Hydraulic couplers connect pipes and fittings in high pressure hydraulic systems, with quick release and screw-in types. They are made of non-ferrous metals, have tight tolerances, and include oil-resistant O-rings. Couplers are used in fluid and gas systems, and must handle high pressure and exposure to high temperatures and oil degradation. Quick-release fittings have captive ball bearings, while screw joints have internal threads. Both types include sealing-enhancing O-rings and connecting nipples or crimp sleeves.
A hydraulic coupler is a mechanical device specifically designed to connect pipes and fittings in high pressure hydraulic systems. These devices are usually rugged and constructed of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum alloys and brass. Hydraulic couplings generally fall into two broad categories: quick release types and conventional screw couplings. While they differ in function, both categories have common characteristics such as tight tolerances and the inclusion of additional sealing elements such as oil resistant O-rings. Hydraulic couplers designed for use as hose fittings will also include an integral nipple or crimp sleeve used to connect the coupler to the hose.
Couplers allow you to join or connect and remove pipes and fittings quickly and with little effort. They are used as standard additions in most fluid and gas systems including irrigation, pneumatic and hydraulic installations. The hydraulic coupler is one such device designed specifically for use in high pressure oil systems. The aggressive and demanding nature of these systems require specific design features and a hydraulic coupler will differ significantly from, for example, a garden hose.
These couplers must handle high pressures that often reach levels well above normal operating norms. They also have to contend with the damage of constant exposure to high temperatures and oil degradation without fail. Hot oil under high pressure is also highly flammable, so non-sparking materials must be used in the construction of a hydraulic coupler. These issues dictate that these couplers are typically made from aluminum or brass and are significantly sturdier than the low pressure types.
Hydraulic couplers usually fall into one of two broad categories, namely the quick-release and screw-in types. Quick-disconnect fittings have a two-piece male/female clip-on design with the female half of the fitting featuring a circular row of captive ball bearings around the fitting inlet. The male half features a bell section which sits in a matching chamber behind the ball bearings. The balls are forced into their seats by a spring loaded sleeve which holds them firmly behind the bell section of the male fitting ensuring a secure fit. When the coupling needs to be split, the sleeve is pulled back to relieve pressure on the balls, thus allowing the male fitting to be removed.
Hydraulic screw joint types work the same way as conventional screw joints. They also consist of a male and female halves similar to the quick-release variety, but lock together by mating an internal thread on the female fitting to a matching male thread on the male half. When the outer fitting is screwed in tightly, a secure seal is achieved. Both types generally feature common additions such as sealing-enhancing, oil-resistant O-rings and, in the case of hose fittings, connecting nipples or crimp sleeves.
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