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brands , some managers may begin using tube fittings from different manufacturers to save money .
Intellectual property constraints prevent manufacturers from accurately repro-
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ducing their competitors ’ tube fittings . If the tube fittings are not exactly the same , costly leaks are possible , eliminating whatever cost savings might have come from the less expensive fittings . It cannot be stressed enough : If tube fitting |
components are not specifically designed to work together , they may fail catastrophically , putting employees at risk and leading to unplanned downtime for the facility ’ s fluid systems .
Some of the potential problems with interchanged or intermixed fittings include :
• Inconsistent sealing surfaces due to design , construction , and torque value differences
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unpredictable performance , increased costs , and potential safety hazards , it is clear neither one should be a standard operating procedure in a facility . Additionally , the equipment ’ s warranty may be voided if components are mixed with those from another manufacturer . Higher-than-expected costs may result in the event of a significant failure . ( Figure 3 ).
Never Intermix or Interchange Tube Fittings
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• Sealing surface incompatibilities due to geometry , tolerances , and metallurgic properties
• Compromised function and leaks caused by overtightening the nut
• Fatigue failure as a result of cyclic loading that permanently deforms the fitting components
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Most fluid system standards agencies specify that facilities should never practice intermixing or interchanging tube fitting components . Some agencies have even gone so far as to criticize those who encourage the practice , suggesting that anyone who would propose intermixing or interchanging tube fitting components is not following engineering best practices . |
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• Ineffective sealing surfaces resulting from different swaging mechanisms , material hardness , and tolerance variations
With all the potential problems that interchanging or intermixing tube fitting components can cause , including
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The clearest way to keep tube fitting components from failing is to ensure they are all sourced from the same reliable manufacturer . Doing so will prevent employees from accidentally intermixing or interchanging components and preserve industrial fluid systems over their lifetime . |
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