Page 6 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 16th August 2021

HYDRAULICS...

Selecting the right tube fitting

system for marine applications

Eaton’s Walterscheid WALFORMplus tube connector system is proving popular across

the marine sector as it answers many of the questions posed by design engineers
seeking an optimised solution to their hydraulic piping requirements.

hen it comes to specifying a Type approvals form the backbone of the marine
hydraulic piping connection system industry. Originally a requirement of ship insurance
for marine applications there are a companies, many different agencies (with different
Wnumber of critical factors to keep in type approvals) operate in this sector, including
mind. Firstly, the system must carry approval in DNV GL, Bureau Veritas and ABS, to name only a
accordance with the relevant agency specification. few. Although the relevant approval usually relates
Only then can a design engineer begin to scrutinise to geographic area, all agencies fall under the
system capabilities such as reliable, leak-free umbrella of IACS (International Association of
performance. There is also the issue of the corrosive Classification Societies).
marine environment, which demands a tubing By fulfilling the type approvals, components
connection system – and fittings – manufactured used for marine projects are confirming a minimum
from stainless steel. performance level in terms of mechanical resistance

August 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p6