Installations with tube, valves and fittings can last up to 15 or 20 years, which leaves a long stretch between replacement or updates.

Here is our guide on correctly identifying compression fittings, primarily for within the Waverley Brownall Ringlok and Duoloc range.

The Importance of Compression Fitting Identification

Engineers who check these systems in order to update or maintain it will need to correctly identify the compression fittings used within the system. It is vital that the fitting is made from the same material to ensure consistency and efficiency.

The areas for concern are: material, size, thread and manufacturer.

Key Signs Of Positive Identification

It is important to remember that large brand manufacturers of compression fittings such as Parker, Waverley Brownall, Hoke and Swagelok all have clear identification marks imprinted onto their products.

This is to avoid the dangers of interchangeability, as well as to highlight an excellently designed and capable fitting. The random mixing of fittings and components, including nut and ferrule, is not recommended under any circumstance.

Usually, the ferrule inside a fitting will not give you any means of identification. It is much more common to find markings on the nut of the fitting or at the body. This will include a cast code to enable material traceability.

Waverley Brownall fittings include a three-letter cast code on all compression nuts as standard. For the collar on the body or nut, the metric range is indicated (MM.)

Bodies of a tube fitting will also come marked with the full 3 identification tags – logo or initial marking, metric range and three-letter cast code.

See the chart below for WB, Swagelok, HOKE International
and Parker Hannifin tube fitting identification:

Other Waverley Brownall logos may include the following:

See our tube fitting diagrams below, indicating the location of identification marks.

Our full booklet will be able to guide you in identification for Waverley Brownall compression fittings, focusing on single and twin ferrule ranges – imperial and metric.

A Helping Hand

Many of the larger brand manufacturers will gladly either positively or negatively identify a tube fitting for you.

A brief product description of size, fitting type and a photograph will suffice in most cases, though any other relevant information is helpful.

If you are unsure of the fittings you are looking to purchase next for either a new batch on an existing system or replacement, get in touch with us today for free advice.

Helpful links:

• ​5 Ways to Identify a Fittings Thread – World Wide Metric Blog
• Four Easy Steps to Identify Hydraulic Threads – Parker Hannifin
• Fitting Identification Guide – Fluid Power Products