Compression Fittings

Compression fittings are used in various industries, such as petrochemicals, laboratories, aerospace, shipbuilding, heavy industries etc. and they are used to make leak-free pipe connections relatively easily and quickly.

Compression fittings vary in design from manufacturer to manufacturer, but all consist of the same three basic elements: a compression nut or screw, one or more compression rings (ferrules) and a compression fitting housing.

Types of Fittings

There are two types of compression fitting, standard (British type-A/non-manipulative) and flare fittings (British type-B/manipulative). Standard fittings require no modifications to the tubing. Flare fittings require modification of the tubing with a special tool. Standard fittings are typically used for water, hydraulic, and compressed air connections, whereas flare fittings are used for gas and high pressure lines.

A standard fitting can be installed using an ordinary wrench to tighten the surrounding nut. To remove it, a specialized puller is often used to slide the nut and ferrule off the tube. If the ferrule is difficult to remove it can be weakened with a cut, care being taken to not nick the pipe while cutting.