Quick Couplers

Quick couplers are used in a hydraulic or pneumatic system to quickly connect lines without losing fluid or fluid pressure. All couplings consist of two mating halves: the plug (male) half and the coupler (female) half. Quick couplers can be used under a variety of pressure and temperature conditions. Quick-action couplers are ideal for use in applications where fluid loss during connection or disconnection is undesirable. Typical applications include systems where tools or other devices are routinely connected and disconnected to a central pressure supply.  Common working fluids include air or pneumatic, hydraulic fluids, steam, water, oil, fuel, chemical, gas, or solid transfer.

Important parameters to consider when searching for quick couplers include body size or diameter, maximum working pressure, and working temperature.  Body sizes range from 1/8 inches to 6 inches.  Metric sizes may also be specified.  The maximum working pressure is the maximum fluid pressure the coupler can safely accommodate.  The working temperature is the fluid temperature range the quick coupler can safely accommodate.  Common hose connections include male NPT, female NPT, male straight thread, female straight thread, male JIC, female JIC, male BSP, female BSP, hose barb, clamp, and compression fitting.  There are several coupling mating geometries in general industrial and automotive use.  In general, they do not readily couple with each other, although different series within an interchange will mate with each other and some products are made specifically to couple with several interchanges.  Consult with the quick couplers’ manufacturer for specific geometry specifications and application recommendations. 

Other parameters to consider when searching for quick couplers include coupler connection mechanism, valving, body material, seal material, and features.  Quick couplers’ connection mechanisms include push-on, sleeve, threaded, and twist or bayonet.  Valving choices include double shutoff, single shutoff, and non-valved.  The body material is the material used to construct the coupler.  Some materials may be more suitable for harsh temperature, high pressure, or chemical environments.  Consult with manufacturer for material specifications.  Common body materials include brass, bronze, plastic, steel, and stainless steel.  Seal material choices include Buna-N (nitrile), ethylene propylene (EPDM), polyurethane, and silicone.  Features common to quick connectors include heavy duty coupling, swivel connectors, flush-face connectors, and sleeve lock connectors.

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Part Numbers for Quick Couplers