Well test Maintenance Foundation
Section 3
©Copyright Expro 2016 Introduction to Fittings
Fittings quiz!!
• Identify the following and its MWP:
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Fittings quiz!!
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Fittings quiz!!
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Gap Inspection Gauges
Swagelok gap inspection gauges assure the installer or inspector that a fitting
has been sufficiently tightened up into the fitting body on initial installation.
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NPT Fittings (page 18 of handouts)
An NPT Thread comes in 2 formats:
• NPTT - (National Pipe Thread Taper)
• NPTP - (National Pipe Thread Parallel)
• National Pipe Thread Tapered (NPTT) is a U.S. standard for tapered
threads used to join pipes and fittings. ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1 covers
threads of 60-degree form at roots in sizes from 1/16 inch to 24 inch Nominal
Pipe Size [NPS] (this standard also covers various parallel ('straight')
threads. EXPRO will only ever try and use Tapered NPT!!
• The taper on NPT threads allows
them to form a seal when torqued
as the flanks of the threads
compress against each other, as
opposed to parallel/straight thread
fittings or compression fittings in
which the threads merely hold the
pieces together and do not
provide the seal
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NPT Fittings
Material vs. Pressure
• Always make sure you check the pressure rating of the fitting you are about
to use
• All fittings will have the pressure rating stamped on the hex nut shoulder
• All fittings will have the material stamped on the hex nut shoulder
• Any fitting that does not
show these – DO NOT USE
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NPT Sealing
• The taper on NPT threads allows them to form a seal when torqued as the
flanks of the threads compress against each other, as opposed to
parallel/straight thread fittings or compression fittings in which the threads
merely hold the pieces together and do not provide the seal.
• There is no set PTFE
torque to be applied upon
installation of (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene)
NPT components, but due
to the nature of the sealing properties
• and friction
One generated
of the defining between theof
characteristics two
PTFE is
surfaces,
how goodGalling of the threads
it is at defeating canThe use of
friction.
occur iftape
PTFE overintightened (Good
tapered pipe threads performs a
representation
lubricating is thewhich
function, torquemore
you easily
can allows the
apply with
threads to an
be 8” Adjustable
screwed spanner)
together, to the point of
deformation, which is what creates the majority, if
• To counteract
not the threat of Galling
all, of the seal.
occurring due to the metal to metal
• Application should be 2 – 3 wraps in a clockwise direction as to counteract
friction, PTFE tape is used
unwinding of the tape when installing the fitting. Sometimes a paste (Swak) is
used instead but this is a lot harder to clean off when checking integrity.
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NPT Thread Integrity
When fitting an NPT nipple into a NPT receptacle, the threads should first be
checked for damage and cleaned if necessary:
• Both No-Go gauges have a maximum and
minimum depth indicator on them
Steps:
Upon insertion if the thread depth does not
• Clean out any dirt or debris from Female NPT port
usingreach
brushthe
andminimum
cleaningmark then this indicates
agent
• Clean there is a thread quality issue and sealing
the Male thread in the same way and also
integrity would be compromised
remove any PTFE tape still remaining
If the thread gauge goes past the maximum
• Visually inspect threads for signs of galling,
mark (screws on too far) then this indicates
cracking, flat threads or any integrity damage
the thread has deformed out with it’s
• Inserttolerance zoneplug
NPT thread andgauge
thread’s pressure
(No-Go integrity
Gauge) into
willport
female be compromised
and insert ring gauge onto male fitting
If after visual inspection and Gauge inspection the fitting is out with these
tolerance zones, DO NOT USE the fittings. (If receptacle is part of unit
then inform your Supervisor immediately)
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Autoclave Sealing Qualities
AE MP (Medium Pressure) AE HP (High Pressure)
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Differences?
Although the O.D. of the tubing is the same, there are
many differences that will decipher Medium Pressure
fittings to the High pressure type:
• Gland nut size
• Collar size
• Collar position
• Thread depth
• I.D. of tubing (Pressure rating stamped on O.D.)
• Bleed Hole
• Bleed Groove
• Cone Profile
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Autoclave Variations
• There are also different setup’s
of Autoclave fittings as well:
• Just be aware of the Medium pressure
Type 1 connector versions as they can
look very similar to another type of fitting
Expro uses a lot???
• Always make sure you are 100%
satisfied it is the correct fitting for the
job, and if in doubt........ASK!!!
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JIC Fittings
• JIC stands for?
Joint Industry Council (or Conference)
• JIC fittings are a type of flare fitting having 37-
degree flare seating surfaces and are widely
used in hydraulic applications. JIC fittings are
similar in size and threading to AN fittings. 45-
degree flare SAE fittings are similar in thread,
but not angle and are not interchangeable.
• JIC fitting systems depend upon metal-to-metal contact between the
finished surface of the fitting nose cone and the inside diameter of the
flared hose housing to make a seal.
• Common materials of construction include stainless steel, forging brass,
machining brass, Monel, and nickel-copper alloys.
• Expro will normally only use 316 Stainless Steel with MWP of 10,000 psi
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BSP Fittings and Hoses
Just like NPT, BSP Fittings come in 2 formats:
• BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel)
• BSPT (British Standard Pipe Taper)
As not to try and confuse NPT with these fittings, Expro standardizes in only
using BSP Parallel fittings.
• Most BSP fittings will be used as
Hose fittings when pressure
testing units, and just like JIC
fittings will seal in the same way.
• The obvious difference however is
the female hose end now contains
the sealing cone and the male end
has the recess.
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Quick Connect Couplers
There are many different types of Quick
Connect Couplers and with many different
pressure ranges, but most work with the
same operation principle as each other:
• Normally both male and female ends will
have it’s own internal check valve to stop
pressure release if union accidently
disconnected.
• These check valves will automatically open when both parts mated to allow
flow through.
• The Gland sleeve has to be retracted back in order to release the Latch Dogs
to allow male end to enter.
• After Male end is connected, the Gland Sleeve is then released and under
spring pressure will impinge on the latch dogs forcing them into the male end
recess, thus securing the attachment
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