Best Practice Proper Tubing Placement

Best Practice: Proper Tubing Placement

      

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We’ve previously discussed the Importance of Tubing in your Fluid System from the perspective of correct specification (surface finish, material, hardness and wall thickness) as well as Tube End Preparation best practices. This week we’re covering proper tubing placement to ensure your tubing installations are both safe and optimized.

There is a lot to consider when running tubing lines throughout a facility. Never block controls, panels, or screens with tubing lines – always route around instrumentation to avoid prohibiting operator/maintenance access.

When running multiple lines together, tubing should be stacked vertically to prevent dirt, corrosives, and other contaminants from collecting in the space between the lines. Avoid stacking lines horizontally, but if tubing must be ganged horizontally, it should be covered to prevent potential problems.

Design for Fitting Accessibility

For multiple runs, tube fittings should be staggered to make them easy to access. All materials experience expansion and contraction as a result of temperature fluctuations. Expansion loops accommodate these dimensional changes and conserve space, allowing runs to to be placed closer together. This also provides convenient access for assembly/disassembly.

To ensure proper bottoming of tubing and correct installation, installers should avoid springing tubing into position. Utilizing additional elbow fittings allows for expansion, prevents side-load stress, and makes it easier to maintain the system.

Avoid “Rail” Locations

At times it is tempting to use tubing as a hand or foot rail. Avoid locating runs within arm’s reach or in obvious “rail” positions. The added weight can cause side loading or other damage to the tubing, creating a safety hazard. Low-level tubing can also cause trip-and-fall accidents if not properly located. Never use tubing as a support for other systems or objects.

Properly Support Tubing

Many fluid systems are subject to repeated impulse and vibration. Proper tubing support minimizes these harmful effects to prevent sagging and improve the reliability of tubing, fittings, and other components throughout a facility.

The specific type and location of tube supports depend on the design of the system. Regardless of the application, supports are especially important around elbows, tees, bends, and heavy in-line components such as valves. Always consult published guidelines for support selection/spacing to determine best practices for different industries.

For more information, or additional reference, download a copy of the Swagelok Tube Fitter’s Manual and consult chapter 3, Tubing and Tube Fitting Handling and Installation.

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