Fabrication process of pigtail

Pigtail fabrication involves precise preparation, shaping, and termination, whether for piping systems or fiber optics, to ensure functionality, durability, and low-loss performance.

Piping Pigtails

In piping and instrumentation systems, a pigtail is a coiled or looped section of tubing designed to absorb vibration, manage thermal expansion, and protect pressure instruments from direct exposure to process media. The fabrication process typically includes: Material Selection: Tubing is chosen based on process requirements, often stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloys. Coiling: Tubing is bent into a loop or coil using rollers or mandrels to achieve the desired diameter and pitch.

End Preparation: Tube ends are cut and flared or threaded to connect to instruments. Inspection: The coil is checked for uniformity, stress points, and proper alignment. Installation Considerations: Proper orientation ensures condensate collection and vibration isolation, enhancing instrument longevity.

Fiber Optic Pigtails

A fiber optic pigtail is a short optical fiber with a factory-terminated connector on one end and a bare fiber on the other, designed for splicing to incoming fiber cables. The fabrication process involves two main steps: Fiber Preparation: Dispense a specific length of fiber onto a work tray. Strip the protective buffer using controlled heating and automated blades.

Clean the fiber ultrasonically with a non-alcoholic, non-combustible fluid to remove contaminants. Fiber Termination: Cleave the fiber to a precise length. Insert the fiber into a ferrule, aligning it accurately.

Apply and cure epoxy to secure the fiber. Polish the connector end to achieve low-loss optical performance. Automation in fiber pigtail fabrication improves consistency, reduces human error, and increases throughput, with modern systems capable of processing over 100 fibers per hour.

Proper fabrication ensures minimal signal loss, reliable splicing, and long-term network performance.

Summary

Whether for instrumentation tubing or fiber optics, pigtail fabrication emphasizes precision, material integrity, and proper shaping. In piping, the focus is on mechanical flexibility and protection, while in fiber optics, the emphasis is on optical alignment, low-loss termination, and repeatable quality. Automated systems are increasingly used in fiber optics to enhance efficiency and consistency.