Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
(OP)
Does anyone know if teflon tape or paste is suitable in hydrocarbon service ?
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Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
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Teflon tape in hydrocarbon serviceTeflon tape in hydrocarbon service(OP)
Does anyone know if teflon tape or paste is suitable in hydrocarbon service ?
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RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
Teflon is 99.9% inert to my knowledge and perfectly suited for use on threaded joints on hydrocarbon services. I've used it on fuel oils, natural gas, Acetylene, ethylene, LPG, Butane, Propane, etc. with no problems as far as the Teflon reacting or being attacked by the fluids.
However, in today's technology, I would not use Teflon tape or screwed fittings. I've already proved numerous times at the operating plant level that it is far more cost effective and safer to weld 100% and come back later with a bandsaw, if necessary, to do pipe internal access or modifications in the future. I can apply Teflon tape without any potential problems; however, I will not trust any pipefitters today to correctly apply the stuff without causing strips and pieces to enter the fluid spaces and flows. This is because of the extra-ordinary pressures being put on maintenance crews with respect to time, training, tools, supervision, and adequate resources. Today, more often than not, the damn Teflon tape winds up being trapped in downstream screens, filters, valves, drains, and other process equipment - causing process upsets, shutdowns, and other deviations. I don't think its worth the pain and the risks. With class A pipe welders and electric bandsaws, its easy, quick, safe, and dependable to simply weld all the pipe - especially the 3/4" to 2" sizes with socket weld couplings.
Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
We hate threads, buggy things.
Small tubes and sensors are threaded, up to about 1/2".
We also use grooved fittings, mechanical joints, etc.
Very nice when people know how to use them, much faster than welding in situations where they are suitable.
PUMPDESIGNER
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
rmw
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
If threading in field operations is here to stay, then the best way I've found to keep chunks of tape out of downstream equipment is to tape the joint and follow the tape job with teflon paste. I've found this to effectively capture the tape and provide better results than either by itself.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
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RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
The fundamental problem with screwed joints is that few people know properly thread pipe anymore. Combine this basic problem with improper selection of thread sealant, and let the leaks begin. Many don't realize that there are pipe size limitations on all kinds of dopes & tapes, as well as factors like temperature. A lot of dopes are only rated to 300*F, many more to 400*F. It's important to read the label on the container.
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
u got one art.
although not explicitedly mentioned, but integrity of piping systems is essential to overall plant performance and life. a threaded joint is a weak joint and a risk assessment ought to be accomplished/considered for the fluid/piping system.
-pmover
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
Plus, I assumed by the question asked, that it was within the temperature range of teflon, or the question would have not been asked. If we go higher than that, then we are going to have to talk about some really high pedigree pipe dopes.
I see threads in 5000 psi, 900F service all the time.
rmw
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
We do thousands of threaded joints on industrial steam systems every year, and the leakers can be counted on the fingers of one hand. I don't recall a problem with strings of Teflon tape from our installations being found anywhere in the downstream piping. But I also realize that we're often the exception to the rule - around here, anyway.
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
Then, go give someone in your system some kudoo's. They are doing a fine job, or the nature of your system is such that there are not a lot of small diameter connection points to the system, which I doubt. I am referring to flow orifice taps, instrument taps, sample taps, etc.
Lots of teflon tape has ended up in these locations, or the instruments attached to them. On the other hand, if done right, it never has to happen, which seems to be your situation.
Congratulations to all.
rmw
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
If you need a fluid tight threaded connection use straight threads and a sealing surface, o-ring, or gasket.
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
On new threads tape has been used succesfully in most pressure classes that permit npt connections. when the threads are worn there is a habit of just wrapping more tape to make the joint secure. a number of failures have occured where tfe tape has been used and the joint failed.
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
The single main "problem" with screwed piping in most general industrial applications isn't the joint, or thread sealant (if it's been selected properly) - it's that screwed piping is typically looked at as something for the millwrights to use as fill-in work, between production machine repair work orders.
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service
RE: Teflon tape in hydrocarbon service