It is always a challenge in the Texas oil field to be able to complete the installation of all aspects of a drilling rig, mud tank, and systems as quickly as possible, but also in a way that is safe, effective and eliminates the problem of leaks.
In enjoining mud tanks, one of the challenges is the traditional type of flanged connection. While this is a highly effective option in creating a leak-free seal, it also requires that the mud tanks are perfectly aligned to tighten the flange to make the seal.
The Hammer Union
Another option, which is just as effective and does not require the tanks to be in alignment, is the hammer union. These are used in the Texas oil fields, and they have a solid reputation for being reliable, long-lasting, leakproof and also easy to install and to break down when needed.
It is important to keep in mind there are two different categories or types of hammer unions on the market. They cannot be interchanged. One is a hammer standard union, which is used for oil field applications, and one is the hammer sour gas union, used only for sour gas applications.
The standard types of hammer unions have three sections or parts. This includes a male and female part and the attachment, which is a nut. The male is threaded on the outside and attached to the tank pipe using a welder. The nut passes through this part to the female part, which contains the O-ring to complete the seal.
Hammering on the nut seals the union, with the O-ring being compressed into the connection. Depending on the type of pressure in the system, there are different sizes and options in hammer unions available, and they are typically color-coded from the manufacturer for easy identification and use in the field.
