Introduction to Parker Tube Fittings

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By JeffreyThurber

Parker Hannifin Corporation is the World’s Leading Tube Fitting Authority. Since 1924, Parker has served the marketplace with dependable fluid power technology. Tube Fittings were among the first products manufactured by the company, and Parker has deep roots and expertise in the design of Tube Fittings. The company manufactures Tube Fittings to a very high standard to conform to all major specification requirements. Parker Tube Fittings are known for their high quality, reliability, consistency, excellent wear, and problem free maintenance. They are manufactured to meet or exceed industrial specification requirements of SAE, ISO, DIN, DOT and JIS standards – so the customer is assured of excellence.

Parker Fittings provide leak free solutions in every style – including hydraulic, pneumatic and instrumentation. They are generally designed to connect a hose assembly to a port or adapter, and are available in a variety of styles including High purity and process fittings, Flare fittings, Compression, bite type, and O-ring fittings, straight thread, pipe, flange and barb fittings, Swivel, Universal and interlocking clamp fittings, Push-o-Lok – push to connect and air hose fitting, Hydraulic hose and reusable fittings.

Many configurations are available – most notably straight Tube Fittings, 45/90 degree elbow fittings, and Tee fittings. Tube Fittings need to be available in a variety of materials to suit different needs. Parker Fittings are available in Brass, Carbon Steel (with Chromium6-Free Plating), Stainless steel, Aluminum, and Thermoplastics.

Innovations from Parker in the field of Tube Fittings include Seal-Lok Lite – which is a compact high-flow Fitting for high flow at low to medium pressure applications such as fluid conveyance in fuel cell systems, and semiconductor manufacturing. This results in shorter thread lengths and larger flow diameter than instrumentation grade and traditional industrial hydraulic fittings, with easy assembly and leak free performance. Triple-Lok 2 is a soft-seal, stainless steel fitting which incorporates a replaceable soft seal in the nose of the flare, which is positioned to achieve leak-free connections without compromising fitting strength. It can withstand up to 20% higher working pressures than stainless steel 37 degree flared fittings, and features Parker’s patented Robust Port Stud for easier assembly and improved reliability. The Robust Port Stud allows for mistake proof installation in the field, and eliminates the potential for backup washer damage that can lead to leaks. It can be used with standard flared tubes and hose ends, and used standard O-rings in most sizes for convenience and savings.

The Triple-Lok Swivel Connection improves performance by design. It features a dual-angle seat that accepts both 37 and 45 degree flare fittings, and repositions the sealing location away from the tip of the male nose, leading to increased pressure ratings in most sizes – a massive 72% higher than a competitive product, and a sealing position that protects the cone and the nose, and improves connection reliability, dual seat acceptance of all sizes of flare fittings, all with no difference in overall swivel nut or fitting body size, and no change in torque or assembly method.

Another innovation for Parker in Tube Fittings is the Trap-Seal, with its consistently positive retention in the groove which essentially eliminates the possibility of pop-out that can occur with standard round-shaped O-rings. This innovative O-ring enhancement does not get pinched and fail prematurely and virtually eliminates costly leakage and/or pre-assembly handling time. It also significantly reduces the need to replace or reinstall the seal. Parker keeps abreast of global changes and standards. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) has been restricted, and Parker has produced a new Chromium-6 Free plating process, which has resulted in a new generation of characteristics in their metal Tube Fittings – these include environmental safety, improved corrosion protection, packaging clearly labeled ‘Chromium-6 Free’, and best of all, no changes in assembly method or torque.

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