Research & Development

Advancing Science with Fluid Systems

Research and development is the generation of new knowledge and oftentimes of innovation as well. It is an activity that companies undertake in order to develop new products, processes or services, or improve those that already exist. Risk is often involved in the process, but it does not have to be. Your research already demands your full attention—fluid system leaks shouldn’t be part of the equation. Rather than spend your resources on designing, sourcing, building, and testing an assembly, you could leave it to our experienced fluid system specialists. We offer you convenient access to a global network of engineers, technicians, and other professionals ready to support your project from concept to completion.

There are many ways Swagelok acts as an extension of your laboratory, engineering, or research and development team, including:

Focusing on manufacturing quality and extreme precision that have supported both public and private R&D efforts and institutions for decades
Offering a wide array of products designed to help you deliver fluids from source to point of use, safely and accurately, with minimal waste and inefficiency
Providing access to experts who can support you at every step in the process and who understand your technical and business requirements for achieving optimal results

From high-pressure to ultra-high vacuum applications, you can rely on Swagelok for the fluid system expertise that keeps your operation safely on the path to the best outcomes so that your idea goes to market faster.

Applications

Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton supports R&D across industrial market sectors and assists research labs, university groups, facilities management teams, and architectural firms in reaching their goals. As a resource for those who strive for process excellence, we can assist you with an array of fluid system application needs including for:

Autoclaves
Catalytic reactions
Centrifuges
Chemical synthesis
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
Fermenters
Gas chromatography equipment
Gas distribution/delivery systems
Gas reactors
General lab equipment
Heat exchangers
Hydrogenation reactors

Incubators
Lab instrumentation
Oil modular skids
Pilot plants
Polymer chemistry
Purification panels
Solvent lines
Solvent filling stations
Test rigs
Vacuum systems
Water electrolysis

Products

Many R&D facilities find value in our products that help them meet stringent industry and customer requirements. We consider your total cost of ownership for every component or assembly we design and build. And we’re proud to bring you more fluid system solutions supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Fittings

VCR^® metal gasket face seal fittings offer the high purity of a metal-to-metal seal, providing leak-tight service from vacuum to positive pressure. Also find pipe fittings, weld fittings, and many other tube fittings in prevalent 1/4 in., 1/8 in., and 1/16 in. sizes―all in one place.

Hoses and Flexible Tubing

We offer a variety of core materials, reinforcement styles, and end connections to suit virtually any pressure and temperature requirement. Get bulk hose, hose assemblies, and custom hose lengths in sizes 1/8 in. to 2 in. Also find metal core hose and PTFE core hose rated for extreme applications. Plus, our PFA and vinyl flexible tubing gives you more chemically resistant options for low-pressure applications.

Orbital Welding System

Weld precisely and consistently with our orbital welding system, which provides cost-effective, reliable orbital gas tungsten arc welds (GTAW) for stainless steel tubing, pipe, and exotic metals. Orbital welding systems are easy to use, enabling quality welds with few preparations. Orbital welding also poses less of a fire hazard, helping your lab or research facility avoid incidents and injuries.

Pressure Gauges

We have a variety of gauges designed for conditions ranging from low pressure to severe service. Multiple-mount configurations make our gauges convenient to install. Additional measurement devices include pressure transducers, flow sensors, thermometers, flowmeters, and MPC products for miniaturization.

Quick Connects

Connect quickly and with confidence using our wide variety of quick connect configurations to reduce spillage and air inclusion in your system. We offer full-flow, instrumentation, miniature, and PTFE-sealed Swagelok^® quick connects.

Regulators

Get the set of capabilities you need from your regulators. Swagelok^® pressure-reducing regulators, back-pressure regulators, and specialty regulators maintain pressure and minimize droop over a wide range of pressures and flows. Specialists can help you determine the best gas distribution subsystem for your application; contact us for a consultation.

Sample Cylinders

A wide selection of sample cylinders that are compliant with various transportation industry standards helps you overcome the challenges related to chemical transfer. These durable, pressure-rated metal cylinders also prevent samples from escaping during grab sample system operation, and they are easy to clean.

Tubing and Accessories

Source the reliable tubing you need from us, including support systems, swaging tools, tube benders, and tube cutting and preparation tools. Our catalogs contain detailed product information including materials of construction, pressure and temperature ratings, and tubing options that allow you to build systems that last.

Valves

The true cost of a valve includes what goes into maintaining or replacing it over time. We design our products for lasting performance. Turn to us for process and instrumentation ball valves, check valves, needle and metering valves, relief valves, plug valves, bleed and purge valves, and bellows-sealed valves, as well as manifolds and stream selector systems for process analyzer applications. We also provide diaphragm valves for high-purity and ultrahigh-purity applications needs, as well as low-internal volume.

Engineering Services

Labs and research facilities across every industry are facing the same pressures, from increasing safety regulations to an overall loss of fluid system knowledge. This skills gap, coupled with pressure to grow profits, has many organizations looking for ways to train employees and streamline systems. Take advantage of the expertise that our engineering services provide.

Design and Assembly Services

Swagelok offers custom assemblies that support your unique needs. Application specialists can match your need to a proven solution or other times, take your concept and provide you with a finished product. With our design and assembly services, you can lower your costs by reducing your in-house component inspections, QA effort, component handling, assembly time, and rework and scrap.

Essentials Training

Turn to us for practical training courses designed for engineers, supervisors, and others involved with fluid system installations and inspections. Help your staff build confidence in their skills by building a basic knowledge of fittings, valves, regulators, hoses, tube bending, and much more. All courses are led by Swagelok-certified instructors. Ask our team about onsite and virtual opportunities.

Locally Stocked Inventory

We can assist you with inventory optimizing, organizing, labeling, and reordering to help prevent stockouts and reduce the risk of downtime. Eliminate transaction fees and avoid being bogged down by surplus items with carefully managed onsite inventory services.

Materials Science Training

Choosing the right corrosion-resistant materials helps keep fluid systems leak-tight. Learn which alloys resist corrosion and how industry standards impact your choices. Swagelok^® materials science training is for technical associates, chemists, and anyone involved in the material selection process.

Onsite Services

Get the most from your fluid systems with help from our certified specialists. Fluid system evaluation and advisory services can identify ways to mitigate safety and environmental risks, and can assist you with a plan to eliminate leaks throughout your facility. Improve sampling system reliability or let us handle your hose management.

Questions?

Email us or call 800-422-6410