Assessing the Application

Understanding your application is the key to proper selection of a connection.

• Temperature : Know your minimum and maximum temperature range. Standard temperature tolerances range from -40°F to 200°F depending on connection material.
• Pressure : What is the maximum pressure your connection will need to withstand during operation? Quick disconnects rated to 250 psi will handle most low-pressure applications.
• Media: The viscosity and corrosiveness of the fluid going through the connection needs to be considered. Make sure the media is chemically compatible with all coupling materials - including the seals or "o-rings."
• Shutoff Options: Do you need automatic or integral shutoff valves to prevent drips and spills? Shutoff options are single, double and non-spill.
• Flow: What are your required gallons per minute (GPM) and pressure drop? Be sure to allow for the effect of shutoff valves and tubing connections on your calculations.
• Tubing: What size tubing, both inner and outer diameter, are you using? Double check media compatibility.
• Tubing Connections: Hose barb, compression fittings, and push-to-connect are the most common termination styles. You will need to know ID for hose barbs, OD for push-in-fittings, and tube ID and OD for compression.
• Mounting Options : How is the connection going to be configured into your application? Common mounting options include pipe thread, panel mount, in-line or elbow.
• Special Requirements: Sterilization, NSF listed, USP Class VI approved materials, special packaging, color coding, keying, lot traceability, etc.