Approximately 70 years ago the flare fitting began to replace pipe thread connections in hydraulic systems. Pipe threads could not withstand movement or vibration without soon developing significant leaks. Flare connectors offered a more dependable connection, which could withstand the rigors of hydraulic systems and the demands of 1,000 psi system pressures. In addition, the fitting was easy to fabricate, field service, and installation costs were low. The fitting developed into a standard of the industry, and today is the largest selling fitting type. A typical flare fitting is shown in figure No. 1:

The integrity of a flare fitting depends on the quality of the flare, the absence of contamination during assembly, an un-damaged sealing face, the proper alignment of the tube/adapter sealing faces, and the application of proper torque to the fitting nut. Millions of installations proved the flare fitting to be resilient, and somewhat forgiving if all design criteria were not fully maintained. Misalignments and poorly flared ends would frequently seal in low pressure systems.

In the 1950's, system operating pressures began to increase to 3,000 psi. The reputation of the flare fitting began to weaken, as questionable joints began to leak. A plethora of new fittings designs appeared, all attempting to meet the operational requirements and low cost needs of the hydraulic industry. These new designs incorporated an o-ring or seal into the fitting. When installed carefully, these new fitting designs perform well; however, at two to three times the cost of a flare fitting. Today, the flare fitting is still the largest selling fitting in the world, attesting to its effectiveness and affordability. As system pressures continue their escalation to 5,000 psi and higher, the flare fitting's limitations become unacceptable.

In 2000, Mr. Norm Mathers, an Australian inventor, developed a seal to enhance the flare fitting. Like newer type fittings, the Flaretite Seal lends compliance to the sealing faces of the flare. It is not a new fitting, but an improvement of the old design. It can be field installed in any existing fitting which now leaks, or can be included when a system is originally manufactured. The seal is illustrated in figure No. 2 & No. 3.

The seal directly focuses on flare fitting's limitations by eliminating weeping, leaks, galling, face damage, electrolysis, over-coming minor machine defects, and angular tube misalignments, thus making the fitting 'leak-free'. The seal is easily installed by snapping the seal over the nose of the fitting, and torquing to the manufacturer's recommendation.