Q&A: Swagelok Tube Fitting Pressure Ratings

Customers often ask us about how to find out the pressure rating of a particular Swagelok tube fitting. Here's how our team provides the answer.

 Q1: What is the lowest-rated component in the system?

The pressure rating of a Swagelok tube fitting depends on the lowest rated component in the system in which it is installed.

Sometimes the lowest pressure rated component is a pipe thread, a pressure gauge, or a valve. Other times it will be the pressure rating of the tubing itself, and that will vary depending on the tubing's size, wall thickness and material of construction.  

• Remember: Identify the lowest-rated component in the system
• Recommended: Download literature on Swagelok tube fittings

Q2: Is the tubing softer than the fitting material?

Swagelok provides tables with the suggested allowable working pressure and suggested ordering information for tubing to be used with Swagelok tube fittings.

The key to selecting proper tubing for use with metal Swagelok tube fittings is that the tubing must be softer than the fitting material. Swagelok tube fittings are designed to work properly with the tubing that is suggested in the ordering instructions.

The tables show working pressure ratings of tubing in a wide range of tube wall thicknesses and outside diameters. Swagelok tube fittings have been repeatedly tested in both the minimum and maximum wall thicknesses shown in the tubing data tables. Swagelok tube fittings are not recommended for tube wall thicknesses outside the ranges shown in the tables for each size.

• Remember: Tubing material must be softer than the fitting material
• Recommended: Download the Tubing Data Sheet with allowable working pressures

3. How will it be installed?

System performance also depends on correctly installing your Swagelok tube fitting. Check out this clip to see the kind of tube fitting installation training available in our seminars:

Brush up on fabricating, choosing tubing vs. pipe, applying thread sealants and lubricants, and more with experienced, Swagelok-certified trainers, and earn a signed Swagelok Certificate of Completion.

• Remember: Install Swagelok fittings correctly for optimal performance
• Recommended: Learn about our training seminars

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