Standard fluid line systems, whether for simple household use or for the more exacting requirements of industry, were for many years constructed from threaded pipe of assorted materials and were assembled with various standard pipe fitting shapes, unions and nipples. Such systems under high pressures were plagued with leakage problems besides being cumbersome, inefficient and costly to assemble and maintain. Therefore, the use of pipe in these systems has largely been replaced by tubing because of the many advantages it offers.
Old Method Each connection is threaded — requires numerous fittings— system not flexible or easy to install and service connections not smooth inside — pockets obstruct to free flow.
Modern Method — Bendable tubing needs fewer fittings — no threading required — system light and compact — easy to install and service — no internal pockets or obstructions
For additional information, you can find a short presentation
here [PDF], and Parker Hannifin's Tube Fitting Installation manual
here [PDF].
Printer-friendly version