The Importance of Stainless Steel Fittings for Oil & Gas Applications

The Oil & Gas industry relies upon heavy duty machinery and equipment which is subjected to extreme environmental conditions and intense mechanical stress. All components, including hydraulic quick couplings, must consider these factors to prevent accelerating premature wear or failure. Quick coupling failure in pressurized applications poses serious safety risks as well as costly damage and repairs.

Quick coupler failure could result in contamination of the circuit, causing damage to components and equipment.  Hydraulic fluid leaks may result in environmental contamination which creates costly clean-up efforts and potential fines.  Any result from quick coupling failure has the potential to seriously impact profitability.

Choosing reliable and durable quick couplings, designed to withstand the intense elements in the oil and gas industry is critical for efficient and profitable operations. As the Oil & Gas industry is continually exploring prohibitive environmental conditions, the use of stainless steel quick couplings is mandatory for reliable equipment performance. Not all stainless steel is created equally, however, and machinery supervisors and operators should be aware of the type of material their couplings are made of.

Stucchi Offers Stainless Steel Quick Coupler Solutions

Stucchi offers stainless steel quick couplers in 316 stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance to the ever-changing needs of the oil and gas industry. All stainless steel quick couplers are subjected to meticulous testing in severe environmental conditions to provide maximum component performance.

Stucchi offers stainless steel quick connect solutions as replacement couplers or to refurbish the entire equipment fleet in various port options and sizes.  We offer a wide selection of quick couplers proven in the oil and gas industry, meeting ISO 16028, ISO B standards and environmental tests such as the salt spray test.

Stucchi offers hydraulic quick coupling solutions which improve efficiency and safety in demanding applications. We offer a wide selection of quick couplers in various port options in sizes to meet your needs. Contact us to improve your hydraulic quick connect application with state-of-the-art quick coupling solutions.

 

 

International Differences and Hydraulic Fittings Standards

When choosing quick couplings, it is essential to evaluate the elements and sealing systems for the most suitable fitting. Hydraulic adapters and fittings consists of two elements:

●       A threaded element which connects the coupler to the pipe

●       A sealing element to ensure there are no leaks

The sealing system can employ different technologies such as the type of seal, a threaded cone with hydraulic tape or an interlocking seal between two parts with specific geometries.

Country Classifications of Hydraulic Fittings

The rules and classifications that define hydraulic fittings vary from country to country. The most common types of quick connect fittings are common standards in the United States which take into account the type of sealing technology such as:

●       NPT, National Pipe Taper

●       ORFS, or Ring Face Seal

ISO standards prevail in the European union for a more general framework with Germany and Great Britain also having specific regulations. The German standard is Deutsches Institut für Normung, DIN, while in Great Britain the most common types of fittings are:

BSP, British Standard Pipe, which includes:

●       BSPP: with a threaded section of a constant size

●       BSPT: with a threaded section of a variable size

in addition to the international differences in hydraulic fittings standards, different classifications can provide information regarding the application used. In the automotive industry, the U.S. Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE, use types of couplings according to the type of application in the automotive sector.

It is of critical importance to understand the referenced standard to determine the compatibility between threaded quick couplers and connection with the pipe. It is also necessary to determine that the type of threading and diameter are compatible.  This will prevent problems with pressure drop, leaks and potential risks to operators.

Stucchi offers a wide selection of hydraulic fittings and adapters in various port options and sizes to meet industrial demands worldwide.  We offer more than 60 years of experience in provide customized, hydraulic solutions which improve operational efficiencies and safety improvements.  Contact us with any questions on the right quick coupling for your application and industry standards.

 

 

 

Multi-Couplings: Efficient Solution to Manage Complexity

 

Quick couplers provide many advantages in applications where hydraulic lines must be frequently connected and disconnected. The greatest advantage provided by quick connects is improved efficiency with speed during hydraulic line quick connect/disconnect. Quick couplers provide simple connection solutions were circuits may be connected with ease and without the need to use outside tools.

Applications where multiple lines are used risk losing the advantage of speed due to the repetition of connecting and disconnecting multiple lines. When maintaining circuits with multiple lines, operators must also account for additional time to ensure correct connections without crossing circuits.

Quick Connect/Disconnect Multiple Lines at Once

Stucchi offers a solution to achieve maximum efficiency in multiple line hydraulic applications with a wide selection of multi-couplers. Multi-couplers include a fixed plate to accommodate the male couplers of the circuit with the female couplers on a mobile plate. Quick connect and disconnect can be achieved with one simple movement of one lever, drastically improving efficiency.

Multi-coupling plates by Stucchi offer the added protection of a locking mechanism to maintain secure and reliable connections. This reduces accelerated wear and brinelling. Multi-coupling plates make it possible to quick connect and disconnect multiple lines quickly, efficiently and reliably even in applications with residual pressure. Stucchi’s multi-coupling plates can also accommodate electrical connections and other types of fluids.  Our quick connect experts can help you determine the right multi-coupling plates for your application.

Stucchi offers various multi-coupling plates configurable to adapt to your specific needs:

DP Series: the DP series multi-coupling plate accommodates up to six lines with a compact design

GR Series: the GR series allows for up to 10 lines connections with brass plates and zinc nickel treatment

GRE Series: quickly connects/disconnects 4-18 water, air, oil and/or electrical lines

Stucchi offers the optimal solution for quick connect and quick release of multiple lines at once with reliable and durable connections, including applications with residual pressure and various fluids.

Stucchi leads the industry in providing a constant flow of hydraulic connection solutions. Our hydraulic experts partner with you to learn your application to provide the most reliable connection solution. Contact us to learn how multi-coupling plates can improve your safety and efficiency in applications with multiple lines.