Part 3 FAQ: Answered by Your Edmonton Valve Representatives

 5 common questions from our Customer Service Desk, answered by Swagelok Field Engineer Eric Kayla and your Edmonton Customer Service Representatives

What is the best way to join two dissimilar tubing materials?

Swagelok Field Engineer, Eric Kayla:

Two dissimilar tubing materials can be joined in a couple different ways, depending on how compatible the two materials are with each other.  Swagelok continues to develop and publish PTR’s that cover dissimilar tubing and fitting materials. 

The second solution is to weld the two materials together.  Depending on what materials are to be joined it may be possible to join the tubing using an autogenous butt weld.  Otherwise, a flux or filler material may be required to allow welding to join two dissimilar tubing materials

Unfortunately, there may be a few special cases where there is no approved solution for joining two dissimilar materials.

2. What's the difference between a connector and an adapter?

Technical Service Representative, Delia Roman:

The difference between a connector and a tube adapter is the type of end connections. Both are available with both male and female NPT on one end, but the other end is the difference.

• Connectors will connect to a tubing line. They have a nut and ferrule tube fitting on one end which is installed onto a piece of tubing. Part number structure: SS-400-1-4
• Tube adapters make a leak tight connection with a tube fitting such as a connector or a union. They have a tube adapter (like a tube stub) on one end, and the male or female NPT on the other.
  Part number structure: SS-4-TA-1-4

3. What are CRNs and do Swagelok fittings have them?

Technical Service Representative, Kathleen Hines:

Yes! CRN stands for Canadian Registration number, which authorizes that these fittings have been accepted and registered for use in Canada. Swagelok tube fittings have been issued CRNs in Alberta, stating that the design has been accepted and registered for use. It is Nation-wide, except for BC.

4. What's the difference between Material Test Reports and Certificates of Compliance?

Account Manager, Andrew Beliveau:

A traceable certificate of compliance provides written statements that the product will meet industry standards and Swagelok requirements (ASTM A276 / SC-10), was manufactured under Swagelok Quality system approved to ISO 9001, and was produced from the noted mill heat (s) of material.

A Certified Material Test Report (CMTR) is a document that encompasses that all material are in  accordance with specified requirements.  This will include the results of all chemical analyses in relation to requirements, test examinations produced by original melting, forging or casting mill.  This will certify compliance specifications used to produce the material, as well as chemical and mechanical properties for bar stock, extrusions, castings, forge rod, and forgings.

A Certificate of compliance provides written statements that the product will meet industry standards and requirements (ASTM A276 / SC-11), and was manufactured under the Swagelok Quality System approved to ISO 9001.  A certificate of compliance may also contain heat treatment information, part and package marking information, as well as compliance with purchase orders or customer purchasing specification statements.

A traceable certification can only be processed by the factory and a product ID or manufacturing order number as required to be on the request for certification.  The product traceability information must be verifiable against Swagelok traceability records.  

5. What's the difference between a relief valve and a pressure safety valve?

Technical Service Representative, Richard Llewellyn: 

Safety valves open fully at a set pressure. They have a manual lever to open the valve in case of emergencies, and they are certified to ASME (Alberta Safety Boiler's Association). Safety valves are not manufactured by Swagelok. 

Relief valves open gradually as pressure increases. They do not have a capacity rating at a given pressure rise, nor are they certified by ASME or any other safety codes. Swagelok does manufacture reflied valves, in a variety of pressure ranges and end connection sizes.

Interested in ordering a Swagelok Relief Valve? To download the Swagelok Proportional Relief Valve Catalogue, click here. 

To get in touch with the Edmonton Technical Service Representatives listed above, contact us.