Background:
This oil & gas refinery is a long-standing client of Comfit & Valves Pvt. Ltd., a reputed manufacturer of high-quality tube fittings and instrumentation valves. In February 2024, This oil & gas refinery faced an issue with ferrule swaging (crimping) on their tubing installation. Despite the tubing being sourced from reputable suppliers, the fittings procured from another vendor were not compatible, leading to difficulties in the swaging process.
The Problem:
Client reached out to Comfit & Valves for assistance in resolving the incompatibility issue between the tubing and fittings. The email conversation provided details of the specific purchase orders and included videos demonstrating the swaging challenges.
To investigate the root cause, Comfit & Valves conducted a comprehensive internal inspection, comparing the tubing and fitting samples received from Client. The key findings were documented in the "Comparison Report" dated 22.03.2024.
Findings from the Comparison Report:
The report highlighted the following critical observations:
1. Tubing Hardness: One set of tubing samples (1/2" OD x 1.28mm thickness, SS316) received from a reputable supplier demonstrated acceptable hardness values (76 HRB) in line with the requirements (80 HRB max). However, another set of tubing (1/2" OD x 1.60mm thickness, SS316) exhibited much higher hardness values (105 HRB), exceeding the specified limit.
2. Fitting Compatibility: Comfit & Valves' own fittings were found to be compatible with the acceptable tubing samples, allowing for proper swaging and crimping. However, the fittings supplied by another vendor failed to crimp onto the tubing due to their design limitations and incompatibility with higher hardness values.
3. Comfit Fitting Design: The report confirmed that Comfit & Valves' fitting designs were equivalent to reputed brands like Parker and Swagelok, meeting industry standards and ensuring reliable performance.
Resolution and Recommendations:
Based on the findings, Comfit & Valves provided the following recommendations to client:
1. Replace the incompatible fittings with Comfit & Valves' own fittings, which have been proven to be compatible with the tubing used at the client's refinery.
2. Ensure that the tubing hardness values comply with the specified requirements, as excessive hardness can lead to fitting incompatibility and swaging issues.
3. Conduct regular inspections and quality checks to maintain consistent tubing and fitting standards throughout the refinery's piping systems.
By implementing these recommendations, client was able to resolve the ferrule swaging issues, ensuring smooth and reliable operation of their tubing installations at the refinery. This case study highlights the importance of selecting compatible tubing and fittings, maintaining quality standards, and collaborating with trusted suppliers like Comfit & Valves to address and resolve technical challenges in critical industrial applications.
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