WireFree - Tube Fitting Locking Device

Parker's new WireFree locking device is designed as a 'fit-and-forget' solution that overcomes all the disadvantages of wire locking. It can be fitted to standard compression fittings on new or existing systems very easily and quickly, without requiring any modification, realignment or disassembly of components. The device is also ideal for replacing existing wire locks during routine MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) operations – installers merely need to remove the wire before fitting the new unit.

Parker’s unique WireFree locking device was  originally developed for a leading supplier of  instrumentation to the offshore oil and gas industry,  which sought a better alternative to wire locking  compression tube fittings on deepwater ‘Christmas  tree’ fluid flow assemblies.  Designed as a ‘fit-and-forget’ solution, the patented  device is fabricated almost entirely from 6Mo  stainless steel for superb corrosion resistance, with  an open construction that minimizes crevices. The WireFree locking device is supplied pre- assembled as a single part, simplifying installation  significantly. Depending on configuration, it comprises one or more flexible clamp arms with  pre-attached rigid support plates.  To lock both compression nuts on a standard  90 ̊ elbow fitting, for example, the installer  simply places the clamp arms around the nuts  and tightens a single securing screw to the  recommended torque.

Wire locking is a technique that is widely used in the aerospace industry to guard against components such as securing bolts and nuts on tube fittings working loose during service. It involves the use of pre-drilled parts – which cannot easily be retrofitted – and is only suitable for some types of fittings. The wire that is used is normally stainless steel, which is sharp and difficult to manipulate. And in the case of wire-locked compression tube fittings, it is important that the wire is not tensioned in such a way that it could cause the nut to rotate slightly and potentially compromise connection integrity. Correctly installing wire locking consequently demands skill and is time consuming – it can take anywhere between five and 15 minutes per component, depending on accessibility. On a typical subsea Christmas tree containing several hundred instrumentation tube compression fittings this can easily account for tens of hours of extra assembly time.

Markets:
• Oil and Gas Offshore
• Oil and Gas Onshore
• Petrochemical
• Chemical

Features/Benefits:
• Unique wire-free design – five times stronger than wire  locks
• Typically less than two  minutes to install
• 6Mo stainless steel  construction with minimal  crevices
• Supplied preassembled – no  separate part

Applications:
• Subsea christmas trees
• Subsea manifolds
• Instrumentation lines