TechLine MFG. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Capillary Spool?

A Capillary Spool, provided in carbon steel, aluminum or stainless steel, is a circular metal component used to help manage excess tubing or wire running to instrument stands. This product safely organizes and hides cable so that it is not in the way becoming a hazard. In addition to increasing safety in the area, it also provides a neat and orderly method of storing the cable. 

What are the benefits of Capillary spools?

The benefit of using capillary spools is to help organize and clean up the area where the tubing or wire is running. This eliminates the hazard of tripping over the excess material. Customers appreciate the protection and professional-look that these capillary spools provide. 

How is a Capillary Spool used?

Our Capillary Spools simply attach with a U-bolt and work with our pipe stands. The tubing is neatly coiled out of the way.  

What are the materials available for the capillary spools?

The standard material is carbon steel, and aluminum and stainless steel are available.  

What are the optional coatings for the capillary spools?

The standard coating for capillary spools is hot-dipped galvanized, but other options are available upon request including paint and powder coating. 

What is a Beam Mount Bracket?

A Beam Mount Bracket is a pre-fabricated bracket that requires no welding or drilling to attach to a steel beam. This bracket was originally developed to mount instrument stands, although many of our customers have constantly found other ways to use them including mounting televisions, hanging security cameras, providing lighting support and many other applications. The material options for this product are hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. 

What are the uses of the Beam Mount Bracket?

Our customers have found many ways to use the beam mount brackets other than mounting instrument stands such as: an industrial television bracket, security camera hanger, industrial lighting support, and many more.  

What are the Beam Mount Bracket sizes available?

The beam mount bracket accepts standard 8” X 8” base plate. We offer various sizes of beam widths from 4” all the way up to 10”. The beam mount brackets come standard with 5/8” diameter mounting holes on 6” centers. Custom hole patterns are available upon request.  

How is the Beam Mount Bracket better than traditional mounting brackets?

The beam mount bracket eliminates the need for welding, drilling, or utilizing numerous parts. This, in turn, provides for a safer mount on a beam for instrument stands or other components. No permit for welding or drilling is required. Additionally, the beam mount bracket is faster to install, reducing manhours. 

What are the material options for the Beam Mount bracket?

Beam Mount Brackets come standard in Hot Dipped Galvanized and are also available in aluminum and stainless steel upon request.  

What are the Benefits of Beam Mount Brackets?

Beam Mount Brackets are very easy to install and on saves man hours and on additional costs. This is a much safer alternative to other brackets because this product eliminates the need for any welding or drilling to be mounted to a beam.  

What is the weight limit of the Beam Mount Brackets?

Galvanized Steel weight limit is 250 lbs. while aluminum weight limit is 125 lbs. 

How do I request a quote for a custom product?

On our website, there are multiple links to request a quote. The easiest way to request a custom product is to click on the red button at the top right of our website labeled Request a Quote. Please attach any drawings you may have to the request form, or we can develop drawings to your satisfaction. Call our office at (800) 395-3369 to inquire about customizing a product.  

What is the average fabrication and delivery time for a custom product?

Typically, it takes three weeks to process and fabricate a product to get it ready for shipping. Shipping varies depending on the customers location; for a more exact estimate, request a quote and we will get back to you.  

What types of custom products does TechLine Mfg. produce?

With our onsite fabrication facility, TechLine Mfg. can handle any of your custom requirements including stands, racks, brackets, and more. Contact us for more information and to let us know what you need. Send us your drawings and we will build it.  

What are the optional materials used for custom products?

Custom Materials can be fabricated in carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. When requesting a quote, be sure to ask about the material options available.  

What is Snap Track?

TechLine Mfg.’s innovative channel type cable tray is a UL classified product using patented push-pin assembly. This product is a more sustainable option to conduit, working extremely well for routing and protecting electrical cables and tubing for indoor and outdoor applications. This is a less expensive alternative to conduit allowing some companies to save millions on large projects. Snap Track has been used in refineries, chemical processing facilities, liquid natural gas export facilities, power generation plants, pulp and paper mills, breweries, wineries, and more.

What are the benefits of Snap Track?

TechLine Mfg.’s patented push-pin assembly makes Snap Track installation easy and reduces installation costs substantially. The light weight of the product allows for fewer support points required, saving the money, material, and time that would be used otherwise. This product also provides much needed flexibility for inevitable future cable runs allowing additional cable to be added later.

Does Snap Track come in SS?

Snap Track comes only in UL Classified marine-grade aluminum.

What are the Snap Track specialty fittings?

Our product, Snap Track, comes in traditional fittings as well as specialty fittings to ensure efficient routing. These specialty fittings include specialty splices, reducing & plane adapters, waterfall exit fittings, and many more listed here.

What is the price comparison of Snap Track vs conduit?

Traditional cable tray installation savings include up to 50% compared to installing conduit, and Snap Track further increases that statistic by as much as 20%. These cost savings can be attributed to four primary areas:

1. Design Costs – Cable tray systems allow cable to enter and exit a cable tray anywhere along the cable tray route. This feature allows for the easy accommodation of additional cables.

2. Material Costs – Snap Track cable tray systems are made out of aluminum. This light weight material, along with 20 foot lengths, requires fewer components to support than 10 foot heavy HDG steel generic trays. Therefore, savings can be obtained from fewer materials being required for the final product.

3. Labor Costs – The assembly of Snap Track cable tray is easy and extremely quick cutting down labor costs significantly compared to conduit or generic channel tray installations. Snap Track cable tray systems use push-pin technology eliminating the need for tools to accomplish the job.

4. Maintenance Costs – Although difficult to quantify, cost saving can be obtained throughout the life cycle of the cable tray system. Snap Track cable trays are made out of marine grade aluminum and assembled using push pins. This allows cable tray rerouting at a later time.

How easy is it to change or reconfigure a cable layout with Snap Track?

Snap Tracks patented push-pin assembly makes it extremely easy to change and reconfigure a cable layout. This is helpful during construction change orders, and revision of cable routes post construction.

What are Instrument Stands?

Instrument stands are used to mount various instruments, control devices, transmitters, etc. in an industrial setting, such as a refinery or chemical plant. TechLine Mfg. offers a number of different options in instrument stands including single, double, and triple floor stands, wall mount stands, channel floor stands, and many others. Learn more about how we can fill your specific instrument stand needs with the “INSTRUMENT STANDS” tab at the top of the website.

What are the material options TechLine Mfg. provides for instrument stands?

TechLine Mfg. instrument stands come standard as hot-dipped galvanized carbon and other options are available as well, including stainless steel and aluminum. All these materials have the option to be painted or powder coated if requested.

What are the standard sizes of instrument stands?

The standard instrument stands that Techline Mfg. provides are fabricated from 2” schedule 40 pipe that use a flat cap design on top of 8” x 8” x 3/8” base plates. Standard sizes range from 42” to 60”. For a complete list, click here.

We also have the capabilities to provide custom fabrication upon request. To inquire about custom fabrication click “Request a Quote” at the top right of the website and input your specs or/and attach any files needed.

It normally takes about three to four weeks to fabricate a custom stand. We always try to exceed our customers’ expectations providing them with the best quality products as quickly as possible.

What is a Bag and Tag kit?

When installing instruments stands you will also need the hardware to install the instrument stands. The Bag and Tag kits contain all the hardware needed with the instrument stand, and allow for you to stay organized and quickly install the instrument stands by keeping everything together. Bag & Tag kits can be customized to your needs and may include grating clamps, U-bolts, fasteners and more. Bag and tag kits are provided based on customer specifications. These kits allow for easy, organized access to all the hardware needed to install the product.

What is a condensate pot?

A crucial component of steam and vapor applications, a condensate pot, (also known as seal pot and condensate chamber), is a welded pressure vessel that is attached to instruments and valves in line with routed tubing to allow for line sampling, elimination of fluid, and other processes.

What is a condensate pot used for?

Condensate pots are used to protect sensitive metering systems and devices by trapping and holding condensate and foreign material that may accumulate in gaseous service lines. They are also used to hold a liquid barrier between the main line and the secondary instruments to prevent steam, vapors, and corrosive/viscous process fluids from reaching those instruments. They may also be used to reduce the temperature of very hot liquids.

Is there a difference between condensate pot, condensate chamber, seal pot?

They are all the same, just called by different terms.

How are TechLine Mfg. chambers manufactured?

Chambers consist of a piece of seamless pipe with butt weld caps welded on each end. Connections are then welded in the desired position specified by the end user.

What industries use condensate pots?

They are used by a variety of industries, such as refineries, chemical plants, power generation plants, steel mills, etc.

In what material/alloy are chambers available?

TechLine Mfg. manufactures condensate chambers in carbon steel and stainless steel. P-11, P-22, and P-91 chrome are commonly used materials when working with higher temperatures and pressures. We recommend using stainless steel for drip pots because of its corrosion-resistance characteristics. Carbon steel is the most cost-effective material used, and hot dipped galvanizing is an option to prolong the life of a carbon steel pot.

Hastelloy and other alloy materials are available upon request. Aluminum and copper cannot be used for chambers due to their softer natures.

What is xRay and Dye Penetrate testing?

When requested, x-ray and dye penetrate testing can be performed to record film that shows that there are no non-unions and pin holes that would leak or weaken the state of the material while under high pressure and temperature. Dye penetrant testing is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials.

What size condensate pots come standard from TechLine Mfg.?

TechLine Mfg. offers stock availability for “A” configuration 2x12 and 3x12 sizes in carbon steel and 316ss, schedule 80 thickness.

How do you order a condensate pot?

Using the cut sheet available on our website and brochure, or by utilizing the quote form on our website, identify the part number by indicating size of pipe, length of chamber, material finish, wall thickness, connection style and connection size, as well as port configuration.

What connection options are available on TechLine Mfg. chambers?

Connection options available are female NPT, Socket Weld or other special connection styles. Please ask our application engineers if what you need is available.

Are TechLine Mfg. chambers hydrotested?

As part of building to ASME standards, all TechLine Mfg. condensate chambers are pressure tested to 1.5X their working pressure for a specific of amount of time prior to being approved and shipped. Every chamber is tagged and stamped with a specific test number that is unique to that chamber.

What is a distribution manifold used for?

Air Manifolds are most commonly used to distribute plant air to instruments, actuators, valves, and other pneumatically operated devices. The valves on the branches are used to turn on/off air being supplied to individual devices. 

Is there a difference between air manifold, distribution manifold, air headers?

They are all the same, just called by different terms.

How are TechLine Mfg. manifolds manufactured?

TechLine Mfg.’s Engineering Department works with each customer to build each manifold to the exact specifications needed.  Each manifold is welded to exact specifications listed on the production drawing developed. The body is made from s/40 pipe and branch connections can be male or female orientation in the size of choice. Standard male ports are 3” long threaded pipe nipples and female connections are usually half couplings welded to the body. The following optional inlet connections are available upon request on all manifolds: male, female, socket weld or flanged connections, and threaded, capped, or vent valve on the other end which would allow condensation to exit the system. Ball valves and vent valves are also available to consolidate purchasing and assembly process to save time. 

What industries use manifolds?

Manifolds are utilized in any type of industrial plant, warehouse, machine shop or where a large compressor supplies multiple fixed air supply lines to secondary uses of the compressed air. 

In what material/alloy are manifolds available?

TechLine Mfg. typically manufactures manifolds in carbon steel., 304SS or 316SS Stainless steel.  Aluminum is also available upon request.

What inlet connection options are available on TechLine Mfg. manifolds?

Flanged, Threaded and Socketweld are all available.

How are TechLine Mfg. manifolds tested?

All TechLine Mfg. manifolds are pressure tested to the customer specification prior to shipment. We do so because pressure testing allows us to look over the entire manifold to ensure the integrity of welds, valves, and connection threads. Upon request, any manifold can be further tested by having all welds X-ray tested and dye-penetrant tested. This completely checks the welds for full penetration unions.

What is xRay and Dye Penetrate testing?

When requested, x-ray and dye penetrate testing can be performed to record film that shows that there are no non-unions and pin holes that would leak or weaken the state of the material while under high pressure and temperature. Dye penetrant testing is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-weld defects in non-porous materials.

Does TechLine Mfg. offer any standard sized manifolds?

TechLine Mfg. does not currently offer any standard sized manifolds.  They are custom made according to customer requirements. 

How do you order a TechLine Mfg. manifold?

To order, utilize the cut sheet for distribution manifolds found on our website to develop a part number, indicating size of pipe, material finish, inlet connections, number of taps, orientation of taps, size of taps, spacing of taps, overall length, ball valve option and vent valve option. Alternatively, submit a drawing for the manifold required.

TechLine Mfg. Purchasing Information

What is a typical lead time for an order from TechLine Mfg?

Depending on the type of item ordered, quantity, etc., lead time may be a few days to a few weeks. Standard stock items can ship within 1 – 3 days, while custom-type products typically require 3-4 weeks ARO. Specialty items may take longer, depending on drawing approvals, materials required, etc.  Please contact TechLine Mfg. for more information on lead time for the product you need.

What types of product are in stock?  Not in stock?

TechLine Mfg. carries a large inventory of our products. We typically have inventory of all standard stock items, both in our Spanish Fort, AL, location and in our La Porte, TX, location. Standard stock items include a number of linear cable tray products with associated fittings and supports, instrument stands, condensate pots, etc.  Please contact TechLine Mfg. for specific product needs.

Do you produce any custom products?

While TechLine Mfg. offers a large number of standard products, we also specialize in fabricating specialty items for our customers. We consistently manufacture specialty instrument stands, instrument racks, support brackets, and other industrial items.  Please contact TechLine Mfg. with your specialty items needed.

How can I access modeling files for TechLine Mfg. products?

Modeling files for TechLine Mfg. products can be found in the Resources section of the website under Modeling Files and Typical Installation Details. Once in this page, you are required to input your name, email, and the company you work for to have access to these modeling files. If you cannot find what you need, please reach out and we will be happy to assist you. 

What types of modeling files are available?

The files that you can find in this section of the website include complete installation catalogs and our complete 3-D CAD catalog in various formats.

What engineering design software formats are available for the modeling files?

TechLine Mfg. offers a number modeling file libraries formatted in IGES, SP3D, Inventor, MicroStation, SolidWorks, Step, Revit, and 3-D CAD. If you need other formats, please call TechLine Mfg. for additional help.

How can I access cut sheets for TechLine Mfg. products?

The cut sheet files can be found at the bottom of any of our specific product's page, directly above the "Ask A Question" form. You may access our entire Cutsheet library in the Resources section of the website.

What information is available in the cut sheets?

The information provided in a cut sheet includes a description of the product, and image of the product, different options available for the specific product, how to include those options in the part number, and the dimensions that the product comes standard in.

What types of instrument/support racks does TechLine Mfg. Offer?

TechLine Mfg. offers two types of industrial instrumentation/electrical support racks: “ModRack Systems” and “FixedRack Systems”. Both of these racks can be used for mounting electrical panels, analyzers and other field equipment.  Find more information here.

What is the Mod Rack?

This innovative rack was introduced to the market with intentions of reducing installation time while providing quality support to electrical panel configurations. This prefabricated rack can be easily adjusted making it a great option for temporary and permanent applications. More information about the ModRack can be found here.

How do you order the ModRack?

To order a ModRack, you first need to determine the specific options you would like to have. You may create the part number to identify the specifications of the product you want to buy, or you may call TechLine Mfg. for assistance. A brochure link can assist you in creating the part number. Finally, after you have this part number, click the red “Request a Quote” button at the top right of the website and be sure to include the part number that you have created. Once we receive this form, we will get back in touch with you shortly to discuss pricing and how you would like to proceed.

What components are available for the ModRack?

ModRack comes standard with two 84” tall stanchions of 2.5” square tubing and with two receivers for the crossmembers. Additional receivers can be purchased if additional crossmembers are needed. These receivers accommodate 1 5/8 single strut, 1 5/8 double strut or 2” square tubing cut to any length needed. All the components can be purchased separately or as a complete kit making it extremely convenient while assembling the rack. It is important to note that the strut is not provided with the ModRack since contractors often have this available on site. However, TechLine Mfg. has it available as an option if needed. Roofs are also available if needed. Click the link to find out more about ModRack.

What types of custom welded racks are available?

The custom welded racks that we offer are called FixedRack Systems. With our onsite fabrication facility, these racks can be made to any specifications that our customers need. Call our office at (800) 395-3369 to inquire about customizing a FixedRack, or submit and RFQ here.

How do you order custom welded racks?

To order custom welded racks, click the red button at the top right of the website labeled “Request a quote” and be sure to include any drawings that you may have. If you do not have any, we can develop drawings to your satisfaction. Once we receive the quote form, we will be in touch with you shortly to discuss pricing and how you would like to proceed. If you would like to inquire about customizing a FixedRack, give us call at (800) 395-3369 and one of our personable reps will gladly assist you.