4.02.003 Setting the Tubing Ferrule on Stainless Tubing sizes 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2"

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to establish the minimum requirements to safely set the Tubing Ferrule on Stainless Steel tubing sizes from 1/4" up to 1/2" to insure the ferrule is properly seated on the tubing. Improperly seated ferrules could cause the tubing to come out of the tubing fitting while under pressure.

Setting the Tubing Ferrule on Stainless Steel Tubing larger than 1/2" is not covered in this procedure.

Procedure

This procedure applies to all Stainless Tubing fittings with tapered ferrules that seal the tubing in the tubing fitting. This applies to tubing fittings ranging from 1/4" thru 1/2" tubing.

To insure a good tubing joint, the tube must be cut off square. This can be accomplished by the proper use of a Tube Cutter. See Procedure 4.02.002 Using a Tubing Cutter for cutting Stainless Tubing sizes 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2"

Special attention is necessary to prevent scratching and burring the O.D. of the tubing. Scratched or bent tubing may prevent proper seating of the tubing ferrule and could cause the ferrule to not seat which may result in the tubing coming out of the tubing fitting while under pressure. Scratched tubing may possibly leak even with a properly seated ferrule. This is especially important for gas service. Low-density gases such as helium and argon cannot be sealed with damaged tubing.

Make certain not to drag tubing across any surfaces such as truck beds, shelves, or storage racks, the floor and (or) ground.

This is important for tubing of all materials, particularly for copper and aluminum. Besides scratching, improper handling can create out-of-round tubing. Out-of-round tubing will not fit the I.D. of the ferrule(s) or the body bore properly and will cause leakage.

Tube fittings are sold completely assembled and ready for immediate use.

Simply insert the tube as illustrated in the Figure below until it bottoms in the fitting body. (If the fitting is disassembled, note that the small tapered end of the ferrule(s) go into the fitting body.)

Tighten nut finger tight.

Once the fitting nut is finger tight refer to the chart below for the correct amount to turn the nut to seat the ferrule. (The chart below is from Parker)

Then tighten nut with wrench an additional 1-1/4 turns for 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" tubing as identified in the chart from Parker.

Hold fitting body with a second wrench to prevent body from turning. It is helpful to mark the nut to facilitate counting the number of turns.

Remake or reconnecting existing tubing connections that have had the ferrule seated.

For maximum number of remakes, mark the fitting and nut before disassembly as indicated by “A” in Figure below.

Before re-tightening, make sure the assembly has been inserted into the fitting until the ferrule seats in the fitting.

Re-tighten the nut by hand. Rotate the nut with a wrench to the original position as indicated by the previous marks lining up. (A noticeable increase in mechanical resistance will be felt indicating the ferrule is being re-sprung into sealing position.)

Before any work is performed all Safety precautions must be in-place according to Flogistix policy for the unit type.

Responsibilities

Management - Management is responsible for implementing, supporting, and enforcing the requirements of this procedure to their respective locations/area.

EHSS - Responsible to assist in the implementation of this procedure and to review for effectiveness.

Employees, Contractors, Vendors, ETC. - Are responsible to follow the requirements outlined in this procedure and ask for assistance

Scope

This procedure applies to all service or manufacturing employees that are required to bend stainless steel tubing and is applicable to all Flogistix employees, contractors, and temporary employees.

Hazards

Employees should be aware of the dangers of installing stainless tubing in application that will have high pressure applied to the tubing during operation of the equipment. Employees should be aware that stainless steel tubing that is incorrectly bent or installed incorrectly could have the possibility of the tubing failing and could release high pressure gas or oil that can be flammable and toxic. Potential for the possible hazards of gas ignition or fire, hot surfaces, hot fluids, and the potential of bodily hard. Environmental hazards from the release of used oil, production fluids that could be considered an environmental spill onto ground or soil.

Safety

All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Field Mechanical duties and Manufacturing duties apply for this procedure. Flogistix EHSS Manual, Section 8, Procedure 8.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Four Gas Monitor, which is outlined in the Flogistix EHSS Manual, Section 8, Procedure 8.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if performing duties at a field location.

This procedure applies to all units in service in the field, at a service shop, or in any storage yard.

Insure Flogistix personnel have proper safety certification or site orientation if required by the Flogistix Customer.

Insure Flogistix personnel adhere to all customer safety practices.

Proper use of required tools.

Training

All employees shall be initially trained on the following topics:

• Employee Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Emergency and First Aid procedures

• Methods and Observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemicals or gas in the work place

Tools & Equipment Required

All employees performing the task of bending tubing shall be required to have the listed tools or equipment to perform job tasks:

• All required PPE according to Flogistix Safety Policy

• The correct size wrenches that fit the tubing connection nuts to properly seat the tubing ferrule onto the tubing in the tubing fitting

• The use of open end adjustable wrenches is not recommended for the use of properly tightening the tubing nuts to seat the tubing ferrule.

Approvals:

Field Service approved by: Charles Crenshaw

Date: June 26, 2019

Engineering approved by: Aaron Baker

Date: June 26, 2019

EHSS approved by: Mike Southard

Date: June 26, 2019