FAQ Part 4: Answers from Your Edmonton Valve Representatives

Here are 5 more questions that we hear from our customers on a regular basis. The FAQs have been answered by your Edmonton associates.

1. Why does Swagelok only factory test valves to 1000 psi when they are rated to higher pressures?

Answered by Customer Service Manager Dan Constantin:
It's important to understand the difference between design testing and the testing of each individual valve that comes off the production line. When valves aren't tested to the higher pressure, it's because Swagelok has confirmed in the design phase that the valves are capable of performance to the pressures published in our literature. 

Usually Swagelok factory-tests individual valves with nitrogen to 1000 psig (69 bar) or its maximum rated pressure, if that maximum is less than 1000 psig. But if a customer wants to know that their particular valve has been tested at a higher pressure, they can request additional product tests for an additional cost.

2. What is a "Screamer"?

Answered by Drayton Valley Technical Service Rep Tammy Pequin:
This is a slang term often heard in our Drayton Valley branch for a 1-inch check valve with female NPT ends. It's called a screamer because sometimes it makes a squealing sound when a gas passes through the valve.

The part number for the Screamer is SS-CHF16-X, with the "X" being the cracking pressure of the customer’s choice.

3. What is the difference between the 40 series and 40G series? 

Answered by Edmonton Valve Account Manager Andrew Beliveau:

Both are one-piece instrumentation ball valves. The 40 series is rated to perform at 10°C to 65°C. The 40G series was designed for thermal cycling in environmental and heat-process applications. It is rated to work from -65°C to 148°C. Part of the difference comes from the materials used. The 40 series has packing material of PTFE. In the 40G series the single-piece, patent-pending encapsulated packing is modified PTFE or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The live-loaded design reduces need for packing adjustment, compensates for wear and improves thermal cycle performance.

4. What’s the difference between the BHT and the XT hose?  

Answered by Swagelok Field Engineer Stacey Phillips:

BHT is a factory-assembled hose with a PTFE core and a 304 stainless steel cover. We offer it in sizes from 1/4-inch to 1-½ inches. It's rated up to 2500 psi at a temperature range of 65°F to 450°F. It's the most commonly used PTFE hose.

XT hose also has a PTFE core and a 304 stainless steel cover, but it also has reinforcement of fiberglass/PTFE braid. That gives it a higher pressure rating of 3500 psi in the same temperature range. The XT hose is flexible in all sizes (BHT isn't flexible in half-inch sizes or larger) and takes less force to bend. Also, XT hose is assembled in-house, making it easy to customize the lengths and the combination of end connections.

5. When can I ask Edmonton Valve to outsource product for me? 

Answered by Edmonton Account Manager Derek Green:
If you are already ordering Swagelok products, we are happy to outsource products that you need for a given job. Outsourcing is not a stand-alone service. We see it as a way to provide additional flexibility in meeting your needs. Just call us and ask for someone in the Outsourcing department. We'll be glad to help you get what you need.