In high-pressure fluid control systems, the physical integrity of the equipment is vital to maintaining job site safety, performance and overall operations. From petrochemicals and biotechnology to hydrogen and nitrogen refineries, Hy-Lok Canada serves a diverse range of industries that handle corrosive and hazardous fluids daily.
The components of high-pressure fluid systems are manufactured for longevity but wear and tear is bound to occur due to the harsh conditions they are consistently subjected to.
Here are five signs that it’s time to replace your high-pressure components with Hy-Lok’s industry-leading line of high-performance products.
Visible Damage & Deterioration
Physical damage and deterioration, like minor dents, bends, and deformities along a fitting, are the most apparent signs that replacement is necessary. When using equipment, look outside the fitting for anything unusual, like discoloration, small fissures, and stripped threads.
Workers should regularly monitor any minor issues visible to the naked eye because a minor issue can escalate into a catastrophic outcome in high-pressure conditions. Any damage, regardless of the severity, threatens the efficacy and safety of the components in question.
Rust or Corrosion
Rust and corrosion weaken the fitting material, compromising the strength and structural integrity. It slowly eats away at the material, causing weak spots that irreversibly damage the surface.
Corrosion is a natural process of gradual deterioration of metals caused by exposure to air, moisture and chemical reactions, most commonly in fluid control systems. Rust is a type of corrosion caused by the oxidation of iron with air and water. Significant corrosion is a clear sign that a fitting needs replacing sooner rather than later.
Leakage
Leaky pipes are a severe cause for concern, especially in industries that work with hazardous and corrosive fluids. Visible or suspected leaks can be indicators of ill-fitting seals or internal corrosion and can negatively affect pressurization. The integrity, efficiency and safety of the fluid control system can be jeopardized by significant leakage.
Check over all connection points and their seals as they loosen over time. Repairing leaks as soon as they are discovered is essential because it can indicate a more significant internal piping problem.
Pressure Fluctuations
The industries we serve operate high-pressure fluid systems, so maintaining consistent pressure levels is vital to optimal operation. Unusual pressure fluctuations are crucial to watch because they can have catastrophic outcomes.
The system’s overall performance and stability can be jeopardized and will need to be corrected as swiftly as possible. It can be a simple fix like a loose-fitting connection point or be a more significant problem like an internal fissure.
Operation Difficulty
Wear and tear is especially common in systems that are constantly maintained, disassembled and reassembled. Difficulties to watch include struggling to turn the valve open and closed or if a component is loose and wobbly. It could be an installation error, but the internal threading will strip down and become loose after consistent use.
Quality You Can Trust
Hy-Lok has 100% interchangeability with other trusted brands like Swagelok and other manufacturers’ components. Due to our extensive network of distributors across Canada, replacing a fitting component has never been easier with our expedited shipping services.
Hy-Lok fittings are made to last and thoughtfully designed for systems actively being maintained, disassembled and reassembled. Our products undergo rigorous batch testing to ensure reliability, even under the harshest operating conditions and repeated reassemblies.
Look at our fittings catalogue for a proper replacement for your fittings, seals and valves, or contact our team directly.
