I have been in the oil and gas testing industry for over 24 years and found that one of the essential elements of testing is collecting data to create a snapshot of what occurred during the testing process. Testing is crucial when proving new designs and determining if component can withstand the elements before being put into service. These elements could include axial loading in tension/compression, applied bending, torsion, internal/external pressure, and elevated/sub-zero temperatures in tubular type products. Testing can introduce all these elements independently or in a combination of two or more simultaneously. The applications of simulated environments are pretty much endless. Proper equipment is vital to retrieve the best results to create a snapshot of everything that occurred during testing. (more…)
In medium- and high-pressure systems, coned and threaded tubing connections ensure safety and reliability.
Tools Required
Bottle of cutting oil
Collet
Collet wrench
Coning blades (and spare)
Coning tool
Deburring tool
Threading tool
Tube holder
Optional Complete Coning and Threading Kit includes everything you need!
How to Change the Coning Blades in the Coning Tool
To begin, the coning blades need to be properly installed in the coning tool. Locate the part numbers etched on one side of the blade and place the blade in the coning tool with the numbers facing outward. Once the blade is correctly installed, tighten the set screws on either side of the tool to secure the blade in place
Steps
Now that the tool has been prepped, the following steps will guide you through the coning and threading process:
Insert the tube into the tube holder until it can be seen at the top of the viewing window.
Place the flat end of the tube holder into a vice and tighten the collet nut to secure it in place.
Cover the coning blades in cutting oil and install the coning tool onto the side of the tube holder opposite the tube by turning the knurled nut.
Begin rapidly turning the handle of the coning tool while gradually turning the knurled nut to drive the blades into the cone on the end of the tube.
Remove the coning tool by loosening the knurled nut.
Loosen the collet nut and move the tube further into the tube holder and tighten it to allow you to hold the tube during the threading process.
To start the first thread, install the die holder onto the end of the tube and firmly press down.
Add cutting oil into the die holder.
To obtain the appropriate amount of thread for a ¼” tube, turn the die holder approximately 12 times.
Every few turns, reverse the die holder to break off any chips.
The tube now has a cone and left-hand thread and can be removed from the die holder and the tube holder.
Install the gland and collar on the tube with 1 to 2 threads visible above the collar.
Lubricate the threads on the gland to prevent them from galling when the stainless parts are joined.
Install the tube into the fitting by hand tightening it.
Place the assembly into the vice to torque the fitting using the appropriate sized torque wrench for your tubing.
MAXPRO Field Services, Installation, & Repair
Since 1995, MAXPRO Technologies has provided industry-leading high-pressure solutions. With a team of highly qualified engineers and technicians, we install every piece of equipment sold to ensure accuracy and optimal performance. We provide support for our products throughout their life cycle and offer field and in-house repair to allow customers to get the most out of their purchase. To learn more about our coning and threading services and equipment, contact us today.
High pressure valves are used to regulate the flow of liquids, gases and other media through tubing, pipes, tanks, and other containers. There are several valve types to choose from, including some that provide on/off control. The type of high pressure valve you choose depends on the specific requirements of your application. Here, we will discuss the various types of valves and the key factors you should consider when selecting a valve for your application.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Valve
There are several things to consider when selecting a valve, including:
Media Type. When determining the best valve for your needs, it is important to consider your process. For example, Is the fluid corrosive? Are you using gas?
Application. It’s crucial to select the correct valve sizing based on your application’s requirements. It’s also important to consider the environment where the valve will operate. Understanding conditions such as temperature, flow rate, and pressure will help you determine the best valve option.
Valve Function. Consider how you need the valve to function and whether it will be used for on/off control or flow control in a system. It is also important to determine if the valve you require will be operated by hand or via an actuator for remote control applications.
Actuation. Consider whether the valve should be “air to close–normally open” or “air to open–normally closed”.
Types of Valves
At Maxpro, we carry several valve styles to suit many applications:
Air to close valves are held in the open position by the valve spring and require air pressure to move them into the closed position. Choose this valve if you want to vent pressure in the line if you were to lose power.
Air to open valves are held in the closed position by the valve spring and require air pressure to move them into the open position. Choose this valve to maintain pressure in the line during a power failure.
Maximator ball valves are capable of handling liquids and gases up to 21,000 psi at room temperature. Ball valves have larger orifices resulting in increased flow. Choose this valve for your control panel or other hydraulic system if flow is the most important factor.
Maximator block and bleed valves are compact and easy to use. Block and bleed valves are two-stem manifold valves designed for blocking, bleeding and calibrating pressure gauges and transmitters up to 22,500 psi @ room temperature.
Maximator cryogenic needle valves are designed to work with line temperatures to -423°F. For example: This valve can be used on high pressure nitrogen injection trucks and skids to control the flow of nitrogen.
Electric flow control valves use an electric control signal to meter small flow rates with repeatable and precise control for liquids and gases. These valves are for metering only and are not ideal for complete shutoff applications. One example of an application would be simulating a down hole environment by pressurizing or venting a large volume vessel with a controlled pressure ramp rate.
Maxpro proportional pressure relief valves are designed to protect systems and components from over-pressure for both gas and liquid applications. The unique poppet design allows for chatter free pressure release and excellent deadband pressure control.
Maximator high pressure needle valves provide on/off control of fluids and gases. These valves are used in conjunction with high pressure fittings and tubing to plumb systems to 101,000 psi.
A manifold is a component used to simultaneously connect multiple parts into a system so all parts are exposed to the same circuit conditions (such as media or pressure). A manifold is used in place of multiple connections between components. For example: A manifold can be used to hydrostatically test multiple parts at the same time.
Micro-metering valves are designed for metering small flow rates with precise, repeatable control for both gases and liquids.
MAXPRO Technologies’ High Pressure Valves
Since 2007, MAXPRO® Technologies has provided top-quality high pressure valve solutions for customers across a diverse range of industries. Our high pressure valves offer a variety of body pattern options, metal-to-metal seat, non-rotating stem design, and performance in a wide range of temperatures. Our products meet the highest industry standards and can be used in various demanding applications, including food processing, oil and gas, waterjet, and chemical processing.
When you partner with MAXPRO, we will work with you to determine the best possible solution for your high pressure valve needs. To learn more about our products and capabilities, check out our High Pressure Valve catalog or contact us today.
Because they are dependable, reusable and safe, coned and threaded connections are the industry standard for medium-, high-, and ultra-high-pressure systems. That’s why MAXPRO® Technologies is pleased to introduce the MTCAT-1.5, the only coning and threading machine available capable of handling up to 1-1/2 inch OD medium-pressure tubing.
Advantages of Coned and Threaded Connections for Your Application:
Dependable. If the user starts with high quality components and tooling from Maxpro Technologies, follows prescribed instructions for tube preparation, lubrication requirements and torque specifications, this metal-to-metal joint is recognized as a world standard for dependability.
Reusable. The coned and threaded connection utilizes a gland nut to grip a collar threaded onto the tubing. This arrangement creates an intentional high stress, metal-to-metal contact ring, employing slightly differing contact angles to affect the seal. Following proper assembly procedures, this seal can be remade many times without compromising the effectiveness.
Safe. The design of this type of seal minimizes the internal pressure loaded area to allow efficient use of materials, while assuring a suitable factor of safety. If a leak should occur, weep holes are provided to allow venting of the fitting to avoid unsafe pressure loading conditions.
Industries that commonly benefit from coned and threaded connections include food processing, oil and gas, pressure testing, and waterjet cutting to name a few.
MAXPRO’s MTCAT-1.5 and MTCAT Features:
While coned and threaded connections are dependable, reusable, and safe, the coning and threading process can carry high labor costs. Manual coning and threading operators must be carefully trained in how to prepare and process the tube ends. MAXPRO coning and threading machines make it much easier and cost-efficient to cone and thread high-strength tubing. The original MTCAT and new MTCAT-1.5 Coning & Threading Machines integrate the following features:
Speed
MAXPRO ‘s MTCAT and MTCAT-1.5 both offer a semi-automated design engineered for speed. They offer faster set-up and operation for better efficiency. The tube only needs to be fixtured once for both coning and threading operations, which eliminates extra set-up and downtime between the two processes. The die head automatically resets after threading, allowing for easy unloading and preparing for the next tube.
Ease of Use
Both the MTCAT and MTCAT-1.5 are designed for intuitive use. After completing either a brief training program or reviewing the comprehensive instruction manual provided with all machines, operators can produce quality components. One of the main control mechanisms of the MTCAT-1.5 and MTCAT is a simple selector knob that allows the operator to choose thread length automatically depending on the size of the tube.
Versatility
The MTCAT-1.5 and MTCAT are both available in right-hand and left-hand thread variations. Customers can choose whichever design suits their needs. MTCAT can cone and thread ¼” through 1” OD tubing and MTCAT-1.5 can cone and thread ¼” through 1-½” OD tubing
Tool Quality
Hardened blades made of high-quality, durable tool steel deliver precise results with a clean surface finish typically lasting over hundreds of tubes.
Safety
The MTCAT-1.5 and MTCAT Coning and Threading Machines are fully enclosed with Plexiglass shields and other suitable machine guarding. This design minimizes pinch points and protects operators from metal chips and cutting oil.
Mess Free
Both MATCAT-1.5 and MTCAT Coning and Threading Machines provide excellent cutting oil delivery right through the rotating spindles accurately to the cutting blade area. No external gooseneck nozzles to mess with! They also provide for a two-fold filtering process for clean and easy removal of the strained chips with a convenient handle. A suction strainer further removes chips before pumping oil back to cutting action.
Contact MAXPRO for Your Coning and Threading Machine Needs Today
Looking for quality coning and threading machines? MAXPRO is here to help! We’ve designed and manufactured equipment and fittings for high-pressure applications for over 25 years. MTCAT-1.5 is the newest addition to our catalog of the industry’s best tools for coning and threading. Whether you need speed, ease of use, versatility, tool quality, safety, or mess-free operation, this machine has got it all. For additional information on MTCAT-1.5, download our eBook or contact us today.
Maximator® dry air spools (DAS) can be used for liquid pumps, gas boosters, and air amplifiers. They are suitable for dry air, nitrogen, and other severe operating conditions (e.g., air dew point below 0° F and ambient temperature below 0° F). The following article covers how to repair and lubricate the spool valve.
Tools Needed:
Spool tool remover – Sold by Maxpro
Hammer or mallet
Pliers
Repair kit- Includes O-rings and a snap ring
Grease – We recommend Kluber Lube, Polylub GA 352 P High Temperature Grease. This grease has good long term adhesion and water resistance.
Overview of the Spool Valve Repair & Lubrication Process
Loosen four cap screws that hold the spool housing to the end cap to release any air trapped in the spool valve.
Remove the snap ring from the spool valve housing.
With a long screw driver or wooden dowel, from the ½” FNPT side of the housing, push out the spool plug and spool from the housing.
Clean the spool and bore of the housing sleeve. Check the O-rings for wear and the spool sleeve for scratches. Replace if necessary.
Put a light coat of grease on the O-rings and in the bore of the spool sleeve.
Insert the spool into the spool sleeve, small side first, gently moving the spool from side to side with very little pressure on the end of the spool. DO NOT FORCE. The O-rings fit loosely on the spool and can be cut if they are forced in.
Install the spool plug and snap ring, then tighten the four cap screws that hold the housing to the end cap.
Spool Valve Installation and Repair Services at MAXPRO
At MAXPRO Technologies, we stand behind our line of quality high-pressure products with after-the-sale support. Our after-the-sale services include testing, evaluation, inspection, cleaning, and repair by factory trained technicians.
Need assistance repairing or rebuilding your dry air spool? Contact us today. We provide quick and quality solutions at a competitive price. To learn more about our in-house and field repair services, contact us today. For pricing details, request a quote.
MAXPRO® offers quality Maximator® valves, fittings and tubing, delivering lasting performance under even the most extreme operating conditions. Our engineers leverage more than 325 years of combined experience to match customers with competitively priced components that meet their application’s exact requirements. MAXPRO’s offerings include high-pressure valves, fittings, and tubing with pressure ratings ranging from medium to ultra-high. Maximator® equipment can accommodate applications up to and above 100,000 PSI.
High-Pressure Valves
MAXPRO’s line of Maximator® valves includes medium-, high-, and ultra-high-pressure valves with standard coned and threaded connections that facilitate tight and reliable seals. Maximator’s facilities are ISO 9001:2015- and TUV-certified, and extensive quality assurance processes ensure reliable valves and fittings.
Maximator high-pressure valves offer several key features:
Wide temperature range. All Maximator valves can operate at temperatures reaching 450°F, while our extreme temperature products suit applications ranging from -423°F to 1200° F.
Non-rotating stem design. Maximator valves feature a non-rotating stem design to eliminate stem-to-seat galling and provide smooth operation. Options include a simple on/off Vee stem or a regulating stem for more precise flow control.
Metal-to-metal seat. Designed for maximum seal strength, Maximator valves use a metal-to-metal seat for an airtight shut-off. This feature also improves the longevity of both the stem and the seat.
Variety of pattern options. We strive to offer a valve for every high-pressure application, with six valve body patterns available, including an optional replaceable seat for the two-way angle body pattern.
Versatile pressure ratings. Our medium-pressure valves withstand up to 22,500 PSI, while our ultra-high pressure valves can endure 101,000 PSI, so there is an option for every industrial need.
These features have made MAXPRO’s Maximator valves a trusted option since 2006.
Applications
High-pressure operations occur in many industries, including chemical processing, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing. Some common applications include:
Waterjet. High-pressure needle valves control the extreme water pressure that waterjet cutting equipment needs to slice through metal, granite, and other hard materials.
Oil and gas. Facilities that extract, refine, or transport oil and gas all rely on specialty valves to control operations.
Food processing. Many food processing applications involve transporting various slurries, liquids, or powders. A range of high-pressure control valves aid in food processing and sanitizing operations.
Chemical processing. Chemical plants and power generation facilities rely on high-pressure ball valves, needle valves, and check valves to safely move volatile materials.
The experts at MAXPRO can help your team identify the right valve for your application.
High-Pressure Fittings
High-pressure valves and tubing must be used with fittings with the same pressure rating. Maximator high-pressure fittings have been engineered to provide reliable performance and maintain system integrity in hazardous working environments. The complete line of fittings includes:
Adapters. Available in male/male or male/female configurations, our adapters allow users to connect components of different sizes.
Anti-vibration collet/gland assemblies. Provides extended support and rotational grip for the tubing that is entering the connection fittings with the use of a secondary compressor-type fitting. In doing so, they shield the coned and threaded connection from excessive tube loading and vibration.
Couplings. Couplings can connect components of either similar or dissimilar sizes.
Elbows. Elbows add two common connections to a tubing line, also forming a right angle.
Tees. These T-shaped fittings add three common connections to a tubing line.
Crosses. Named for their cross shape, these parts fit four common connections to a tubing line.
Nipples. Nipples connect two common male connections to tubing.
Safety head assemblies. Safety head assemblies are used for overpressure protection
These fittings offer reliable connections in high-pressure industrial settings.
Applications
Any fluid process that calls for high-pressure tubing or valves also requires suitable fittings. Some equipment that may require high pressure fittings include:
Oil and gas control panels and skids
Chemical injection skids
Hydraulic power units
Waterjet cleaning and cutting units
High-Pressure Tubing
MAXPRO’s high-pressure tubing is produced from thick walled, high tensile strength stainless steel. Our quality, cold-drawn tubing is available in medium-, high-, and ultra-high-pressure ratings. Autofrettaged tubing with enhanced fatigue life is also available for high-pressure production applications.
Applications
High-pressure tubing is used in the same industries that rely on high-pressure valves or fittings:
Oil and gas. The oil and gas industry utilizes high-pressure tubing in down-hole control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic piping, chemical injection modules, vacuum systems, and others.
Waterjet cutting. MAXPRO stocks high pressure tubing for use with waterjet cutting machines.
Food processing. MAXPRO’s ultra-high-pressure rated tubing easily manages the 87,000 PSI required by various food processing applications.
Whatever the industry, any high-pressure fluid application can benefit from MAXPRO’s trusted high-pressure tubing. Our sales team will help you find the right combination of tubes, valves, and fittings to enhance your application’s safety and efficiency.
High-Performance Products for High-Pressure Applications
MAXPRO’s comprehensive range of tubing, valves, and fittings includes components for virtually any high-pressure application. As experts in high-pressure valves, fittings and tubing, we help customers choose the best items for their application. Whether you need a standard or custom set of high-pressure components, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more how our high-pressure engineering expertise can benefit your application.
Pressure relief valves are intended to protect system components from over pressurization. The pressure relief valve is often set at 10% over maximum system operating pressure to allow the system to operate up to the maximum working pressure rating. The maximum allowable working pressure for the system is based on the lowest rated system component. The size must be chosen to allow the rate of relief flow to equal or exceed the potential various sources of over pressurization. Materials of construction must be chosen to be compatible with the fluid or gas that will be encountered. Poor material choices could lead to faulty operation of the relief valve and failure to relieve overpressure as intended.
Features of MAXPRO®’s High Pressure Relief Valves
Proportional high pressure relief valves from MAXPRO® are designed with simplicity in mind. The goal is to support long term reliability, performance, and serviceability, while providing the safety relief valve function. The relieving function is accomplished by an adjustable spring force acting upon a stem that presents two unequal areas for inlet pressure to act upon, causing stem lift off the seat. The higher the spring force, the higher the relieving pressure. With the proportional relief valve design, higher system pressure causes higher stem lift, resulting in higher relieving flow. This “unbalanced stem” design also provides for smoother operation over those that simply lift from the stem area under the seat and minimizes the reseating pressure window as well as hysteresis of the set pressure. These valves are not poppet style relief valves. At a preset pressure, poppet style relief valves “pop” full open for maximum flow, and then snap closed at some reseating pressure. Poppet style valves tend to be more complex to achieve the pop-open action.
MAXPRO® offers proportional relief valves with four minimum/maximum set pressures to support most applications. Choose from:
Note: The sensing pressure enters the side port and exits the bottom port. MT3RV and MT10RV have two standard side ports. The second port can be for a tee for a gauge or vent line, or the extra side port can be plugged if preferred. MT25RV and MT66RV have one sensing port.
Speak to a MAXPRO® Engineer
Please contact us today to discuss your overpressure protection application with one of our helpful engineers.
MAXIMATOR high pressure valves are designed to safely operate at pressures of 15,500 psi for a 1-½” medium pressure valve up to 101,000 psi for an Ultra-High Pressure Valve. High pressure valves are used to regulate flow in various fluid handling operations across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, military, and mining industries. Selecting the best, high pressure valve for your application is crucial.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a high pressure valve. Below, we highlight some key factors to consider when choosing the right high pressure valve for your application.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Your High Pressure Valve Needs
Important factors to consider when evaluating whether a particular high pressure valve is right for your fluid handling application include:
Process medium: The valve should be able to handle the process medium, whether it is in gas, liquid, or steam form, inert, abrasive, or corrosive, and hot or cold.
Pressure rating: It should be rated to handle the range of pressures expected in operation. Consider upstream and downstream pressure for the maximum, normal, and minimum flow rates.
Temperature: The valve should be rated to handle process medium temperatures.
Flow rate: A high pressure valve should be properly sized to ensure it has the proper flow rate capacity.
Connection type and size: It should have a connection type and size that fits the inlet/outlet piping.
Valve style: Do you need a manual valve or an air actuated valve? If air operated, should the valve be air-to-open (normally closed) or air-to-close (normally open)?
Construction material: A high pressure valve should be constructed of material that can withstand the process medium and operating conditions (temperature, pressure, flow, etc.). For example, stainless steel is suitable for fluid handling operations involving corrosive materials.
Application: It should be appropriate for implementation in the system.
High-Pressure Valve Solutions at MAXPRO®
At MAXPRO® Technologies, our MAXIMATOR® line encompasses a range of manual and air-actuated valves. Key features include:
Non-rotating, rising stem design
316 stainless steel wetted parts with 17-4 PH stainless steel stem
Metal-to-metal seating for bubble-tight shut-off
Optional reversible and replaceable valve seat is available
Combined, these features result in durable and long-lasting valve solutions for repeated open and close cycle operations. Our air-actuated valves come with a piston-style air actuator that is normally closed or normally open. This design offers even better operation and service life. Additionally, mounting the actuator on a yoke keeps it separated from the process fluids, which helps with stem position indication and stem replacement.
Our MAXIMATOR® line includes:
Medium-pressure needle valves: rated to 22,500 psi and available in 1/4″, 3/8″, 9/16″ 3/4″, and 1″ connection sizes. 1-½” valves are rated to 15,500 psi
High-pressure needle valves: rated to 65,000 psi and available in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 9/16″ connection sizes
Ultra-high-pressure valves: rated to 101,000 psi and available in 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 9/16″ connection sizes
Both our medium-pressure and high-pressure valves are available with six body patterns:
2-way straight
2-way angle
2-way angle with replaceable seat
3-way/2-on-pressure
3-way/1-on-pressure
3-way/2-stem manifold
Contact the High Pressure Equipment Experts at MAXPRO Today
Need high pressure valves for your fluid handling operations? Turn to the equipment experts at MAXPRO®! We stock a broad selection of quality valves, fittings, and tubing for many high pressure applications. For more information about our MAXIMATOR high pressure valves, fittings and tubing , contact us today or request a quote.
Air amplifiers are industrial equipment designed to increase air pressure to improve pneumatic tool operation. When centralized air pressure systems are insufficient to power air-driven tools, air amplifiers can fill localized demand. Depending on the type of unit, air amplifiers have various pressure and flow capabilities, ranging anywhere from 30 to 4,350 PSI. Because there is such a wide selection of air amplifier designs available on the market, it is important to carefully select the right one for your intended application.
How Air Amplifiers Work
Air-driven air amplifiers use the principle of differential areas to generate pressure. By having a higher ratio of inlet to outlet piston areas, air amplifiers utilize shop air, use some of that air as power to operate the unit (called the ‘drive air’), and intensifies the remainder of the inlet air into pressurized output. Shop air utilizes a four-way spool valve to affect cycling, then exhausts the drive air. There are two main ways MAXPRO® Air Amplifier Systems achieve this:
DLA Series: A large air piston drives a smaller air piston to generate higher pressure levels.
PLV Series: These units have two fixed area pistons. During cycling, the air amplifier utilizes one of the pistons to effectively double the incoming air pressure.
MAXPRO® air amplifier systems include an air control package, the amplifier, air storage tank with drain valve, pressure relief valve and outlet pressure regulator with gauge.
Sizing Air Amplifiers
Consider these factors as you determine the right air amplifier for your application:
Airflow
Airflow demands are based on the application, environment, and specific equipment involved in each case. Parameters to consider:
Available inlet air drive flow and pressure
Required outlet pressure
Required flow at outlet pressure
Applications Requirements
What is the highest flow and pressure needed?
Describe typical machine cycle requirements
Pressure
It is crucial to figure out the highest and lowest air pressure requirement. Remember you will need to store up higher pressure than is needed to provide the delta P needed for airflow.
Other Considerations
Duty Cycle (Intermittent demand or 24/7 operation?)
Future expansion of production line (will more volume be needed in the future?)
Future need for higher pressure and flow?
Distance to work (line lengths can become a factor for pressure and flow)
Air Amplifiers From MAXPRO
At MAXPRO, we have concentrated on helping our clients find the right air amplifiers and air amplifier systems for over 25 years. Customer service is our top priority. Our knowledgeable engineers and sales staff are ready to help you select the best MAXPRO Air Amplifier System for your requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory or browse our catalog online.
Learn to assemble a high pressure coned and threaded connection using a MAXPRO® Power Cube, Data Logger and custom-made coned and threaded tubing nipple made from in-stock tubing.
High-Pressure Valves
High-Pressure Fittings
High-Pressure Tubing
