TPT July 2008

T echnology U pdate

Eliminating welded tube connections

Welded connections are used for long- term permanency. Effectively, when the fittings are in the same material as the tubing, they become an integral part of the system. Drawbacks are the considerable cost in labour and equipment, and the time required to fabricate each joint. Installers of welded fittings also face extra difficulties. When working in many environments, such as oil and gas platforms, ‘hot work’ permits are often needed, involving administration and safety procedure work, all of which adds to the cost of the field work. If testing is also required – using dye penetrant or X-ray techniques – then the costs can escalate substantially. Phastite is designed to reduce assembly time by using compact, hydraulically operated tools. This approach allows fittings to be positioned closely against panels and bulkheads, avoiding having to bend the tubing to engage the tool. After sliding each tube end into the fitting, the tooling jaws are positioned around the loose assembly. The tool applies hydraulic

Selection of fitting technology depends on pressures, temperatures and media. However, when applications demand very high reliability, or involve pressures beyond the scope of other industry-standard fittings, choice becomes limited and the cost of the

fitting itself can be a small fraction compared to the cost of installation. Phastite ® , from Parker, is a new type of tube connector system for permanent connections and high pressures (up to 20,000 Psi). Designed as an alternative to

 The new Phastite fitting brings simplified assembly to permanent-connection and high-pressure applications currently served by welded technologies

welded fittings, the technology uses a patented method of sealing with four internal ridges that grip the tubing and ensure 100 per cent leak-tight p e r f o r ma n c e , providing the means to reduce assembly times by up to 100 fold compared with welding.

Ferrite cores

Impeders

Fibreglass tubes

Copper inductors

Tool holder

Carbide inserts

Inside tube scarfing

Cutting rings

Ceramic rolls

USM provides top quality products and services to the Tube and Pipe industries worldwide. We have a wide range of top quality items and devices for tube manufacturers’ requirements. Once our products have been chosen, we can immediately deliver them from our stock.

HSS blades

Guillotine blades

Other....

European official distributor

U.S.M. Mazzucchelli S.r.l. V.le Lombardia,4 - 20052 Monza - MI - Italy Tel. +39/039.387282 - 2301687 Fax +39/039.387633 www.usm.it

impeder cores

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J uly 2008

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