5 Tips for Tubing Installation from Swagelok

1. Always use two people to handle longer tube lengths

Dragging long tube length out of tubing racks by oneself can cause damage to the product. Surface scratches, dents, and chips and burrs can all cause potential leak points in your system. Never drag tubing on the ground when packing or unpacking.

To protect the tubing, you can use end caps. They will keep the tubing's inside diameter free of dirt and contamination. You should also always store tubing in its original crate and protective packaging.

2. Never use "foot rail" and "handrail" tube locations

Installing tubing at foot height or within arms reach may encourage associates to use tubing as a handrail or foot rail. Any weight added to a tubing run could cause side load, damage to the tubing, or create a safety hazard.

3. Ensure proper tubing support 

Proper tubing support will reduce sagging, vibration, and increase the life of tubing, fittings, and equipment throughout a facility. There are many options for tubing support systems from Swagelok.

4. Ensure proper tubing placement 

Proper tubing placement is essential when running line throughout a facility. You should never block panels or screens with tubing lines - the tubing should always be routed around other instruments. It is important for tubing to stay clear of controls and not prohibit an operator's access to controls.

When running multiple tubes together, tubing should always be stacked vertically, not horizontally. This prevents the collection of dirt, corrosives, and contaminants in the spaces between tubes. 

5. Determine number of tube fittings and length of tubing required in system design 

It's important to provide enough tubing in a given line to ensure the tubing will bottom out into the fitting bodies. It is good practice to mark tubes above the nut when pre-swaging tube connections, to ensure tubes are bottomed out in final installation.

You should also plan to allow for accessibility in your system design to prevent damage during assembly and to allow for ease of maintenance.

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 To learn more about Tubing Data, download the Swagelok Tubing Data catalogue.