Cole-Parmer is known for providing a broad range of quality fittings, and we're proud to include compression fittings and compression adapters in this offering. "Compression" refers to the style of connection made with tubing; typically, a compression fitting mates with rigid tubing. Because of its rigidity, the tubing doesn't bend or flex much to accommodate a hose barb. Instead of being inserted into the tubing, as with a hose barb, the original compression fitting connected around the outside of the tubing. The joint was secured to the tubing through ferrules and compression nuts; as the compression nut is threaded onto the fitting, the pressure with the ferrule creates a tight seal around the outside of the tubing. Some compression connectors still form a seal with the tubing this way today, but there are other compression connectors that may use a single-piece design or a plastic gripper in place of ferrules to help maintain a proper seal. Each compression connector, however, includes a compression nut to accomplish the connection. Most standard plastic compression fittings will maintain a seal up to 50 psi, while metal compression fittings may provide a reliable seal up over 200 psi.
Cole-Parmer also offers flare fittings. Related to compression fittings, these connectors use a similar style of compression joint to connect to tubing. Before assembly to the flare fitting, the tubing is "flared" (i.e. heated close to melting point and then expanded at its open end with a flaring tool). The flared tubing end is then inserted into the flare connector, and the compression nut is threaded over the tubing to create the seal. Flare fittings typically hold pressures up to 220 psi.
The compression connector family is ideal when working with any rigid tubing, including tubing made from fluoropolymers (PFA, PTFE, FEP, PVDF), from other rigid plastics (nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene), and from metals. If desired, compression fittings may also work with flexible tubing; they just require a tubing insert made from a rigid material that helps the tubing maintain shape to be used in conjunction with the compression connector to accomplish a secure seal.
Because of their durability, pressure and chemical resistance, Cole-Parmer also offers compression adapters to convert between a threaded port and a compression connection to rigid tubing. The compression adapter is available with either male or female NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads.
Choose from a variety of materials, including brass, two versions of PFA, PTFE, PVDF, nylon, two versions of polypropylene, and stainless steel.
Cole-Parmer provides you with the information you need to select the optimal compression fitting for your needs. We provide the basic physical property information including temperature and pressure rating for each material formulation. Our chemical resistance charts help determine the fitting material with best chemical compatibility to your process. Our compression fitting and compression adapter selection includes:
Configurations include straight unions, reducing unions, standard and reducing elbows, tees, and crosses. Up to 9 materials available.
- Sizing: 1/16" to 3/4" ID. Also available in metric sizes
- Available materials include: brass, PharmaFluor PFA, Chemfluor PTFE, Nylon, PFA, polypropylene (white and black), PVDF, and 316 stainless steel
Configurations include either straight or elbow adapters for compression to either male or female threads, branch tees, and run tees. Up to 9 materials available.
- Sizing: 1/16" to 3/4" ID
- Available materials include: brass, PharmaFluor PFA, Chemfluor PTFE, Nylon, PFA, polypropylene (white and black), PVDF, and 316 stainless steel
Available accessories include replacement compression nuts and ferrules, grooving tools, and tubing inserts.
- Sizing: 1/8" to 3/4" ID
- Available materials include: brass, PFA, white polypropylene, PVDF, and 316 stainless steel
Kits available in nyon, white polypropylene, and PVDF. Choose from connector/reducer kits, threaded adapter kits, and elbow/tee kits.
- Sizing: 1/4" to 1/2" ID
- Available materials include: nylon, white polypropylene, and PVDF
A perfect leak-tight and high-pressure connection for corrosive chemical applications. Configurations include straight unions, reducing unions, male thread adapters, elbows, male threaded elbow adapters, tees, and branch tees.
- Sizing: 1/4" to 3/4" ID
- Available materials include: PFA