Page 1 of 2
Unions
Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 3:14 pm
by Lopez Mike
I have seen pipe unions on other steam boats that are not the usual bulky type that I get from a hardware store. They were steel and looked a lot like a hydraulic fitting. All surfaces machined.
These are not quick disconnects. It takes two wrenches to uncouple them just like a regular pipe union. Also I don't need a swivel connector adjustable for angle.
I have three things to disconnect when I knock down for trailering; the whistle, the safety valve and the pressure gauge. Two are 1/2" and the gauge is 1/4". I dislike disturbing pipe threads. Too hard to get things like the gauge aligned and still get a good seal.
Any leads would be most appreciated.
Mike
Re: Unions
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 12:55 am
by Chris W
Mike,
Is this what you have in mind?
http://www.mcmaster.com/#cadinlnord/4464k486/=n611as
This one is 304 SS but appears to be machined all over.
Re: Unions
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 2:02 am
by racerfrank
Maybe it was pipe thread to AN style fittings.
Re: Unions
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:44 am
by Lopez Mike
The McMaster Carr unit is nice looking but still just as large as a cast iron or steel one. I'll keep that link as a backup. Thanks.
I'll look into AN fittings to see if there is such a thing as a union. Good idea.
Mike
Re: Unions
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 3:53 pm
by Oilking
Mike,
Try a Swagelok balljoint union
http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webca ... 01-147.pdfpage 15.
These are good for 6000psi or more.
Dave
Re: Unions
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:22 am
by farmerden
Come to McConnel and see mine! Den
Re: Unions
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:41 am
by Oilking
Mike,
I have also found that WIKA makes a rotating gauge adaptor, others may also make something similar. Branom Interments is a Wika dealer on our corner of the country.
Dave
Re: Unions
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 5:02 am
by Lopez Mike
Can't find it in their on line catalog. I'll give Branom a call tomorrow.
Do they disconnect or just swivel?
Mike
Re: Unions
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:57 pm
by Oilking
Here's the page I found with the WIKA unions.
http://www.wika.com.ar/upload/DS_AC0905_GB_5382.pdf
Good luck
Dave
Re: Unions
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:15 pm
by Lopez Mike
Very nice looking units. I have a request in for price and availability. Probably really expensive!
They look like they would work fine for a gauge, maybe not so good for the whistle and have way too small a passage for the safety.
The more I look at them the more I think I could do a decent job of making my own. Some hex stock and an evening at the lathe. A copper washer in place of the Teflon one they use. Hmm.
One more Winter project.
Mike