Published Articles

2020 Plant Engineering Top Plant: Swagelok Co. Excels by Looking to the Future

Originally published in Plant Engineering | December 2020
Plant Engineering named Swagelok its 2020 Top Plant for best practices related to safety, commitment to training, workforce development and digital transformation. This feature describes how the company’s focus on these values, as well as its forward-leaning response to the Coronavirus, has enabled success.

Business Needs Boost Maintenance Improvements

Originally published in Process Engineering | November/December 2020
A pressure gauge not functioning accurately may lead to lower quality system output due to the loss of valid data and the resulting effects of too much or too little system pressure. Dave Ross provides five tips for assessing the health of pressure gauges in this feature article.

Swagelok Launches Gas Distribution Program to Enhance Safety

Originally published in Chemical Processing | December 11, 2020
The new Swagelok gas distribution program offers a complete suite of services and fully engineered subsystems designed to help enhance safety and increase the uptime of gas distribution systems in industrial facilities.

Read more about the gas distribution program in gasworld, IPP&T, New Products for Engineers, Oil & Gas Product News, FluidHandlingPro, Automation.com, and Armaturen-Welt.

Mejores Prácticas de los Paneles de Toma de Muestra para Industria Química (Eight Best Practices for Improved Laboratory Grab Sampling)

Originally published in Quimica | October, 2020
For grab sampling activities to provide a clear picture of the true condition of materials flowing through process streams, samples must be representative. In addition, the process must be safe for operators. Karim Mahraz provides eight tips to help operators enhance system accuracy and safety when conducting grab sampling.

Overcoming Resource Constraints with Fluid System Fabrication Services

Originally published in Canadian Process Equipment & Control News (CPECN) | December 2020
In today’s industrial environment, keeping fluid system inefficiencies in check can be more difficult than ever before. For example, maintenance and instrumentation technicians are in short supply. Yet, their roles are as important as ever. Michael Mohlenkamp describes how plants can rely on fluid system fabrication services from third-party suppliers to help those facilities alleviate their internal resource constraints.

Cost of Leaks Add Up: Swagelok Looks to Educate Tire Makers on Improved Hose Protocol

Originally published in Rubber & Plastics News | November 16, 2020
Combating common fluid system leaks in tire facilities is a worthwhile process, as leaks of compressed air, steam and condensate, and hydraulic oil can cause massive losses. Jason Duncan explains how attention to identifying and fixing leaks can have a significant positive impact on their bottom lines.

Gängige Fehlerquellen sicher erkennen (Reliably Identify Common Sources of Process Sampling System Errors)

Originally published in cav (Prozesstechnik für die Chemieindustrie) | Issue 11-12, 2020
A variety of common problems can affect process samples before they reach the analyzer, with each one threatening the representativeness of the sample and therefore the accuracy of analyzer readings. Mike Frost details several issues along with advice for correcting them in this German-language article.

Identifying Unique Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Demands and How to Meet Them

Originally published in OEM Off-Highway | October 22, 2020
Hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative fuel option, but careful consideration must be made in the design and materials selection of critical fuel system components. Chuck Hayes reviews tips for selecting and specifying hydrogen componentry to ensure the reliable operation of vehicles and infrastructure.

5 Ways to Detect and Prevent Pressure Gauge Failures Before They Happen

Originally published in Processing | October 2020
Pressure gauges are a critical part of any fluid system, and it is imperative that they remain in good working condition at all times. Dave Ross reviews some important tips for how to recognize the signs of a failing gauge, minimize risk to employees, and reduce costly downtime to make repairs.

Four Common Grab Sampling Deficiencies and How to Fix Them

Originally published in PROCESS Worldwide | October 19, 2020
Grab sampling is an important function in industrial fluid systems, but a few common problems can negatively impact efficiency, representativeness, and operator safety. Danny Van Den Burg reviews some best practices that can help to ensure the safe, efficient capture of representative samples.

Custom Adapters, Tubing Eliminate Leaks, Allow Retrofitting

Originally published in Pipeline & Gas Journal | July, 2020
The stakes are high for component performance in the natural gas pipeline industry, and fugitive emissions should be curbed wherever possible. In this case study, Lawrence Crynes reviews how HOERBIGER Engineering Services relies on specially designed fuel injector adapters from Swagelok that provide leak-tight connections to eliminate fugitive emission worries.

Overcoming Common Process Sampling System Challenges: How to Solve the Most Frequent Issues

Originally published in cpp (Process Technology for the Chemical Industry) | Issue 3, 2020
It can be a challenge to operate process sampling systems properly, making it all the more important to understand what common problems affect samples before they reach the analyzer – not to mention how to address those problems. Mike Frost provides valuable assistance to help operators overcome a variety of sampling system challenges.

Systèmes d’échantillonnage: Ligne Simple ou Boucle Rapide? (Sampling Systems: Single Line or Fast Loop?)

Originally published in Les Journal des Fluides | September 2020
In an analytical sampling system, the goal is to convey fluid from the process stream to an analyzer as efficiently as possible to avoid lengthy time delays between sampling and analysis. Achieving optimum efficiency is well within your reach by following the strategies Randy Rieken details for obtaining the desired flow in a sampling system in this French-language article.

Cómo los Racores de Compresión Pueden Optimizar el Rendimiento de los Activos de Petróleo y Gas
(How Compression Fittings Can Optimize the Performance of Oil and Gas Assets)

Originally published in oilgas | September 2020
Critical, medium-pressure oil and gas applications have long relied on cone and thread fittings for safe and reliable fluid system performance. However, these fittings require careful, time-consuming installation at every connection point. As a welcome alternative, today’s newer compression fittings enable efficiencies with dramatically faster installations. Chuck Erml reviews the key differences between the two fitting types in this Spanish-language article.

Ultrahigh Purity Valves Can Help Optimize Thin Film Deposition

Originally published in Silicon Semiconductor | Issue IV 2020
As the semiconductor industry continues to change rapidly, tool manufacturers must keep pace as well. Matt Ferraro describes how new ultrahigh purity (UHP) atomic layer deposition (ALD) valves – such as Swagelok’s ALD20 UHP valve – can enable total thermal immersibility and much higher flow rates than current valves to help optimize thin film processes.

Select and Specify Efficient, Accurate Grab Sampling Systems

Originally published in Plant Engineering | September, 2020
Grab sampling plays a key role in helping operators maintain quality control, regulatory compliance, and assurance that products are up to specification. Matt Dixon provides some practical tips to help operators maintain accuracy by creating good system designs and choosing the right sampling vessels.

6 Tips for Maintaining Industrial Fluid System Safety

Originally published in Processing | September, 2020
Following best practices for the design, installation, and operation of industrial fluid systems can help enhance safety plantwide. Mike Frost reviews some key safety tips, including simplifying system designs, selecting applicable components, and avoiding intermixing tubes and fittings from different manufacturers.

Fugitive Emissions - Being Proactive and Specifying Certified Low-Emissions Valves Prevents Costly Retrofit Headaches

Originally published in IPP&T | September, 2020
Fugitive emissions can negatively impact a company’s profitability if left unchecked. Selecting the right fluid system components is a necessity to keep such emissions under control. Sean Hunsicker reviews how plants can protect their facilities and bottom lines by using certified low-emissions (Low-E) valves.

INEOS Improves with Analytical Equipment and Valve Selection Best Practices

Originally published in Energy Management | August 14, 2020
The safe and accurate functioning of all systems throughout chemical processing operations is of utmost importance. This case study authored by Vera Weski and Andreas Growe reviews how global petrochemical and specialty chemical maker INEOS has used components, custom solutions, and application expertise from Swagelok Düsseldorf to reach its safety and operational goals.

Your Industrial Fluid System Safety Checklist

Originally published in Korea Gas Newspaper | August 12, 2020
Industrial fluid systems are responsible for transporting high-pressure, high-temperature liquids and gases throughout plants in numerous industries. In this Korean-language article, Taeho Kim explains how critical it is to optimize the performance of these system for both the quality of your end product, and the safety of your plant workers and technicians.

How Compression Fittings Can Optimize Oil and Gas Asset Performance

Originally published in Oil & Gas Product News | July 29, 2020
Switching from traditional cone and thread connections to compression fittings can bring new efficiency to critical oil and gas assets, saving owners significant time and money. Chuck Erml reviews the speed and performance benefits of compression fittings for use in medium-pressure applications for oil and gas topside assets.

How to Isolate Systems with Block Valves

Originally published in Plant Engineering | July 2020
Safe industrial fluid system maintenance requires isolating any line in which work will be performed. Without proper isolation, fluid inside a line – which is often pressurized – could pose significant risks to technicians. Joe Bush describes two approaches for designing a two-block valve system to enhance operator safety when changing a gauge or measurement device.

Swagelok Company Expands in Asia-Pacific Region to Support Growing Market

Originally published in Modern Chemical Industry (WeChat) | June 25, 2020
In this Chinese-language article, Swagelok is showcasing its commitment to growth in the Asia-Pacific region by investing in measures designed to help regional customers overcome business challenges and meet the pace of demand in a competitive marketplace. Recent investments have included the appointment of a vice president of the region, the dedication of a new regional office in Singapore, and an extensive expansion of the company’s manufacturing plant in Changshu, China.

Swagelok’s Safety Solutions on Industrial Fluid System to Promote the High-Quality Development of the Petrochemical Industry

Originally published in International Pumps & Valve News for China (WeChat) | May 27, 2020
China’s petrochemical industry is increasingly focused on building safe and efficient fluid systems within their facilities. In this Chinese-language article, Swagelok summarizes seven tips to build safe systems, while maintaining the sustainability of the system.

Por Qué un Equipo Bien Formado Puede Beneficiar a Sus Operaciones (Why a Well-Trained Team Can Benefit Your Operations)

Originally published in oilgas | May/June 2020
With chemical plants and refineries facing the looming threat of skilled workers nearing retirement, facility managers are concerned about the resulting skills gap and how to maintain operations. Ziad Bedran provides useful tips for how to shrink that gap via training that builds and reinforces essential fluid system skills in this Spanish-language article.

Types of Corrosion and Materials to Combat Them

Originally published in Petroleum Technology Quarterly | Q3 2020
Various forms of corrosion threaten the integrity of fluid system components and tubing used on large offshore platforms. If not detected early, corrosion can lead to costly shutdowns, repairs, and even accidents. Gerhard Schiroky shares advice for identifying types of corrosion and how to select optimal materials of construction to combat them. View/Download here.

Enhancing Hydrogen Fuel Delivery System Safety and Efficiency

Originally published in BUSRide Maintenance | May/June 2020
With multiple tanks of high-pressure, flammable gas on board, safety is the top priority for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks navigating populated city streets. Gavin Pettifer reviews how Swagelok has helped Luxfer Gas Cylinders enhance the safety of its hydrogen fuel delivery systems, as well as its efficiency in fabricating those systems.

New Swagelok GB Series Ball Valve Brings Added Safety, Simplified Installation to High-Flow Applications

Originally published in Hydrocarbon Processing | June 2, 2020
Introducing the Swagelok^® GB series ball valve - a new full-bore, bidirectional flow-capable valve engineered to provide high flow rates at a working pressure of 6000 psig (413 bar). The valve also simplifies installation, minimizes rework requirements, and delivers the reliable shutoff performance needed to keep workers safe and systems operating efficiently.

Read more about the GB Series Ball Valve in gasworld, PCN Europe, Fluid Handling International, and Valve World.

How to Maintain Leak-Free Systems

Originally published in Plant Services | June 2020
It is critically important that all systems responsible for containing and transporting process gases like hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful substances operate free of leaks to avoid the release of fugitive emissions. Ken Backus reviews how educated and empowered employees can help reduce fugitive emissions and drive improved refinery safety.

A “Standards” Approach to Specifying Fluid System Components

Originally published in E&P | June 2020
Ensuring repeatability and reliability in fluid system assemblies depends on following exacting manufacturing and material standards to produce quality components every time. Matthew Gallaugher describes how asset owners can realize better outcomes when they require that manufacturers take a standards approach to specifying materials and components.

Doing More with Less: Extending Critical Fluid System Resources

Originally published in Hydrocarbon Processing | May 2020
Plants and refineries face many common inefficiencies that threaten the ability of fluid system operators to maximize value from their systems and enhance facility operations. Dwindling technical staffs are a major contributor to such inefficiencies. Bill Menz reviews how plants can save internal resources and enhance operations by working with reputable suppliers to provide fluid system assembly services.

Overcoming ALD Limitations to Maximize Manufacturing Precision and Efficiency

Originally published in Semiconductor Digest | April/May 2020
ALD processes are requiring higher performance and precision as semiconductor manufacturers seek to reach new levels of innovation and productivity. Matt Ferraro explains how the next generation of ultrahigh-purity ALD valves – including Swagelok’s ALD20 UHP valve – are opening new opportunities for high-quality depositions without sacrificing process efficiency.

How to Optimize Tubing Material Selections Using the PREN Value

Originally published in Oil and Gas Facilities | April 23, 2020
When battling fluid system corrosion in marine oil and gas applications, material selection is your first line of defense. Brad Bollinger details how to recognize pitting and crevice corrosion, as well as how to optimize tubing material selections for such applications based on the material’s PREN value.

Swagelok Shares its Best Practices for Essential Manufacturing Operations

Originally published in Plant Engineering | April 13, 2020
Deemed an essential business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, Swagelok has taken a number of steps to continue operations and serve critical industries. Plant Engineering describes Swagelok’s highly deliberative approach that relies on an abundance of caution, key documents, and individual responsibility.

Plant Engineering content manager Kevin Parker discusses the steps Swagelok has taken to continue operations and serve critical industries during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Swagelok Donates N95 Masks to Local First Responders, Hospital Systems

Originally published in Hydrocarbon Processing | April 6, 2020
Swagelok is donating up to 20,000 N95 respirator masks to local emergency medical services and hospital systems in Ohio and Pennsylvania to support the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hydrocarbon Processing provides details about the donation to help healthcare workers on the frontlines.

Read more about Swagelok's donation in Gasworld, Processing, and Flow Control.

Wer Klopft Denn da im Rohr? Dem Druckstoß auf der Spur (Who Knocks in the Pipe? On the Trail of the Pressure Surge)

Originally published in PROCESS | March 2020
Water hammer is a common yet often unidentified problem that poses a significant threat to any liquid sampling system. Karim Mahraz discusses tips on how to evaluate the variables that cause water hammer and how to adjust them to minimize the phenomenon in this German-language article.

Swagelok Introduces New ALD20 UHP Valve

Originally published in Semiconductor Digest | February 4, 2020
The new Swagelok ALD20 ultrahigh-purity (UHP) valve enables chip fabricators to experiment with new precursors due to a higher flow capacity, thermal stability, and extreme precision. Semiconductor Digest details the valve’s features and benefits.

Read more about ALD20 in Silicon Semiconductor, Compound Semiconductor, SMT Today, and RDWorld.com.

Boosting Productivity? Then Look to Your Fluid System

Originally published in Process Engineering | January / February 2020
Maximizing fluid system efficiency is a must to boost productivity, as well as reduce costs and downtime. Stacey Phillips covers strategies for improving fluid system efficiencies, including prioritizing leaks, optimizing components and inventory, and simplifying design and assembly practices.

Maximizing Component Life

Originally published in Fluid Handling International | January / February 2020
While a plant should never compromise safety, it’s also critical to keep costs down while obtaining the longest life possible from components. Cory Cottrill describes five key strategies to extend fluid system maintenance intervals, reduce costs and enhance safety in the process.

Process Measurement – Impulse Line Best Practices

Originally published in Processing | January / February 2020
It is often hard to know when a process instrumentation line is not performing well, especially if one’s attention is focused solely on the transmitter. Chuck Erml provides advice for solving problems within process instrumentation lines to enhance the accuracy of final measurements.

New Fittings Technologies Offer Leak-Tight Connections for Topsides Fluid System Applications

Originally published in Offshore | December 2019 / January 2020
A change in the fittings technology used for medium-pressure fluid system applications can yield major life cycle cost savings for offshore topside assets. Chuck Erml describes how switching from traditional cone and thread fittings to FK series compression fittings allows assemblers to install fittings about five times faster, while virtually eliminating rework needs during hydrotesting and acceptance testing.

Sampling System Design: Managing System Variables

Originally published in Chemical Engineering | January 2020
To achieve timely, accurate analytical sampling system measurements, system designers must refine multiple variables related to the system layout and performance. Randy Rieken reviews several interrelated variables and walks through a comprehensive design example to help designers succeed.

Eight Best Practices for Improved Laboratory Grab Sampling

Originally published in Process Industry Informer | November/December 2019
Grab sampling for offline process fluid analyses isn’t necessarily as easy as grab and go. First, the sample must be representative. Second, the process must be safe. Karim Mahraz covers eight guidelines for enhancing system accuracy and safety when conducting grab sampling.

Using Block Valves to Isolate Industrial Fluid Systems for Safer Maintenance

Originally published in Canadian Process Equipment & Control News | December 2019
A single fluid line’s interior pressure or flow can represent a critical hazard when technicians need to change a gauge or measurement device. Joe Bush provides tips for isolating the fluid system using two different double block valve configurations to enhance operator safety.

Troubleshooting Pressure Regulators

Originally published in Industrial Process Products & Technology (IPP&T) | November 2019
A regulator requires careful design, installation, and ongoing maintenance to maintain steady pressure in a fluid system over the long term. Jon Kestner covers a five-step troubleshooting to help operators extend regulator lives and realize better system performance.

Specify Hose Materials to Match Applications

Originally published on MachineDesign.com | November 21, 2019
The second of a three-part series: Selecting the proper hoses for carrying fluids and gases is critical for increasing uptime, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The wrong hoses can lead to unnecessary downtime, increased risks, and lower profits. Bill Menz reviews the most common hose materials, what they are best suited for, and how to minimize costs associated with hoses.

Eliminate Leaks to Enhance Plant Safety, Profitability

Originally published in Plant Engineering | November 2019
Fluid system leaks are common throughout most industrial plants and represent increased operating costs at best and potential safety issues at worst. Stacey Phillips describes how to avoid common causes and costs of fluid system leaks plantwide to optimize operations.

Four Steps to Safer Hoses

Originally published on MachineDesign.com | November 18, 2019
Industrial hoses are a critical component in helping plants reduce downtime and enhance safety. Bill Menz details four simple ways to help designers keep plants running and minimize potentially dangerous situations involving hoses.

Sampling System Design - Correct Probe Orientation is a Critical Consideration in the Design of a Sampling System

Originally published in Petroleum Technology Quarterly | Q4 2019
Probes are commonly used to extract samples from the middle of a process stream for analysis. They should be correctly oriented for reliable sampling. Randy Rieken reviews when and where to use each type of probe design and how to orient them to ensure timely, accurate sample analyses.

Low-Temperature Seals in Pressure-Regulating Devices

Originally published in Chemical Engineering | October 2019
In low-temperature conditions, the use of compatible sealing materials is essential for leak-tight operation and proper functionality of pressure-regulating devices. Jon Kestner reviews several aspects to consider when specifying such sealing materials.

Grab Sampling Systems for Accurate Lab Analyses

Originally published in Chemical Production Plants Processes | October 2019
Grab sampling systems play a key role in quality and process controls, compliance with regulations, and verifying the performance of process analyzers. Matt Dixon provides a variety of tips to help plants realize more efficient and accurate grab sampling analyses.

When and Why to Use a Probe in Analytical Sampling

Originally published in PCN Europe | September 2019
In analytical sampling systems, it can be advantageous to use a probe to extract process samples. However, sometimes a probe is not advisable. Randy Rieken explains how probes can help improve the representativeness of samples delivered to an analyzer – and when not to use them.

Building Blocks

Originally published in Hydrocarbon Engineering | September 2019
Chemical plants and refineries are facing a growing challenge of skilled workers nearing retirement and leaving an alarming skills gap in their wake. Andy Hitchcock frames the route to closing this gap and constructing a well-trained team in three steps.

Achieving Better Sample Isolation and Analyzer Responses with Process Stream Switching Systems

Originally published in Flow Control | August 2019
Well-designed multistream sampling systems should prevent cross-stream contamination, ensure fast responses and minimize flow upset. Randy Rieken discusses how to achieve better sample isolation and enhanced analyzer results with optimized designs for process stream switching systems.

Ensuring Accurate Gas Sample Analyzer Results

Originally published in Gas Processing & LNG | July/August 2019
Numerous variables can affect analyzer measurement accuracy when sampling gases, with improper sample line temperature control being the most common culprit of incorrect measurements. Randy Rieken reviews how to maintain the required temperature for gas samples to enhance analyzer accuracy.

Maintaining Optimized Hose Health with Preventive Maintenance

Originally published in Processing | July 2019
Proactive industrial hose maintenance plans can help operators prevent avoidable downtime and costly replacements by identifying issues before they become major headaches. Alice Chin details steps for developing such a plan to optimize costs.

Achieving the Greatest Return on Investment from a Process Analyzer

Originally published in Canadian Process Equipment & Control News | June 2019
Installing a process analyzer in a sampling system is a sizable investment that often requires solid financial justification. Karim Mahraz reviews how to conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis to ensure a process analyzer is making a positive impact.

7 Tips for Safer Fluid Systems

Originally published in IEN| June 2019
Transporting high-pressure, high-temperature fluids and gases can pose significant risk if systems are not properly designed, calibrated, and operated. Ken Backus offers key tips every fluid system engineer and technician should know to reduce risks.

Top 10 Best Practices for Designing Steam Heat Exchangers and Tracing Systems

Originally published in Canadian Process Equipment & Control News | April 2019
When developing a steam heat exchanger or steam heat tracing system, designers must consider every element of the system before finalizing its design to avoid premature failure or under performance. Alex Chu provides several best practices for enhancing the life and performance of steam system components.

Check Sample System Pressure Drop

Originally published in Chemical Processing |  April 2019
Correctly calculating and managing pressure loss in a sampling system is crucial for securing accurate, timely analyses. In the conclusion of our three-part series with Chemical Processing, Randy Rieken reviews how to compute pressure loss in sample lines and maintain a suitable system pressure differential for the best results.

Who’s Knocking? The Dangers of Water Hammer

Originally published in PROCESS Worldwide |  March 2019
Water hammer can be puzzling, disruptive, and damaging for any operator. Karim Mahraz outlines how to evaluate and minimize water hammer in a liquid sampling system.

Ensuring accurate pipeline sampling

Originally published in Process & Control |  February 2019
The location and orientation of the nozzle that supplies process samples to a sampling system are critical to ensure accurate and timely analytical measurements.  Karim Mahraz details considerations to optimize nozzle placement and orientation. 

Reading flow curves to confirm regulator sizing

Originally published in Fluid Handling International | February 2019 
A regulator’s main purpose is to maintain steady pressure in a fluid system application – preferably across the application’s full range of anticipated flow rates. To help confirm that your regulator is sized appropriately, Jon Kestner outlines how to read a regulator flow curve. 

How to Maximize Industrial Fluid System Component Life

Originally published in IEN |  November 2018
When replacing a single fluid system component in your plant, the cost of that component extends far beyond its price tag. Cory Cottrill outlines additional cost factors associated with your components.

Consider Flow Regime’s Impact On Sample Analysis

Originally published in Chemical Processing |  January 2019
In part two of our three-part series with Chemical Processing, Randy Rieken outlines how to determine the type of flow to expect in your sample line and the differences between laminar or turbulent flow patterns.

How to Troubleshoot and Maintain Pressure Regulators

Originally published in Chemical Engineering |  November 2018
Wondering how to troubleshoot and maintain your regulators? Jon Kestner, product manager, defines a five-step process that can help enable better outcomes for fluid system control.

How to Set Up a Back-Pressure Regulator in an Analytical Sampling System

Originally published in Flow Control  |  September 2018
The pressure control device is often misunderstood. Swagelok’s market manager, Randy Rieken, details how to set up a back-pressure regulator in an analytical sampling system in Flow Control Magazine.

Make the Right Choice on Sample Preconditioning

Originally published in Plant Engineering  |  September 2018
When performing sample analysis in analytical sampling system, operators may need to precondition the sample first. Swagelok’s market manager, Randy Rieken, details the differences between field station module and fast-loop module options.

Choose the Right Sampling System Transport Line

Originally published in Chemical Processing  |  September 2018
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between a single-line or fast-loop system. In part one of our three-part series, Swagelok’s market manager, Randy Rieken, details those considerations to help you make the most informed decision.