Swagelok Essentials Training for Safer, More Efficient Fluid Systems

We know from white papers written around the world, and also from our labs here at Swagelok when we receive product returns, that the number one problem associated with the installation of small-bore tubing systems is human error. The only way to overcome that is to have a training program for people. If we can eliminate that human error, then that takes care of almost 90 percent of the returns and product problems we see at our customer sites. We do a test when we first start out with training. We give everybody a fitting, a piece of tubing, and tools. We say, “Okay, insert the tube into the fitting and tighten it to where you think it needs to be.” They do, and then we set them aside. Later, we use our gap gauge to inspect each of these to see where it goes. We always ask, “Do you think more people overtighten or under tighten the connection?” Most people in the room will say overtighten. Then we find out that typically 80 percent of people under tighten the connection, so that’s an eye-opener.

The Essentials courses include Swagelok tube fitting installation, Swagelok tube fitting installation inspection, tube bending, VCR, VCO, FK, valve, hose, and cone and thread. We offer different levels of training within our Essentials programs. Some are based on the installer level, where participants are using the tools and putting together fittings, valves, or hoses. We then offer another higher-level Essentials class designed more for managers, engineers, or quality control professionals who have to make sure the system is done correctly and catch any small mistakes the installer may have missed. We also want to see engineers take the course because they are the ones specifying the product. We want to see purchasing people take the class because then they can see the benefits of using our products over others. We would love to see supervisors take it and inspectors take it. People come to these classes and often expect to sit there and watch a PowerPoint the whole time, but our classes are not that way. There is as much hands-on learning as possible. We put tools in their hands, put fittings in their hands, and with bending, we put that box out and have them tube up the whole thing. Currently, our Essentials training is delivered across a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, pulp and paper, power, research and development, and the emerging hydrogen industry. Whether people are involved in the design or installation within those industries, or in the dairy industry, the list is quite extensive. Wherever there is a small-bore tubing system, people want our training.

Within Essentials training, we really help our customers pick the right products for their applications. Because of that, they become more efficient because the product is doing exactly what they need it to do. They come through our training class, learn how to specify the product, learn how to use the product properly, and learn how to install the product properly. Therefore, they are not having downtime, which makes them more efficient, and their process works that much better for them. Safety is the most important thing for plant owners and operators. Having the correct information and knowledge about the fluid system helps them keep their plant running safely. One of the reasons our trainees and customers come in and take our training is because they want to feel confident that they are doing the job correctly, whether they are putting our fittings together properly or installing a valve correctly. It also gives them confidence that when they go to work next to that fitting or valve later, not only are they safe, but their co-workers are safe too. We all want to get home at the end of the day. That’s what it’s all about: work safe, get home, and see our families.

Our Essentials training is available across the globe through Swagelok sales and service centers, and we have dedicated trainers in each of those facilities who are trained by Swagelok. It is available to everyone, everywhere, with local languages and local time zones. What I love about it is that if you train in the United States, Canada, Japan, or Europe, you are getting the same course all the way across the board. That is the beauty of the Essentials program in my eyes. I think the people coming out of our classes are a lot happier than they were coming in. I think they get a lot out of them.