INTRODUCTION

Double compression type tube fittings are essential part

of instrumentation as impulse tubing and tubing for
air supply to control valves. Most frequently used type
are double compression type fittings.
This presentation is mainly on SS tube fittings.
Double compression type tube fitting consists of two
Ferrules, one back ferrule and another front ferrule as shown.
Exploded view is as shown.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

Back ferrule dampens the tube circuit vibration through a

spring like action. Front Ferrule circumferentially seals the
surface between tube and fittings and inner taper of front
ferrule is pressed on the tube so that a pressure tight
impression is formed owing to the fact that the hardness
of the ferrule is more than the tube, which is also become
an essential aspect under practical considerations. The same
body bore on the tube side ensures accurate positioning
and centering of tube. The degree with which both ferrules
sits together is another important aspect of design.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

As biting action is essential to offset any

leakage due to surface imperfections, the same bite is to
be isolated from vibration and hence use of double
compression type fitting is essential for leak free joint.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

MATERIALS

Items such as nut, ferrules and straight connectors, unions

are manufactured from SS 316 Barstock meeting ASTM A276
and shaped fittings tees, elbows are manufactured from
forged materials as per ASTM A 182. The equivalent British
Standard is BS 970 Part 4.
SS 316 ( Composition)
C 0.08 %
Si 1.00 %
Mo 2.0 to
Hardness

Mn 2.0 %
P 0.045%
Cr 16.00 to 18.00 %
3.0 %

S 0.030 %
Ni 10 to

14.00

90 Rb or slightly more

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

SPECIFICATIONS

Nomenclature of tube fittings shall be as per ISA RP 42.1

Type & Size:
(Including tube OD
and thread type)
Material:
Hardness:
Standards for testing

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The fitting /ferrule hardness shall be in the range of HRB 85-90

so as to ensure minimum hardness difference of 5 to 10 between
tube and fittings. (considering tube hardness 80 HRB)
One and a quarter turn of the nut after tightness shall be adequate
to swage the ferrule.All exposed threads shall be protected with
plastic plugs to prevent any damage to threads.
All fittings shall be with double ferrule and 3000 psi min pressure
rating.
Fittings should be suitable for tubes with tolerances 0.1mm on the
outer diameter.
No significant reduction in flow area by compression. For
reliable joints positive tolerance on inside diameter of ferrules
and body should be kept minimum.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

TESTING

As

per BS 4368 Part IV

Test fluid - mineral oil .

Apparatus - Class 1 industrial pressure gauge as per
BS 1780 ,part 2,1971
Test b,c,f,g are hazardous and precautions to be taken before
testing.
a). General:- Before starting the test bleed the system of air
to minimize the energy released in the case of failure.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

TESTING Contd...

b). Hydraulic proof pressure test :- Hydraulically test all

assemblies to 1.5 times of maximum permissible working
pressure of coupling at a rate of not exceeding 200 bar/min
and maintain for 5 minutes. Here if any coupling leaks then
the coupling shall be deemed to have failed.
c). Hydraulic burst pressure test :- Hydraulically test three
test assemblies that have passed above test to maximum 4
times of maximum permissible working pressure of coupling
at a rate not exceeding 200 bar/min and maintain for 5
minutes. In this case choose adequate tube gauge for
preventing bursting. (for hydraulic application)

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

TESTING Contd...

d). Dismantling and Reassembly test:- Dismantle and remake

each coupling ten times and retest the assembly as per test 2. In
this case if any joint leaks, the coupling shall be deemed to
have failed this test.
e). Minimum Static pressure test:- Test three test assemblies
which has passed proof pressure test, subject individually to
a negative pressure of 700 mbar and isolate from vacuum
pump and maintain for 15 minutes. No assembly shall show rise
in pressure in excess of 30 mbar.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

TESTING Contd...

f).
Maximum Static pressure test: - Subject the test assembly
to a pressure of 70 bar using an inert gas and maintain for 10
minutes and test for leakage using soap solution, submerging
in water or by gas detection equipment and no leakage
be occurred. This is referred to as maximum static pressure test.
g). Hydraulic impulse and vibration test: - Subject the test
assembly to a hydraulic pressure impulse of 0.5 & 1.7 Hz and
simultaneously to a vibration rig of frequency between 23 &
6
47 Hz. Run the pressure impulse for a minimum of 5 x 10 and
5
vibration for a minimum of 20 x 10 cycles and check for
leakage.(Choose impulse and vibration frequency so that they
conclude simultaneously)

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

TESTING Contd...

h).
Dimensional check is to be done with GO
(OD + 0.005) and NO GO (OD+0.008) gauges for
imperial tubing and GO (OD + 0.12mm) and NO GO
(OD + 0.2 mm) for metric tubing.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION

Double ferrule type dampens the vibration as already mentioned.

Front ferrule circumferentially seals the surface between tube
and fitting. Inner taper of front ferrule is pressed on the tube so
that a pressure tight impression is formed. See that the end of
the tube is cut square and burrs removed and keep the tube
firmly on the shoulder of the fitting and finger tight the nut
and mark this position. Rotate the nut one and quarter turn
from marked position.
Make sure that tube end is bottomed against the shoulder in
the fitting body.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION contd..

Do not permit the fitting body to rotate while fitting .

Instrumentation fitting are designed so that the ferrule must move
a prescribed distance in relation to tube to effectively grip and
seal. The force required to accomplish this can vary a great
deal with size,wall thickness etc. ie always turn the nut the
presribed amount (one and quarter turn from finger tight
position ) regardless of torque required.

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

DOUBLE COMPRESSION TUBE FITTINGS

SUBJECTS COVERED
Tubes & Fittings(Double compression fittings)
1) Introduction
2)Material
3)Specifications
4)General requirements
5)Testing
6)Assembly & Installation
7)Nomenclature

TUBES & TUBE FITTINGS