End Of The Alphabet: Common Swagelok Acronyms From S to V

Even if you never use the full name, it's good to know what the letters stand for

Whether you are using the acronym STAMPED for hoses or talking SWAK, we have got the breakdown here in the last of our alphabet acronym series.

This is the last in a four-part series of posts where we look at some of the acronyms you'll run into when you read our blog. The first part covered letters A through E, the second took us from F through N, the third concentrated on P and R, and this one takes us through the end of the alphabet.

SAE - The Society of Automotive Engineers established one of the standards used for straight pipe threads. Some people are surprised to learn that straight threads don't provide a seal by themselves. All they do is make sure the two parts are solidly engaged. To get a seal, you need an additional component such as an O-ring, a gasket, or metal-to-metal contact with a washer.

SEA - Swagelok Energy Advisors is our team of steam experts. In addition to our Edmonton experts, we can draw on SEA's field engineers throughout North America. Most of these experts are mechanical engineers with 15 to 20 years of working with steam systems in a variety of industries. Not only do they know steam, they know how it is applied in various processes. Swagelok Energy Advisors won’t just tell you that you need a valve in a particular spot, they’ll explain why.

SESO - Swagelok quick-connects with single-end shutoff stems have no valves and remain open when uncoupled. This is to distinguish them from double-end shutoff stems which have valves, and shut off when uncoupled.

SPM – A sample probe module is one of our Pre-Engineered Subsystems combining a sample probe and a block-and bleed sample probe valve. A probe allows you to extract a sample precisely from the middle third of the pipe's cross-section, avoiding turbulent flow and sludge or particulates. We offer welded sample probes, best suited for use with double block-and-bleed valves, and retractable sample probes, best used with single block-and-bleed valves.

S.T.A.M.P.E.D. - In picking a hose, it's important to think about size, temperature, application, media, pressure, end connection, and delivery. Knowing those parameters makes it much easier to choose from the many options Swagelok offers.

STS - Once, if not twice a month we hold Swagelok Total Support training seminars to increase our customers' expertise in selecting, handling, and installing tube fittings, plus the proper bending and fabrication of tubing. These are full-day, ISO certified classes, led by an industry expert from Edmonton Valve & Fitting. Those who pass earn a certificate of competency, with a unique code that a trained fitter can use as a personal code to identify his or her own installations.

SWAK – Yes, the name of Swagelok's anaerobic thread sealant for metal pipe threads really does stand for "sealed with a kiss." (At least, that's the story we're sticking with.) SWAK cures to a bond that resists vibration or shock, but still allows low breakaway torque for easy-to-break connections, even after it's fully cured. You can apply SWAK quickly, and it will not shred or tear on assembly.

TAP - The more you know about steam systems, the more productive, profitable, and safe your plant will be. And with a training program called Ten Action Points of a Steam System, you and your team can brush up on all the essentials in a single day. You'll get the training, textbooks and other course materials, plus a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments.

VCO and VCR - Most people know Swagelok for its two-ferrule tube fitting. However, we also carry two valuable lines of Swagelok face seal fittings. The VCR and VCO product lines have a zero clearance capability, which means they can be disassembled in line with no clearance requirements. VCRs and VCOs serve as a make and break point – a spot to access the system for repair and upgrades without having to remove multiple parts. VCR means vacuum coupling radiation, providing leak-tight service from vacuum to positive pressure. The VCO line uses an O-ring to form a seal.

VMI - Since 2001 we have offered vendor managed inventories. We'll drive out to your site, check the levels in stock, and figure out what you need. After a quick visit to your procurement office, we'll pick the parts from the truck and stock your shelves. We have three merchandisers servicing customer inventories. All are trained in basic warehouse and basic customer service skills.

That brings us to the end of the line. Did we leave out any acronym you've always wondered about? Let us know, and we may put together an addendum.

Additional resources:

• From Edmonton Valve Come the Gifts That Keep on Giving
• Meet Edmonton Valve’s Stacey Phillips
• As Edmonton Valve Prepares to Enjoy the Holidays…

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640