From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Problems and complaints regarding spherical pipe unions compared to the older coned type.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 141\2\ scan0117 | |
| Date | 13th September 1935 | |
| G.W.H Let me have your experience on 1000 miles tests Please. Olm Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Ws. Ey. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Sft.{Mr Swift} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} Sfty/Mr Matthews. Pipe Unions. The pipe unions we have used for some considerable time now as standard are of the spherical pattern, and the development of these arose out of dissatisfaction with the original type of fixed cone union. We have latterly been receiving a number of complaints about the spherical unions from different departments of these works which led to the conclusion that some new move is desirable. On the production side it is found very difficult to make a positive joint with these unions even if the faces have been bedded and proved by blueing. Also if the union joint is disturbed after having been successfully made tight there is often great difficulty in remaking the joint successfully. The example was quoted that the 20/25 engine fitted with coned unions of the old type gave no trouble, and with a view to proving the point 25 sets of this type were instructed for the Phantom engine on which considerable trouble was being experienced. It was reported that all of these 25 sets were completely satisfactory. On the experimental side it is found that these joints have a tendency to shake loose. This appears to show up particularly on engines with flexible mountings and in addition GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} reports from France that he has to over-tighten unions on the oil system to make good joints. We should like to have the considered opinion of all departments on the merits of the spherical type unions. It will be remembered that the chief point about this union is that it does not demand alignment of the pipe with | ||