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Small bore tubing – planning the route
Published:  05 April, 2016

This is part of a series of articles based on guidance provided in the British Fluid Power Association’s newly introduced training course titled ‘Small Bore Tubing Integrity Course – using twin ferrule compression fittings’. This month, we present part 2 of guidance regarding planning the layout of a tube system.

In addition to some of the points made on last month’s BFPA Top Tips page in Plant & Works Engineering, before installation, consideration must be given to the layout of the system. Consideration should be given to the number of fittings and lengths of tubing required for the installation. Correct planning will save time and could prevent having to re-run new tubes at a later stage.

Points to consider would include but are not limited to ensuring that access and maintenance points, inspection points, switches etc. are kept clear of tube runs, and ensuring that access to operator controls is not compromised by incorrect installation.

In addition to some of the points made last month, where practical, multiple runs of tubing should be installed in a vertical manner. This this helps to avoid the build-up of dirt and any other unwanted debris.

Tubing should not be sprung into position between two fixed points.

Building expansion loops into the system will help to prevent tension stresses caused by thermal expansion.

Expansion loops also allow easier disassembly and reassembly.

More information

The above information has been edited from course booklet for the British Fluid Power Association’s new training course titled ‘Small Bore Tubing Integrity Course – using twin ferrule compression fittings’. For more information about the new course and how you or your staff can enrol, please contact the Association at: info@bfpatrainingacademy.co.uk. For general enquiries, please contact: enquiries@bfpa.co.uk, or Tel: 01608 647900.