Unions

[Lopez Mike]

I have seen pipe unions on other steam boats that are not the usual bulky type that I get from a hardware store. They were steel and looked a lot like a hydraulic fitting. All surfaces machined.

These are not quick disconnects. It takes two wrenches to uncouple them just like a regular pipe union. Also I don't need a swivel connector adjustable for angle.

I have three things to disconnect when I knock down for trailering; the whistle, the safety valve and the pressure gauge. Two are 1/2" and the gauge is 1/4". I dislike disturbing pipe threads. Too hard to get things like the gauge aligned and still get a good seal.

Any leads would be most appreciated.

Mike

[Chris W]

Mike,
Is this what you have in mind?
http://www.mcmaster.com/#cadinlnord/4464k486/=n611as
This one is 304 SS but appears to be machined all over.

[racerfrank]

Maybe it was pipe thread to AN style fittings.

[Lopez Mike]

The McMaster Carr unit is nice looking but still just as large as a cast iron or steel one. I'll keep that link as a backup. Thanks.

I'll look into AN fittings to see if there is such a thing as a union. Good idea.

Mike

[Oilking]

Mike,
Try a Swagelok balljoint unionhttp://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webca ... 01-147.pdfpage 15.
These are good for 6000psi or more.

Dave

[farmerden]

Come to McConnel and see mine! Den

[Oilking]

Mike,
I have also found that WIKA makes a rotating gauge adaptor, others may also make something similar. Branom Interments is a Wika dealer on our corner of the country.

Dave

[Lopez Mike]

Can't find it in their on line catalog. I'll give Branom a call tomorrow.

Do they disconnect or just swivel?

Mike

[Oilking]

Here's the page I found with the WIKA unions.
http://www.wika.com.ar/upload/DS_AC0905_GB_5382.pdf
Good luck

Dave

[Lopez Mike]

Very nice looking units. I have a request in for price and availability. Probably really expensive!

They look like they would work fine for a gauge, maybe not so good for the whistle and have way too small a passage for the safety.

The more I look at them the more I think I could do a decent job of making my own. Some hex stock and an evening at the lathe. A copper washer in place of the Teflon one they use. Hmm.

One more Winter project.

Mike