What Is an Insert Ring?
Insert rings are ring-shaped components utilized in hydraulic, pneumatic, water, and other fluid piping systems. They are specifically designed for insertion inside pipes and tubes to enhance the strength of seals or connections in piping and pipe connections. Insert rings play a crucial role in preventing shrinkage at the joints of tube fittings, which are components that connect tubing to fittings to ensure secure connections and prevent leakage.
These rings are versatile and come in various types tailored to their specific application within piping systems.
Uses of Insert Rings
Insert rings find their application across different joints in piping systems, primarily to prevent fluid leakage.
1. Liquid and Gas Piping Systems
These rings are integral in connecting diverse piping systems that transport liquids or gases, aiding in leak prevention.
2. Pressure Control Devices
In pressure control devices and valves, insert rings are employed at pipe connections to ensure precise pressure control and mitigate the risk of leakage or overpressurization.
3. Fuel Supply Systems
They are crucial in automotive and aircraft fuel delivery systems, preventing fuel leaks at fuel line connections.
4. Cooling Systems
Insert rings are also pivotal in cooling systems for circulating water and fluids, where their role in preventing leaks is essential for maintaining the cooling effect.
5. Chemical Processes
These rings are employed in piping systems for the safe mixing of chemicals and liquids in various manufacturing processes, preventing chemical leakage.
6. Medical Field
In medical equipment and devices that use piping for the supply and drainage of liquids and gases, insert rings ensure safe operation and maintain a hygienic environment by securing the joints.
Principle of Insert Rings
Insert rings are strategically placed between pipes or between a pipe and a fitting. Upon connecting the pipes, the fitting or compression ring secures the insert ring in place, applying pressure. This pressure deforms the insert ring’s material, ensuring it tightly conforms around the connection, filling any gaps and creating a leak-proof seal.
To effectively achieve this seal, insert rings are made from elastic materials capable of exerting the necessary pressure for a secure fit and adherence to the connection surfaces.
Additionally, to combat tubing shrinkage, insert rings are used, made from materials more rigid than the tubing itself, such as metal, providing an internal support structure.
Types of Insert Rings
Insert rings are categorized into the following main types:
1. Fitting Gasket
Used at pipe fitting connections, these gaskets ensure a secure link between pipes and fittings, preventing leaks.
2. Tube Seal Gasket
These gaskets are specifically designed for piping joints, particularly in environments with high pressure or temperature, safeguarding against gas and liquid leaks.
3. Valve Stem Packing
A gasket placed between the valve stem and the valve body to prevent leaks during valve operation and guarantee its proper function.
4. Tube End Cap
These caps seal the ends of pipes to protect them from contamination and damage, particularly useful for sealing unused piping sections.
5. Swaging Ring
A ring that increases the diameter of a pipe to facilitate connection to a fitting, ensuring a robust connection by clamping the pipe end into the fitting.