Gbex says: There are two common types of compression fitting, standard and flare fittings. Standard fittings require no modifications to the tubing. Flare fittings require modification of the tubing with a special tool. Standard fittings are generally used for water and compressed air connections, while flare fittings are used for gas and high pressure lines.
A standard fitting can be installed using an ordinary wrench to tighten the surrounding nut. To remove it, a specialized puller is often used to slide the nut and ferrule off the tube.
As the name implies, compression fittings form a tight seal by applying a compressive force to the pipes and pipe fitting. The fitting is compressed against the pipe with a force sufficient to eliminate all space remaining in the joint, thus preventing fluid from leaking. Try to go online and check this connector: FS6U.
The compression fitting is composed of an outer compression nut and an inner ring called a compression ring. This brass ring is referred to as a ferrule or olive. This is usually made of brass or copper.
When the nut is tightened, it clamps down on the ferrule, causing it to conform to the circumference of the pipe. Ferrules vary in shape and material but are most commonly in the shape of a beveled ring and are most commonly made out of brass or according to the pipe material. To work properly, the ferrule must be oriented correctly. Typically the ferrule is fitted such that the longest sloping face of the ferrule faces away from the nut.
It is important to the integrity of a compression fitting that excessive force is avoided in tightening the nut. If the fitting is overtightened, the ferrule frequently deforms and the compression fitting fails.
Overtightening is the most common cause of leaks in compression fittings. Generally, compression fittings are tightened to "finger tight" and then tightened a half-turn more with a wrench. The actual amount varies with the size of the fitting; a larger one requiring less. The fitting is then tested. If slight weeping is observed, the fitting is slowly tightened until the weeping stops.
The most important component in a compression seal is the compression ring itself. The ring is a thin piece of brass and is extremely prone to damage. Care should be used when installing them although if they become defective, it is easy for a plumber to install a replacement.
Masterful plumbers have been known in some instances to replicate the sealing action of the compression ring by using an artfully "woven" piece of teflon tape. This is usually attempted as a temporary solution to maintain a seal and prevent a leak until a new fitting/ring can be procured.
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