Sealing Methods

Port Fittings - Tapered vs. Parallel Threads

If dealing with a port fitting, the first step towards thread identification is to determine whether the thread is parallel or tapered. Parallel means the thread walls are straight; while tapered means the thread walls, if continued lengthwise, would eventually meet. A seal must be used for all parallel fittings in port application, with the exception of Cutting Face fittings, however these are fairly rare. It is important to note that BSPT (British Standard Pipe – Tapered) can seal into a parallel BSP port, and Metric Tapered threads are capable of sealing into a parallel Metric port.

This first step will help you eliminate a number of possible thread types, as well as possibly reveal the method of sealing. For a parallel thread in port application, the fitting will usually seal at the top of the thread by means of an O-ring or seal. With a tapered thread, the fitting typically seals via metal-to-metal wedging of the threads. A thread sealant is applied prior to installation to reduce instances of leakage on tapered threads.

Flared Seat vs Cone Seat vs Ball Seat

The ability to properly identify seats, chamfers, and their corresponding angles can also be a benefit to overall fitting identification. Flared seats refer to the protruding “nose cone” on a male thread, but also the corresponding inverted flare in a female thread. Chamfer is a term assigned to the internally bevelled sealing surface inside of a male thread, which mates with a female cone seat and is typically angled at 30°/60°. Please note the language is interchangeable i.e. Chamfers can also be referred to as Inverted Flared Seats and vice versa.

Ball seats however refer to the spherical sealing surface inside a female thread (swivel only) that seals with the chamfer on the inside of a male thread. These sealing systems all share a common trait in that there is a metal-to-metal seal created where the male and female surfaces contact (not including the threads).

Face Seal vs Boss Seal

Both Face Sealing and Boss Sealing fitting types utilize an encapsulated O-ring in order to create a seal. The difference is that Face Seal fittings have the O-ring located in the grooved area at the end of the male thread, while Boss Seal fittings have the O-ring located at the base of the male thread. The corresponding female Face Seal fitting has a flat sealing surface that engages the O-ring in the male fitting and compresses it as the fittings are threaded together and creates a seal. Boss Seal female fittings on the other hand have a grooved “boss” before the first thread that acts to encapsulate the O-ring on the male thread thereby creating a seal.

The most popular Face Seal fitting type is O-ring Face Seal, however this can be easily confused with HIAB or GB Face Seal fittings which also utilize Face Sealing. The most popular Boss Seal fitting type is O-ring Boss, however this can be easily confused with Metric ISO 6141 which utilizes Metric threads and a Boss Seal.

Metal to Metal Sealing

One of the rarer methods of sealing a fitting in port is Metal to Metal Sealing, also known as Cutting Face or Type B. This design creates a seal by means of a sharp “cutting face” at the base of the male thread that cuts into the flats or “spotface” surrounding the port when the fitting is threaded and tightened.

Cutting Face Type B is available in BSPP (ISO 1179-4) and Metric (ISO 9974- 3), although it is commonly mis-identified as regular BSPP or Metric port fitting with the seal missing. Look for a raised outer section on the male fitting where the bonded washer or seal would go; if it exists this indicates the fitting is Cutting Face.

Sealing Surface Angles

The angle sealing surfaces on fittings can be used to aid in fitting identification. There are a few ways to identify this angle, such as by means of angle gauge or by profile projector.