A compression fitting is known as the type of fitting that connects two pipes or pipes to a fixture or valve. it contains three main parts that are the compression nut, seat, and ring. While fitting onto the pipe first of all the compression nut is slid onto the pipe which is then followed by the ring. When the pipe is slid into the fitting it is secured by tightening the nut. As the nut is tightened, the compression ring is pressed into the seat, causing it to compress in opposition to the pipe and the compression nut, providing a watertight connection. Compression fittings like ½ BSP to 15mm are reliable and can be installed by using a simple wrench.
Types of Compression Fittings
Compression fittings are available in two types.
Type A Fittings: These fittings are also known as non-manipulative compression fittings as they do not require and alterations to the tubing. Type-A compression fittings are also known as olive fittings and can be installed by using a simple wrench over the nut. these fittings are commonly used in water connections.
Type B Fittings: these fittings are also known as manipulative fittings as some modifications to the tubing are required which is flaring or belling of the tubing. For removing this type of fittings, a special type of pulling tool is used which helps to side the nut away from the piping.
Advantages of Compression Fittings
The main advantage of compression fittings like ½ BSP to 15mm is that they can be easily assembled as well as disassembled. This feature makes them a popular fitting choice, especially in plumbing applications. If you observe throughout your house where compression fittings are installed are mostly fixtures and appliances that would need to be replaced shortly. You will find these fittings under your toilet, dishwasher, or behind the refrigerator.
Compression fittings are convenient for those people that have low plumbing skills and want to do the installation themselves. However, you need to be careful in the installation because if it is not assembled and installed properly it will cause leakages.
Installation of Compression Fittings
The installation instructions may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and also majorly depend on the design of the fittings. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the steps recommended by the manufacturer with care. The installations instructions may vary however, some common elements need to be followed in all installation procedures of compression fittings like Toolstation ½ to 15mm.
Distance VS. Torque
In the process of tightening the compression fittings, the rotation of the nut is taken as the main metric and not the torque applied on it. Compression nuts are threaded, which means that the variety of rotations of the nut is at once correlated to the linear compression of the ferrule, which is based on the thread’s pitch. However, torque can vary depending on many factors like lubrication, fitting and ferrule material, degree of galling mostly for stainless fittings, and many other factors.
Tighter is Not Better
It is a common occurrence that during fittings the assemblers or engineers might think that tighter fittings are better. This is not accurate in the case of compression fittings like ½ to 15mm compression fittings. When a line contact is created between the ferrule and the tube this leads to the creation of the optimal seal. If the compression fitting is not tightened enough, it will not deform the ferrule enough to form this contact but if it is overtightened it may bring too much deformity in the ferrule, which creates a surface contact. When a surface contact is formed, this may lead to the weakening of the seal and possible leakages.
Disassembly and Reassembly
The ease of meeting and disassembly is one of the motives because compression fittings are so extensively used. Disassembly includes genuinely loosening the compression nut or screw. Reassembly is thought to be performed in the same manner as it was initially assembled. But in reassembly fewer turns of the nut are required since the ferrule is already fitted onto the tubing. However, you should keep in mind that the disassembly and reassembly procedure can be done only a few times and not constantly because that will lead to leakages and damage to the ferrule nut or the fitting body.
Mixing and Matching Components
Sometimes, components from different manufacturers can look similar externally but there are many differences in their internal key dimensions like ferrule length, ferrule body, thread size, and pitch.so, it is not recommended to mix and match components from different manufacturers. Therefore, make sure to use the right sort and compatible components for fittings like ½ BSP male to male Screwfix.
Buying Tips
There are two important factors that you need to consider before buying compression fittings:
The material of the compression fitting is an important determinant of the forming proper connections of pipes and fittings. Compression fittings are commonly made of 4 types of materials that are:
- Brass
- Plastic
- Copper
- Cats Iron
The second most important thing is the size of the fitting. Make sure to choose the right size of compression fittings for the right applications.
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