Edmonton Valve & Fitting Blog

Here are the five blog posts that caught the most attention in 2017

While we always try to make our blog posts interesting, we never know for sure what's going to catch on with our readers; here are your top 5 reads for 2017.

We like to think that all of our blogs posts are useful and interesting. Even so, there are always a few that prove extra popular. Here are the five that attraction the most attention in 2017. If the summary intrigues you, click the title to get the full story. You may realize that you've been missing out on valuable information, in which case you may want to browse through all the posts we've made to our blog.

Grace Under Pressure: Swagelok's IPT Fittings

Higher pressures demand higher performance, which is why Swagelok makes the IPT series of tube fittings. They come in two versions, a medium-pressure fitting for up to 20,000 psig or 1378 bar, and a high-pressure fitting for up to 60,000 psig or 4134 bar.

The secret is a cone-and-thread design that works with thick-walled tubing. The system is designed specifically for the oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, water jet cutting and blasting, and aerospace industries.

The IPT fitting requires special tools for preparing the tubing, and we'll gladly rent you everything you'll need.

Meet Mike Taylor

There's a lot more to account manager Mike than you might guess from his job title. He's flown all over North America to conduct energy audits for clients. He helped us start our mobile inventory management service. He's been trained on hose advisory services, too.

He also had an unusual background for someone in our industry: He was a midget hockey player. That opened a lot of doors when he first made sales calls in some of the towns where he used to appear on the ice.

Grab Sample Modules Offer Speed and Flexibility

Grab sampling provides a safe and reliable way to collect a representative gas or liquid sample from pipelines, tanks, or systems, and transport it to the lab for analysis. A good grab sample system will use metal cylinders to transport the sample under pressure.

Edmonton Valve & Fittings offers several standard configuration for grab sample models, plus the option of modifying the layouts to suit your particular needs. The best part is that we build the modules right here in Edmonton.

Grab Sample Liquid Systems Can Lower Your Costs

While cylinders provide a great way to transport samples for lab analysis, they aren't always necessary. Swagelok’s Grab Sample Liquid sampling system offers an alternative closed-loop system for use with low vapor-pressure liquids. If you have a non-hazardous environment, this system is easy to manage. There's no risk of spillage or evaporation.

With this option available, there's no excuse for cutting corners. (And we've seen some odd makeshift methods when visiting plants, including the use of tire bladders filled right from the pipeline.)

VN01: A Space-Saving Valve For Severe Service

When you need a double block and bleed isolation option, you could install a multi valve, or you could use the Swagelok VN01 valve for a single, lighter, compact unit with a single CRN number. That means less strain on your piping system and a reduced need for structural support, which is especially important when you need to protect your components from vibration.

You can get it with a standard or 3/4-inch male NPT inlet, or a 3/4-inch pipe weld. For the outlet, you have a choice of a standard half-inch female NPT fitting, but other options are available including a flange. There also are optional gauge ports.

Additional resources

• The Advantages of Swagelok VCR and VCO Fittings
• Swagelok Orifice Fittings – What do you know about flow control?
• 4 Solutions from the Swagelok Tube Adapter

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640.

With a few quick clicks you too can get the top downloads of 2017

In 2017 our customers downloaded hundreds of PDFs off of our website, check out the most popular downloads of the year below and get your own copies.

Edmonton Valve wants you to have all the information you need to keep your fluid systems running efficiently and leak-free. We often use our blog to point readers to good resources. Here are the five that got the most clicks in 2017. If any are new to you, it's worth a click to see what you can get.

Equipment rentals 

There's no substitute for having the right tools for the job. But there is a substitute for investing a lot of money in tool purchases. Just rent what you need from Edmonton Valve & Fitting. Orbital welding systems, hydraulic swaging units, tube coning tools — we have all that and more, usually available by the day, week or month. We can teach you how to use the equipment too.

And if you think that you might use a particular tool often enough to justify a purchase, we can provide loaner equipment for evaluation before you make the investment. 

Special alloys

Ordinary materials won't work for some applications. You need components made of special alloys. But choosing the right alloy can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Edmonton Valve can help streamline the process of finding, specifying, and ordering special alloy products. We have the industry knowledge, metallurgy expertise, quality reputation, layers of support, and skills in both design and manufacturing to assist with your job requirements. 

Custom solutions

We have a world of knowledge about Swagelok parts. Who better, then, to help you combine them for the optimum solution for your challenges?

Maybe you have an idea, a sketch on a sketch on a napkin, or just a recent conversation to go on. We can enhance your design ideas with 3D drawings compatible with your engineering drawing system. Then we can provide and assemble all the components to meet your exacting requirements. That includes high-volume tube bending and swaging, orbital welding, custom hose cutting and end connection selection. We offer custom component, assembly, and enclosure fabrication, including grab sample panels, enhanced oil recovery options, changeover manifolds and gas seal panels.

All of our custom solutions services are backed by the Swagelok Limited Lifetime Warranty. 

Service and training

High-quality work requires proper training by expert instructors. Swagelok’s training and education programs provide valuable and practical tools for keeping up with the latest fluid system technologies. We can train you in person at our own classroom or at your site. We also have training videos and online classes you can access at your own convenience.

We can cover the basics of tube bending and fitting, or teach you advanced techniques. We have three different courses on sample systems that will help you diagnose, troubleshoot and eliminate sampling system design flaws. You can tap into our video library as well for topics from tube bending assembly to regulator applications.

Ask us

When you haven't found an answer to your specific question, or don't have much time to look, just ask. We're very pleased to find our "ask" page among the most popular. Just tell us who you are and what you need, and we'll get back to you by email. Remember: We keep your information private and we never spam.

Additional resources

• Forget Trial And Error; Take Our Tube Bending Course
• Seal Support Simplified: Call Edmonton Valve & Fitting
• Dielectric Fittings Prevent Shocking Results

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.819.2665.

We have documentation for components for systems running at more than 15 psi

Need an MTR for one of your Edmonton Valve orders? Head over to edmontonvalve.com/mtrs to download a copy, all you need is the heat number which is stamped right on your tubing.

As we discussed in an earlier post about ABSA and CRNs, the Alberta Boiler Safety Association is the pressure equipment safety authority authorized by the Alberta Government to administer and delivery safety programs related to boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping systems through their complete life cycles. In this weeks blog we will discuss how ABSA relates to Swagelok when it comes to Material Test Reports (MTRs).

Documentation

For threaded piping and tubing, ABSA suggests that owner companies have certain procurement and purchasing requirements from its approved vendor list. Although Material Test Reports may not be required by construction code, MTRs may be required in owner specification. So it's up to the owner to train personnel in the MTR verification and other documentation requirements

MTRs and CoCs

Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help out by providing documentation. We provide MTRs for all tubing orders. They are based on the heat number printed on the lay line of the tubing. We also have a self-serve option available for MTRs for tubing online at edmontonvalve.com/mtrs. Simply enter the heat number and you can download the MTR. If you are cutting the tubing, then the heat number should be written onto the tubing

MTRs are typically not provided with other products, but they are available on request. All parts are traceable for alloy materials with a three-letter heat code that is stamped onto all fitting components which meets the ABSA requirement. It speeds up the process if you request the MTR at the time of order.  Keep in mind that a tubing tee could have up to 10 MTRs associated with it.

Another commonly requested document we receive is a Certificate of Compliance. We can provide a Certificate of Compliance upon request, just mention this request when speaking to your customer service associate.  A CoC will be issued for the entire order, and parts are listed out.

Additional resources

• Need Tubing Material Test Reports? Edmonton Valve Has Them Online!
• ABSA and CRNs: We Have Your Parts Covered

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640.

There are some long and informative names behind all those letter combinations

Product groupings that have common Swagelok acronyms include the Pre-Engineered Subsystem products, regulator series, and Swagelok fittings.

In an earlier post we went through some of the acronyms you'll run into when you read our blog. Last time we covered letters A through E. This time we continue on through the middle of the alphabet. Check back to see future posts that will take us all the way to Z.

FDH – Fluid distribution headers are common components used in a variety of gas and liquid applications. An FDH provides a flow path while allowing multiple outlets, acting much like a large branch fitting. This is one of the many preassembled subsystems available from Edmonton Valve & Fitting.

FLIR – Forward looking infrared radiometer cameras are sophisticated thermal-imaging tools for detecting leaks. Any time there's a problem that generates heat, a FLIR camera can find it. A hydrocarbon leak shows up as a cloud on the camera screen, even though it's invisible to the naked eye.

FLM – Fast loop modules are designed to handle high flows in sample transport lines to reduce time delays for online analyzer systems. Located at the analyzer shelter and offering a bypass, the Swagelok FLM can isolate the sample system and introduce a purge gas for system cleaning. The FLM extracts a sample through a filter while using the high flow rate of bypass to keep the filter element clean. 

FSM – When analyzing a gas sample, it's important to move the sample quickly. One way to speed up delivery is to lower the pressure. That's where a Swagelok field station module comes in. When this pre-engineered subassembly is placed directly off the supply tap, it lowers the pressure of a gas as soon as possible.

ISO – The International Organization for Standardization is an independent, non-governmental membership organization that sets standards of all kinds, from standard musical pitch (ISO 16) to sample preparation of iron ore (ISO 3082) to software testing (ISO 29119). Edmonton Valve & Fitting supports and maintains the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems.

K Series – The letter K in our K Series regulators is a nod to the series origins at Kenmac Ltd., a British company that Swagelok acquired back in 2003. At the time, regulators were the only gap in Swagelok’s product line for analytical instrumentation. Since then, Swagelok has closed the gap to become your supplier for sample handling. The K Series includes 17 different models of pressure-reducing, backpressure and specialty regulators.

MPC – Our Modular Platform Component system lets you pack more instrumentation into less space. A substrate channel holds the drop-in components that provide the main flow path. Then it's literally a snap to add surface-mount components to create the fluid distribution system. Swagelok also makes an interactive software tool called the MPC Configurator to help you plan out the details.

MTR – When a customer purchases tubing, they are able to conveniently access our material test report website that will provide details on tubing heat numbers. For example, a sheet might tell you that a particular type of welded tubing contains so much chromium, nickel, and other elements. It also could list the tensile strength, hardness, and other properties. It also show that the product has passed a series of tests. 

NPT – The National Pipe Thread standard applies to tapered threads on pipes and fittings. NPT threads usually require application of sealing compound or tape to prevent leaks.

Up next we will be posting acronymns in the P-R range! 

Additional resources

• 5 Tips for Tubing Installation from Swagelok
• 4 Solutions from the Swagelok Tube Adapter
• Preventing Creep in Pressure Regulators

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640.

If you've ever wondered what some of those letter combinations mean, read on

With an abundance of industry acronyms it is easy to get confused. In this four-part series we will define some of our more common acronyms and if you ever need clarification just get in touch and our associates will be happy to help. 

In every industry, people throw around acronyms. It saves a little time and energy, and it can signify that we all share some common ground. The thing is, there are a few of us who aren't exactly sure what some of those letters stand for. Even if we all know what an NPT thread is, we might not all know what NPT stands for.

Here are some acronyms you may have run into on our site, and what all those letters mean:

ANSI: American National Standards Institute, a nonprofit organization that has been creating "norms" for business since 1918. ANSI flanges are an easy way to transition from a mechanical/piping system to an instrumentation system. The unique Swagelok Flange Adapter comes with either a tube fitting end or a tube adapter end.

ASTM: Even ASTM International has stopped spelling out its full name, which used to be the American Society for Testing and Materials. This is the group that develops testing standards. When you ask for a traceable certificate of compliance, it will include written statements that the product will meet industry standards and Swagelok requirements (such as ASTM A276, or ASTM A479).

CAD: Computer Aided Design replaced pencil and paper as the way an idea gets turned into a set of drawings and specifications. The breakthrough software was AutoCAD, introduced in 1983. Other programs followed, and today's top CAD software can produce 3D drawings.

CMTR:  A Certified Material Test Report is a document saying that all material are in accordance with specified requirements. This can 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.

CRN:  A Canadian Registration Number authorizes that a product has been accepted and registered for use in Canada. Swagelok tube fittings, for example, have been issued CRNs in Alberta, stating that the design has been accepted and registered for use. It is nation-wide, except for BC.

CSA: The Canadian Standards Association is yet another group that sets the standards for products. The CSA mark shows that products have been certified by an accredited third party lab and have met applicable standards as required by North American law.

DESO: Swagelok quick-connects with double-end shutoff stems have valves, and shut-off when uncoupled. This is to distinguish them from single-end shutoff stems, which have no valves and remain open when uncoupled.

eDTR: Our Electronic Desktop Technical Reference software makes it easy to browse the Swagelok catalogue without a web connection. It can be searched by keywords, and shows you related components. Best of all, it's free!

Stay tuned for more of our acronym series coming soon, next up: F - N!

Additional resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions: Getting the Most from Swagelok Valves
• Resolution for 2015: Tap Into Swagelok University

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640

Stop by Edmonton Valve's back counter so we can help you identify the thread pitch and type

Unable to identify the type or thread pitch of your component? Come visit one of our associates here at Edmonton Valve and we can assist you. And to further assist you along the way, download a copy of Swagelok's Thread and End Connection Identification Guide here.

A threaded component will fit into another threaded part only if the threads are the same size and type. If you aren't sure what size you are working with, our staff will be glad to help you get the information you need. How do they do it? Here are the basics:

Know your terms

The first thing to know about threads is that they can be straight or tapered. On straight threads, the ridges, or crests, at the front are exactly the same diameter as the ones in the back. With tapered threads, one end is narrower, like a cone. In fact, a tapered thread is essentially a wedge wrapped around a cone. If you are working with Swagelok parts, we stamp some of our products with certain thread types to help you identify them.

Some people are surprised to learn that straight threads don't provide a seal by themselves. All they do is make sure the two parts are solidly engaged. To get a seal, you need an additional component such as an O-ring, a gasket, or metal-to-metal contact with a washer.

There are several straight thread standards. The most common are SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ISO 228/1 (also known as British Standard Pipe Parallel), and metric.

With tapered threads, the seal is formed when the flanks of the thread engage. Even so, you also need a sealant to ensure a leak-free seal and to prevent galling of the metal.

As with straight threads, there are several standards threads conform to: NPT (National Pipe Thread), ISO 7/1 (also known as British Standard Pipe), and metric. In Canada, most threads will be NPT.

By the numbers

We have a couple of tools to help us identify a thread. First we use a set of calipers to see whether we are dealing with straight thread or tapered thread, and the diameter.

Next we use a thread comb. That's a tool that looks a bit like a pocketknife, except instead of cutting blades it has a series of saw-toothed blades. The teeth come in various pitches that correspond to the number of threads per inch on a part.

We start by simply picking a set of teeth that seem close to the threads we are trying to match. If we assess it right the first time, great. If not, it's easy to see if we need to switch to a finer or coarser pitch. For tapered threads, we take the middle point. Usually it takes only a few tries to get a perfect match, where the gauge doesn't rock back and forth.

We also have the Swagelok Thread and End Connection Identification Guide close at hand. Based on the nominal thread size, this booklet will tell us the correct designation such as NPT or SAE, the nominal thread diameter in inches and millimeters, and the pitch. The book quickly narrows down the choices by part number.

We have a cabinet with samples of adapter fittings, so we can usually make a direct comparison with a known pitch and diameter.

Knowledge is power

Naturally, we'll try to find exactly what you need in our parts warehouse. If we don’t have the exact part, we may be able to put together a component and a tube adapter that gets the job done. And even if we can't come up with the part or parts that solve your problem, we can at least send you out into the world knowing what to ask for. If you've been tearing your hair out trying to figure out what kind of component you're holding, that's a big step forward.

Additional resources

• Edmonton Valve at Your Service: More than Just Parts (Cont’d).
• 4 Solutions from the Swagelok Tube Adapter
• 5 Best Practices for Swagelok Quick-Connects

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640