How Positionable Elbows and Tees Help Solve Fluid System Alignment Problems
Positionable elbows and tees can simplify fluid system installation by eliminating the alignment challenges commonly associated with traditional threaded fittings. Unlike tapered pipe threads that often end up oriented in the wrong direction when tightened, Swagelok® positionable fittings use straight threads and an O-ring seal, allowing installers to orient connections precisely before locking them into place. This design can help reduce installation time, improve reliability, and provide better performance in applications using softer materials such as aluminum ports. In this video, learn how positionable elbows and tees work and where they can provide advantages in fluid system design.
Video Transcript
Today I want to talk about a couple of fittings designed by Swagelok to make your job easier: positionable elbows and tees. Positionable elbows and tees are designed to eliminate difficult alignment positions.
Let’s say you need to use an elbow, and typically, you would use an NPT thread. You tighten down the NPT thread, and because NPT threads seal on the threads themselves, inevitably, it’s going to point in the wrong direction. You want it to point in that direction. With a positionable elbow, they use straight threads and seal on an O-ring. So, as you tighten it down, you can tighten it down and put it in whatever position you want. Then, you tighten the jam nut, and it seals against the O-ring.
Because they are straight threads, they work much better on soft aluminum threads as well. Positionable elbows come in a 90-degree position and a 45-degree position. Positionable tees come with a straight thread on the branch, as well as the straight thread on the run.
Positionable elbows and tees: two more products from Swagelok designed to make your job easier.
