Quick Release Couplings & Quick Fittings
What is a Quick Coupling?
Quick disconnect couplings are widely used. They are designed especially to provide a connection where ease of use, without tools is essential and in situations where the connection and disconnection of lines need to made quickly, smoothly and repetitively. One half is usually attached to a flexible line.
Quick disconnect couplings are made up of two mating parts. These are a female half and a male half. The female half is referred to as either the ‘Socket’ or the ‘Coupler’ or ‘Coupler Body’, and the male half is called either the ‘Plug’ or the ‘Nipple’ or ‘Nipple Body’.
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Different Flow Types
Quick couplings come in three main configurations; each one with different flow characteristics. The options are single shut-off, double shut-off and straight thru connections. Each of these referrers to the type of valve incorporated within the design of the fitting. Each design has a different impact on the control of the media flow and flow rate.
Single shut-off
Single shut-off couplings are designed mainly for pneumatic systems using air and are suitable for use within systems operating at up to 300psi. The reason it is called a single shut-off coupling is that a shut-off valve is found in the female socket but not in the male probe; only one half of the system is valved. The female half should be installed on the upstream supply of the line. This way it is possible to shut-off the media supply when the quick coupling system is disconnected.
Double shut-off
These couplings are most commonly used in hydraulic applications and are sometimes referred to as ‘hydraulic fittings’. They feature a shut-off valve in both the female coupler and the male nipple connection, allowing the user control at both ends of the line. This means that virtually no fluid is lost on connection or disconnection. These quick release couplings can be used for either air or fluid transfer.
Straight-thru
If there is a shut-off valve already in place in the line assembly, it is possible to use a straight-thru coupling system, since the coupling, therefore, does not need this inbuilt element of control. Straight-thru couplings offer a range of benefits. Since there is no valve mechanism on either part of the quick coupling, the flow is totally unrestricted resulting in superior flow rates, and also means there is very little pressure drop.
Where Are Quick Release Couplings Used?
Most quick disconnects are designed using ball bearings (poppet valves) as a connection and valving mechanism. This makes them ideal for use within more rugged and robust applications such as mobile equipment, agriculture and remote hydraulics. Other applications include pneumatic, medical, construction, food processing, transportation and medical industries. Quick Couplings are utilized in fuel systems, cooling, test rigs, air tools and irrigation. They work well in confined spaces and the connection sits inline with the hose and pipe works.
How Do Quick Couplings Work?
Quick disconnects are a simple push-to-connect coupling. Quick couplings are locked together with a ball bearing mechanism (poppet valve), with the male half locking into the female socket once the sleeve of the female coupler is pulled back. They are easy to operate and no tools are required.
Which Quick Release Coupling Do I Need?
In order to select the right quick coupling, you must consider the following factors:
- Pressure
- Flow Requirements
- The temperature of your Media
- Functional and Environmental Considerations
- Media
Pressure & pressure surges
This is one of the most key elements for consideration. Quick couplings cannot be used if the system pressure is greater than the rating of the fitting. All couplings are pressure rated according to the operating pressure, as well as burst pressure. This should be checked ahead of purchase.
Flow requirements
Pressure drop is very important since this affects the overall performance of the line.
Temperature
This is particularly relevant to the seals and the compatibility of materials. The temperature of the media will also affect the material of the fitting and which metal you’ll need to use. For more information on chemical compatibility and seal type materials, refer to our Chemical Reference Chart.
Function & environment
Considerations such as corrosion, maintenance and cleanliness also play an important role in selecting the right system. Operating conditions, such as how easy the fittings are to access, the forces required to connect and disconnect, how much media loss you can tolerate, air inclusion, vacuum, weight, and size are all major considerations. If you require further support on any aspect of choosing the right quick release coupling, check our blog post on STAMP (Size, Temperature, Application, Media & Pressure). Or you can call us on 01235 512500
Quick Release Couplings: Technical Information & Performance Data is available here
Interchangeability
It is possible to interchange fittings between brands, as long as the couplings are made to the same manufacturing standards. For example, Action Sealtite’s own QuickBreak brand is interchangeable with Hansen, Parker, Rectus and Faster manufactured couplings. QuickBreak is available as an ISO B, ISO A and H Series Quick Disconnects.
Related Products
If you are transferring an aggressive media, expensive chemicals or if there are any environmental risks associated with spillage, you may need a Dry Break Coupler. We supply a wide range of brands and fittings within this product category and can advise you on the best solution for your application.
Browse the technical data sheets below and the related products. If we can help you with any further information, please call the office on 01235 512500
