All About Compression Fittings

What is a Compression Fitting?

Compression fittings are a type of connector used to attach a pipe in plumbing, hydraulic, or gas systems. Compression fittings operate by the use of a compression ring—more commonly known as a ferrule in American English, but an olive in British English—which provides a tight seal. This makes them a much-appealing alternative to soldering, most particularly in those areas where there is great potential for danger from the proximity of an open flame.

How Do Compression Fittings Work?

Compression fittings include an outer nut combined with an inner ferrule. As the nut is tightened, the ferrule is compressed between the nut and the receiving fitting to such a degree that the connection is sealed. It creates a joint that is tight between the pipe and nut and the receiving fitting. Compression of the ferrule also serves to prevent pipe movement within the fitting and provides extra security for the connection from leakage.

Types of Compression Fittings

Standard Compression Fittings

Standard compression fittings, sometimes referred to as non-manipulative or Type-A fittings, do not require any special modification on the tubing. These are very common in water, hydraulic, and compressed air systems because these can be installed using an ordinary wrench.

Flare Compression Fittings

On the other hand, the flare compression fitting, manipulative, or Type-B fitting requires that tubing is altered by some sort of tool and, therefore, cannot be reused. Normally seen in high-pressure systems such as gas and hydraulic application types of fittings. This adds extra security and strength.

Applications of Compression Fittings

Compression fittings find wide applications in:

• Plumbing Systems: These fittings are best suited for places where soldering is not possible because there is no space or where the danger of fire outweighs.
• Hydraulic Systems: The fittings can withstand high pressure and hence are suitable for tubings connected by threaded parts such as valves and pumps.
• Gas Systems: Leakage or failure associated with the tight sealing of compression fittings develops a form of reliability in gas applications and hence avoids safety problems.

Advantages of Compression Fittings

• Ease of Installation: The installation of the fittings is quicker and does not require soldering.
• No Special Tools: They can be installed or removed using only a wrench; thus, no other special tooling is required or needed.
• Reusability: Compression fittings have an advantage in the systems that have to be taken apart either routinely or for maintenance. For there, the connection can be broken and remade without affecting the integrity of the joint.
• Safety: Due to the fact that no open flame is needed, compression fittings are safer whenever soldering might constitute a fire hazard.

Disadvantages of Compression Fittings

• Less Robust: Compared to soldered fittings, compression fittings are less robust, with poor resistance to dynamic stresses such as vibration or pipe movement.
• Bulkier Design: The design will be somewhat bulkier than that of soldered joints and hence less attractive.
• Single Use of Ferrules: Many compression fittings, like ferrule ring types, are never to be used more than once. In case there's a need to re-make such a connection, the ferrule needs to be replaced for a leak-free seal.
• Over-Tightening Sensitivity: The ferrule is easily damaged by over-tightening of the nut; it can only be tightened until snug with an additional half-turn.

Guidelines on the Use of Compression Fittings

• Avoid Over-tightening: The nut can be tightened by hand until resistance is felt, and a wrench can then be used to give half of a turn. This will avoid the ferrule from over-compression.
• Test for Leaks: After being installed, the fitting must be checked for leakage. If a slight leak is observed, the fitting is gradually tightened until the leakage stops.
• Proper Alignment: The ferrule should be properly oriented to ensure that improper sealing does not occur.

Conclusion

Compression fittings also offer a practical choice for various plumbing, hydraulic, and gas applications. Ease of use, safety, and the ability to connect dissimilar materials make them an excellent alternative to soldered fittings. The only perils associated during installation are due to over-tightening; in some instances, ferrules may need replacement because of loss of seal. Therefore, by being aware of the upsides and drawbacks of compression fittings, users can ensure that everything from the smallest piping system to the largest makes sure connections are reliable and efficient.