Metals and Mining

Mining responsibly, improving safety, curbing emissions, incorporating new technologies—Swagelok supports your metal and mineral extraction, processing, and manufacturing goals in many ways.

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Extract More Value From Your Fluid Systems

Metals and mining A single mine site can incorporate over 50,000 feet (15,000 meters) of tubing, more than 20,000 fluid system components, and as many as 8,000 mechanical connections—no wonder choosing the right products and materials for various applications isn’t easy.

In addition to vibration and corrosion, there is much to consider when specifying components and assemblies for instrumentation lines, hydraulic power needs, chemical injection equipment, deluge systems, continuous emissions monitoring, sample probes, sample conditioning systems, and other critical support infrastructure.

That’s where Swagelok can help. Every day, we solve challenges for metals and mining companies across the globe. If you are planning a project or need fluid handling support, count on us for:

Technical expertise. Collaborate with a multidiscipline team of design and field engineers, metallurgists, and compliance experts who know simpler, faster, safer ways to plan, build, and manage fluid systems
Complete coordination. Navigate project imperatives, execution variables, and local regulations with a team of specialists at your back. Planning, design, logistics, contracts, delivery, inventory, training—we’ll help you manage whatever pressure you are facing.
After-sale support. Swagelok authorized sales and service centers provide an exceptional level of support over the full life cycle of your assets. From assisting with maintenance planning to recommending efficiencies to developing your workforce, our work is not done until you are.

We excel at making reliable connections and bridging logistics gaps in any large project that spans continents. We have also fought corrosion since 1947 and can help you prevent costly problems caused by rust. Consult with us about proven fluid system solutions for the extraction, processing, and refining of metal ores and mineral reserves.

Metals and Mining Applications

We support numerous mineral and auxiliary processing needs as well as plant applications for companies that mine and treat metal ores including:

Air/gas treatment
Autoclaves
Bioprocesses
Blast furnaces
Concentrators (flotation, dewatering, magnetic separation)
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
Crushing, grinding, and classification equipment
Digester over pressure protection panels
Electrowinning (electroextraction)
Electricity production
Feed water analysis
Flash tank level control
Hydrogen infrastructure
Hydrometallurgical systems (leaching)
Instrumentation workshop needs
Laboratory equipment
Lime manufacturing
Lubrication lines
Mechanical seal support systems
Ore preparation (agglomeration, filtering, sintering)
Pneumatic and instrumentation panels
Rolling mills
Rotating equipment
Smelting (pyrometallurgical operations)
Steel production
Storage tanks
Water treatment and desalination

Products for Metals and Mining

We offer one of the largest inventories to service your fluid system and instrumentation requirements. Select from over 290,000 end item product variations, with 10,500 products stocked globally, available in 17 various alloys, all backed by the Swagelok^® Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Fittings

Find tube fittings in 316/316L stainless steel and other alloys for corrosive environments, as well as medium- and high-pressure tube fittings, pipe fittings, weld fittings, assembly-by-torque (AbT) fittings, metal gasket face seal fittings, PFA fittings, vacuum fittings, and flange adapters. Corrosion testing on Swagelok^® tube fittings continues to produce exceptional results in harsh conditions.

Valves

We are your one source for manual and automated process and instrumentation ball valves (40- and 60 series), check valves, relief valves, needle and metering valves, bellows-sealed valves, diaphragm-sealed valves, process interface (double block and bleed) valves, and ball and quarter-turn plug valves, among other types. Also get valve manifolds factory-built and tested for critical instrumentation.

Regulators

Our pressure-reducing (spring-loaded or dome-loaded), back-pressure (spring-loaded and dome-loaded), and specialty regulators include standard and custom options to match your equipment or instrumentation needs. Also get compact high-purity, high-flow gas regulators that allow for close spacing of system components and process lines.

Sanitary hose for the life science industry

Hoses and Flexible Tubing

Find hoses for varying pressure and temperature requirements. We offer rubber hose and thermoplastic hose, as well as metal core hose that is rated to 800°F. This convoluted braided hose can withstand high temperatures and corrosive conditions while limiting kinking and minimizing permeation and absorption.

Mechanical Seal Support Systems

Small-molecule gases like hydrogen and methane are not easy to seal. Leverage our more than 75 years of fluid system expertise to design and construct safe-to-operate, easy-to-maintain seal support systems. We can help you keep rotating equipment online and operating efficiently with mechanical seal support kits and assemblies.

Sample Cylinders

A wide selection of sample cylinders that are compliant with various transportation industry standards helps you simplify the challenges related to chemical transfer. These durable, pressure-rated metal cylinders also prevent samples from escaping during grab sample system operation and are easy to clean.

Leak Detectors, Lubricants, and Sealants

Detect, eliminate, and avoid leaks before they inhibit fluid system performance. Our liquid leak detectors can show you which fitting connections are leaking, and our pipe thread sealants, PTFE tape, and thread lubricants can help prevent leaks from forming during installation. Consider how you could lower your operating costs and save time with these proven products.

Measurement Devices

Swagelok pressure gauges and pressure transducers provide accurate and dependable measurement for metals and mining processing and manufacturing applications. Many range, dial size, connection, and mounting options are available. Other measurement devices include variable area flow meters, flow sensors, and thermometers.

Filters

The right fluid system filters help you avoid contaminants that can lead to off-spec products and other problems downstream. We provide more ways to increase system function with FW, F, and TF series filters for gas and liquid service that remove system particulates.

Engineering Services for Metals and Mining

Swagelok^® Engineering Services are as varied as the gold, nickel, platinum, iron, copper, silver, zinc, lead, lithium, cobalt, coal, and uranium our customers mine and manufacture. For the exploration and refinement of these and other metal ores, minerals, and gemstones, rely on our specialists for:

Design and Assembly Services

Receive as much design support as you need. We can follow your existing design, or you can work with us to develop a new one. We can also fabricate solutions like valve control, lubrication, and pneumatic control panels, as well as chemical dosing and metering skids. Get CAD drawings, P&ID, component selection and sourcing, bills of materials, and professional testing, packaging, and delivery all from one source.

Onsite Services

Swagelok field engineers can evaluate your fluid or sampling systems, advise on installation practices, and recommend system enhancements via detailed reports. Learn more about optimizing systems, improving sampling system reliability, identifying gas leaks, extending hose life, and where your plant is losing energy.

Essentials Training

Connect to globally recognized training and competency development courses with specific programs for vibration mitigation. We help engineers and technicians make informed decisions and achieve “right the first time” installations. Increase foundational knowledge for tube fittings, valves, hoses, tube bending, regulators, and more. Swagelok-certified instructors cover the basics so your team can minimize leaks and maximize system integrity.

Process analyzer sampling system training

Sampling Systems

Swagelok^® Process Analyzer Sampling System (PASS) training teaches sound design principles needed to deliver timely, accurate results and to prevent errors. Also develop an understanding of complex sampling system subassemblies and how to build them. Our Sampling System Problem Solving and Maintenance (SSM) courses teach you how to troubleshoot common issues from the process line through sample disposal.

Materials Science

Choosing the right corrosion-resistant materials helps keep fluid systems leak-tight. Learn which alloys resist corrosion and how industry standards impact your choices. Swagelok^® materials science training is for engineers, supervisors, purchasing agents, technical associates, and anyone involved in the material selection process.

Global Construction

Managing large projects is made harder when owners and contractors are separated by continents. You need a collaborator with the global reach, breadth of capabilities, and application expertise to keep up. We can support you anywhere in the world, no matter how complex your project becomes. Get a dedicated services team and the connectivity and visibility created by over 200 global sales and service centers.

How We Support Metals and Mining

Managing Project Imperatives

You need a technology and business partner to help create long-term value. We know how to create ideal outcomes starting with your fluid systems, and we aim to streamline processes across our supply chain. We also understand the importance you place on making significant contributions to local economies through sustainability. Trust our specialists to help you manage the pressures of operating critical machines and equipment as part of a world-class mining enterprise.

Adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance promotes safe work environments—containment, personal safety, and avoiding lost time due to incidents are our priorities, too
Access to a skilled workforce can be challenging—with 200-plus Swagelok authorized sales and service centers worldwide, training, education, and onsite support are available even to remote locations
Controlling carbon emissions is a constant goal—Swagelok field engineers know how to reduce your environmental footprint with leak audits, energy emissions tests, and leak-tight, low-emissions products and solutions
Breakdowns cause downtime and lost revenue—leverage our extensive knowledge of corrosive environments to solve common fluid system challenges
You have a commitment to working collaboratively with communities—we strive to support your project with local labor and material investments where required
Market fluctuations can be volatile and difficult to plan for—ask us about local stocking, onsite inventory, and contracted pricing arrangements tailored to your project cycle

Providing Engineering Support

Technical knowledge is a key element of our local and global multidiscipline teams that service new construction projects and existing installations. Swagelok design and field engineers, metallurgists, and compliance experts can assist you in project execution whether it is material recommendations, standardizing repeat engineered systems, or simplifying your fluid systems. There are many ways we engineer confidence, including:

Development of detailed fluid system component management plans, from design optimization to product consolidation to material selection
Insights into the latest industry trends, like the push for carbon-neutral steelmaking and rising interest in hydrogen-powered mining vehicles
Leak audits, Swagelok^® fluid system evaluation and advisory service reports, and onsite and virtual training that supports wellness and safety for all workers
Advice for CEMS performance and dependability
More engineered solutions for mining applications like metal CVD coatings, small bore tubing, and hydrogen-compatible products

Maintaining Your Schedule

As a leader in the fluid transfer industry, we maintain the relationships that provide cost-effective logistics and pricing so that your project stays on time and budget. Count on us for streamlined procurement and bulk purchase coordination, including standardization and agreed documentation protocols. We also collaborate with you to oversee proposals and orders. With Swagelok, you get:

A single point of contact and one dedicated team for your needs
Comprehensive material management, enabling productivity and scheduling gains
Product selection consultation based on your unique requirements
Oversight to achieve specification and vendor compliance
Electronic project data warehousing, storage, and retrieval so info stays easy to find
Help coordinating owners, contractors, and vendors in different countries, because no project is too complex for our global specialists

Resource Center

Blog: Take This Step Toward a Leak-Tight Operation

The whispered hiss of a compressed air line … a small droplet of something beneath steam tubing … the passing scent of what might be gas. These may be warning signs of potentially hazardous fluid system leaks. Our experts explore how to reduce your risk.

Blog: Why Tube Preparation is So Important

Quality tube and fittings are essential to a safe and efficient operation. Just as important are sound practices when technicians are making connections. Improper installation can be costly. Proper tube handling and preparation are paramount for reliable, long-lasting connections.

Graphic image comparing pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion in stainless steel

Blog: Minimizing Material Corrosion

There are steps mining companies can take to prevent rust that first require an understanding of the different types of corrosion and their causes. Knowing where to look—and what corrosion looks like—can help you fight back against material failures and costly repairs.

Blog: Grab Sampling or Online Analyzer?

There are many conditions that may influence whether grab sampling or online analysis is the best fit for your facility. No technology is universally advantageous in all situations, so take the time to think through your situation to determine which investment will yield the most benefits.

List: Manufacturing Codes and Standards

See a comprehensive list of Swagelok product approvals and certifications by category. Access certificates for ASME, ISO, NGV, Maritime, and additional industry standards as well as approvals for Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

Video: Meet a Global Network of Engineers

No matter where you mine or refine metals or minerals, our extensive network of field engineers provides onsite solutions to tough fluid system challenges. When you work with us, you have access to global expertise to optimize your systems and help you be more productive.

Video: How to Use a Hand Tube Bender

Learn how to use a Swagelok^® hand tube bender to accurately make 90° and 180° bends in tubing. Consistent, high-quality bends can benefit mining machines and equipment for the life of the installation. This video also covers types and sizes of tubing that can be bent.

Video: Getting Help with Regulators

Learn how to diagnose regulator problems such as creep before they cause safety issues or require too much time from your staff. Our field services specialists can help you achieve reliable pressure control that is essential to the safe operation of your fluid systems.

Video: Lockout Tagout Options for Swagelok Valves

Swagelok has several options to lock out/tag out manually operated valves. From clamshell-style (OSHA compliant) to a latch-lock design for a quarter turn handle, our devices can lock out in the closed or open position and can accommodate numerous sizes of stems and handles.