Nate Rynas
How to Read a Tube Fitting Part Number: Decoding Brand SKUs
Jun 2, 2026
TL;DR Every brand encodes material, size, configuration, and connection style into the part number. Swagelok […]
Material Selection for Steam Service: 316L vs Inconel
May 30, 2026
TL;DR 316L stainless covers steam service up to about 800°F at moderate pressure. Above that, […]
VCR vs VCO Connections: Choosing for Semiconductor and Pharma Labs
May 28, 2026
TL;DR VCR uses a metal gasket between two polished gland faces. VCO uses an elastomer […]
Tube Fitting Failures in Oil & Gas: Root Cause Analysis
May 26, 2026
TL;DR Oil and gas tube-fitting failures cluster into four root causes: wrong material for sour […]
Compression Fitting Re-Use: Standards, Risks, and Best Practices
May 24, 2026
TL;DR The same fitting on the same tube, at the same joint, retightens reliably to […]
Quick-Connect Couplings vs Permanent Tube Fittings: When to Use Each
May 22, 2026
TL;DR Permanent compression fittings handle installed lines. Quick-connect couplings handle repeated connection cycles. If the […]
The Real Cost of Downtime: Why Inventory Depth Matters
May 20, 2026
TL;DR A missing $40 fitting can park a $40 million plant. The cost of the […]
Choosing Between Swagelok and Parker for Process Control Systems
May 18, 2026
TL;DR Swagelok dominates instrumentation and process-control specifications. Parker dominates hydraulic and pneumatic distribution. Both brands […]
Common Failure Points in Industrial Ball Valves and How to Avoid Them
May 16, 2026
TL;DR Ball valves fail in five predictable ways: seat extrusion, stem leak, ball pitting, actuator […]
How to Specify a Hose Fitting for High-Pressure Applications
May 14, 2026
TL;DR High-pressure hose-fitting selection comes down to four numbers: working pressure, burst pressure, dash size, […]