 - Guidelines for Root Valves Isolating root valves are provided at take-off connections to isolate the entire measurement system from the main pipe line/vessel when necessary.	Section 10 - Installation of Instrumentation Tubing Best practices for impulse tubing installation - Covers Tubing Handling, Practical Guidelines for Tube Laying and Bending, Tube Bending Check list, Characteristics of a Well-Made Tubing Circuit, Common Causes of Imperfect Bends, Routing of Bends, Guidelines for Copper Tube Installation, Guidelines for Copper tube bending and Copper tube Joints.
Section 11 - Impulse Tube/Sensing Line Support This section suggest principals that should be followed while designing the instrument sensing line supports.	Section 12 - Impulse Tube Installation Through EPs In cases where tubing/piping are penetrating shielding wall, care should be taken to avoid personnel exposure to radiation streaming from radioactive sources to surrounding areas through instrument sensing lines penetrations in the shielding wall.
Section 13 - Tube Fittings Tube fittings are used to join or connect a tube end to another piece of equipment. This section Covers; Requirements of a Tube Fitting, Construction of a Tube Fitting, Types of Tube Fittings, Flared Fitting, Flareless Bite Type Tube Fitting, Flareless Compression Type Tube Fitting, Single Ferrule Flareless Compression Type Tube Fitting, Twin Ferrule Flareless Compression Type Tube Fitting Ferrule and its Purpose, Swaging, Operation of a Twin Ferrule Tube Fitting, Effect of Tube Thickness on Swaging, Safety Precautions for Tube Fitting Installation, Repeated Assembly and Disassembly of Tube Fitting, Specification for Stainless Steel Tube Fittings and Specification for Brass Tube Fittings.	Section 14 - Threads Used For Tube Fittings Different types of screw threads have evolved for fastening, and hydraulic systems. Of special concern are plastic-to-metal, taper/parallel threaded joints in hydraulic circuits. A discussion and recommendations are provided to create an awareness of different types of threads and how they are used.
Section 15 - Welding Methods This section covers; 300 Series Stainless Steels, C1018 Steel Fittings, Tig Welding, Orbital Tube Welding, Orbital Welding Equipment, Reasons For Using Orbital Welding Equipment, Industrial Applications For Orbital Welding, General Guidelines For Orbital Tube Welding, The Physics Of The GTAW Process, Material Weldability, Weld Joint Fit-Up, Shield Gas (Es), Tungsten Electrode, Welding Basics /Set-Up and Welding Parameter Development.	Section 16 - Instrument Tubing References and Suggested Reading A list of excellent references and standards.

 

Just click on the super ICEweb links below for more Technical Information on Instrument Tubing and Fittings.

 

Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles - A Tubing Bundle consists of a small diameter tube or group of tubes packaged in an insulated, weatherproofed jacket. It may be steam or electric traced to provide freeze protection or temperature maintenance. Tubing Bundles are used in Instrument hook-up and impulse lines, Analyser sample transport, Insulated Tubing and Jacketed Tubing. This page provides many relevant free technical references to Analytical, Instrumentation and Mechanical Heat Tracing and Tube Bundles.

 

Codes and Standards - A useful list of Instrument Fitting and Tubing Codes and Standards.

 

Compression Fittings - This is "Essential" reading for any Instrument Engineer or Technician.

 

Excess Flow Valves - These devices are a real "Safety Boost" in that they limit flow in the event of a rupture.

 

Instrument Fittings Technical Data - This is a page which has a vast amount of Technical Engineering Information on Instrument Fittings and Tubing.

 

Instrument Manifolds, Monoflanges, Valves and Accessories - Information on what is a great addition to an Instrument Engineers Instrument take-off design engineering arsenal. Saving potential "failure points" means enhanced safety!

The following technical information on other products are from PROCHEM PIPELINE PRODUCTS

 

Instrumentation - Includes information on

• Anderson Greenwood
• ATKOMATIC Solenoid Valve
• BuTech Pressure Systems - System components are available in every imaginable alloy to handle pressures form vacuum to 150,000 PSI (10,000 bar) in tube and pipe sizes from 1/8" to 1" and temperatures from -423^°F (-253^°C) to over 1200^°F (649^°C). Suitable for extreme application of erosive or corrosive solids, liquids or gases.
• Circor Tech
• Circle Seal
• Classic Filters - These filters are suitable for a variety of gas and liquid applications and are used in a wide range of industries around the world. The disposable microfibre filter elements are extremely efficient as well as being low cost. There are a number of benefits with this type of element and they offer high flow rates with very low pressure drops.
• DOPAK^® Sampling Systems - Due to the growing complexity of the industrial processes in general and more specific for processes in the (petro)chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the need for tests and analyses increases continuously. The need for representative samples plays a critical role in ensuring product verification. Yet sampling directly from the process often includes the risk of exposure to the operator, as well as contamination and pollution to the environment. The Manual Sample Systems method reduces such risks with its patented design and simple method of operation.
• GO Regulator^®
• GYROLOK^® Twin Ferrule Tube Fittings
• HOKE^® Instrumentation Valves
• King Instrument Company - King Instrument Company offers a comprehensive line of variable area flow metres including acrylic, polysulfone, glass and metal tube metres. Optional alarms and 4-20 mA transmitter available on selected models. See more technical information on ICEweb's Flow page.
• Leak-Check
• Prochem NPT Ball Valves - Full Bore 2-piece threaded valves allowing straight-through flow. Virtually no head loss and a superior performer with mildly abrasive as well as corrosive fluids. Ideal for in-line control of process fluids.
• Saddles
• Stainless Steel Braided Hoses - Teflon^® Lined
• Stainless Steel Tube
• Thread Tape & Thread Paste
• Tooling
• HOKE^® Pipe Fittings

Hydraulic - Includes information on:

• Tube-Mac Piping Technologies
• Tube-Mac - PYPLOK System
• Tube-Mac Non-welded Flange Connections
• Seamless Steel Tubes
• PYPLOK Tooling
• Stainless Steel Ball Valves - Hydraulic
• Stainless Steel JIC Fittings JIC Fittings and Adaptors provide a straightforward, positive, mechanical seal. They have been used for many years for reliable sealing in commercial, industrial and military applications. They are proven to supply dependable, reusable connections under a wide range of operating conditions including extremes of vibration, temperature and shock.

Valves and Actuator - Includes information on:

• Prochem Actuated Valve Package - Specialising in Poyam, ATC, BSM, Pacson and Habonim - Prochem can deliver actuated valves in any combination to suit your valve, actuator and control system specification.
• AMPO Poyam Valves These are high-technology valves with best performance and low maintenance costs. Applications include Cryogenic Service, High Pressure, General Service, Metal Seated and Special Application.
• BSM Valving Solutions - Emergency Fast Track Valve Producers and Delivery Specialists, providing Ultra fast deliveries. Hard to obtain valves need specialist engineering. These valves are manufactured in a wide range of exotic materials to tight specifications.
• ATC Actuators - The heart of the ATC actuator design is the revolutionary torque conversion mechanism combined with the integrated actuator spring. The simple operating principle offers a combination of high efficiency and small displacement, thereby creating greater design flexibility and improved reliability. This design flexibility, combined with the innovative integration of all actuator parts, results in the most compact actuator available in the market. In virtually all applications, irrespective of hydraulic or pneumatic supply, the ATC actuator diameter is smaller than the Face-to-Face dimension of the valve.
• Pacson Valves - These are high integrity valves specifically designed for the Oil and Gas Industry.
• Anderson Greenwood Primary Isolation Valves - Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation Products provide the ultimate solutions for a compact range of forged body Primary Isolation Valves, featuring a choice of end connections, body styles and valve technology.
• Habonim Industrial Valves and Actuators - Habonim’s new series of ZERO-Stem-Leak valves, is based on the HermetiX^™ technology. HermetiX^™ is a patented stem seal designed to reduce stem leaks to a minimum and to provide maintenance-free service.

Manufacturing - Includes information on:

• Quality Management System
• Fully Traceable and Complying Threads
• Leaders in Thread Manufacture
• Exotic Alloys
• Engineered Solutions
• World Class Manufacturing
• Safety, Integrity and Reliability
• Special Service
• Standard Products - BSP Fittings
• Standard Products - NPT Fittings
• Standard Products - Other

Piping Products - Includes information on:

• Branch Fittings - Details on a range of Buttweld, Socketweld, Threaded and Flanged reinforced branch fittings from 8 (1/4") NB upwards.
• BSP Fittings - Prochem manufactures a complete range (from 6 (1/8") - 100 (4") NB) of BSP tapered, BSP parallel and BSP fastening and sealing threads for a variety of applications, in class 150 and 3000. All our BSP threaded fittings are checked with calibrated gauges during manufacture. Each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international standard and before they are released into the market, all products undergo a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling.
• Buttweld Fittings - Concentric and eccentric reducers, equal and reducing tees, 45^° and 90^° elbows, buttweld caps and stub ends, are all part of the comprehensive range of buttweld fittings carried by Prochem.
• Duplex Stainless Steels - Duplex Stainless Steels are unlike the 300 (Austenitic) and 400 (Ferritic) series of stainless steels in that they have a structure consisting of approximately equal amounts of both ferrite and austenite. Therefore, they are often referred to as ferritic-austenitic stainless steels. With a chromium content ranging from 18 to 28 percent, they have improved passivity compared to standardgrades. The nickel content ranges from 4.5 to 8 percent which is insufficient to promote a complete austeniticcrystal structure, hence the mixedferrite-austenite structure. Most gradescontain molybdenum in the range of 2.5 to 4 percent plus small amountsof nitrogen - enhancing both strength and pitting resistance.
• Flanges - A flange is designed to connect sections of pipe, or to join a pipe to an assembly such as a pressure vessel, valveor pump. Flanges are joined by bolting, and sealing is completed with the use of gaskets, and fixed to the piping system by welding or threading.
• Heat Exchanger, Condensor & Boiling Tubes - Useful technical datasheet.
• Hygienic and Tube - Prochem is well established as a supplier to the food industry. A comprehensive range of BSM, Tri-clover and buttweld fittings and valves are available throughout Australia, complete with welded and annealed polished tubes to suit.
• NPT Fittings - NPT fittings are designed for high-pressure (class 3000 - class 6000) applications, and have a distinctive profile for maximum strength. All NPT products are checked with calibrated gauges during the manufacturing process and each batch is further confirmed as being in compliance with the international thread standard. Before they are released into the market, each item is subject to a final visual and dimensional inspection by thread profiling. Materials used comply with ASTM A403 or A182.
• Pipe Nipples - Pipe nipples are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials, from 6 (1/8?) NB upwards, threaded BSP or NPT, bevelled or plain ended. Prochem has the ability to manufacture pipe nipples up to 6000 mm (6 m) in length in sizes 6 NB to 80 NB.
• Saflok Self-Locking Quick Coupler Range - Prochem provides the safest quick couplers on the market from Saflok. Included the patented locking cam arm, the Saflok design has no peer among other quick couplings.
• Socketweld Fittings - Prochem manufactures and supplies an extensive range of the highest quality Socketweld fittings, all thoroughly inspected to ensure complete dimensional compatibility with the requirements of the ASME B16.11 manufacturing standards.
• Swage and Pipe Nipples - Prochem manufactures, stocks and supplies a range of plain, bevelled and threaded concentric and eccentric swage nipples, from 8 (1/4") NB through to 100 (4") NB, withother sizes available on request. All swage nipples are either manufactured from seamless pipe or bar material and have an available working pressure equivavlent to straight seamless pipe. These fittings are available in ASTM A403 WP316/316L or 304/304L materials with other materials available on request.
• Stainless Steel Shim - Grade 316 shim, annealed and with a hardness rating of HV200, is available in coiled 305 mm (12?) wide rolls, in various thicknesses and sold by the linear metre.
• Stainless Water Solutions Package - With increased height of buildings, pressures, and life time expectations, people are turning to Stainless Steel for their Water Solutions. These pipe and fittings bear the Water Mark logo ensuring compliance to the industry specifications. Coupled with roll grooving, Prochem has the complete package to offer your Water Solutions package. All designers, architects and builders should contact Prochem to see how we can save you money!!
• Swing and Spring Check Valves.

Tube Mac/PYPLOCK

• Pyplok - Now you can have the benefits of a welded joint, but without the hazards of hot work, using the Tube-Mac PYPLOK^® DM andDP40 Series. It’s not only a permanent system, it goes on cold. This means all of the risks and requirements associated “with hotwork” are avoided.
• Pyplok Video's
  Assembly and Verification Process of PYPLOK fittings.
  PYPLOK fittings installed in a BOP (Blowout preventer) installed in the Gulf of Mexico at a depth of 2.400 m.
  PYPLOK fittings - Assembly Using a Hose Crimper - Pyplok fittings can be also crimped with a hose crimper, allowing companies the use of the fittings without having to buy a portable unit. The time and cost savings compared to welding, cutting ring or flaring are huge.
  PYPLOK fittings for Water Mist Piping - PYPLOK fittings are the perfect choice for high pressure water mist piping systems. They are very fast to install, more economical than classical systems and totally reliable.

Welded Duplex Tube - Welded Duplex Tube to: ASTM SA789/A789 UNS S31803/S32205.

 

Other Instrument Tubing Links

Pick the Proper Hose - Patrick Werrlein, Swagelok Company - Making a correct choice requires an understanding of hose components - The right hose keeps your process performing safely and cost effectively. The wrong hose could undermine your operations, put personnel at risk and compromise your bottom-line, sometimes without you being aware of it - from Chemical Processing.

The following technical link is available via Swagelok.
Tubing data
An Installer’s Pocket Guide for Swagelok^® Tube Fittings - This Guide is a must for anyone associated with the Installation of Swagelok fittings. It is a large download so be prepared to wait a while.