A pipe coupler connects two sections of pipe together using friction or compression. They can be made of metal, plastic or elastomers and are used in low pressure applications. Different types include friction, angled, compression, flared and quick connect couplers.
A pipe coupler is a connector that joins two sections of pipe together, using friction or compression to seal the connections. The pipes can be made of metal, plastic or flexible elastomers and are used for the transport of liquids and gases in low pressure applications. Most tubing is not manufactured with connections at both ends, as many applications require non-standard lengths of tubing and can easily be cut to size.
The addition of a pipe coupler allows the user to size pipe to fit their needs, connect sections, and quickly complete an installation. Some couplers are designed to be connected and disconnected repeatedly, allowing you to move or disconnect pipes for adding different accessories. Others may be considered permanent connections, because the two halves are screwed together and must be removed with tools.
It is possible to make friction connections for low pressure plastic pipes, as the pipe coupler is made with prongs that hold the pipes together. The barbs are a series of rings that are pressed into the end of the tube. The rings have a slightly larger diameter than the tubing and create a leak-proof seal that can be used for applications such as medical oxygen tubing, exhaust tubing, or vacuum tubing in automobiles.
Another type of hose coupler is an angled connector, which allows the hose to change direction without bending. Some metal pipes can collapse if a user tries to bend them manually. To avoid this, angled joints can be added between two straight sections of pipe, allowing the pipe to change direction as needed.
A compression pipe joint is often used for plastic and metal pipes, where a leak-proof and semi-permanent connection is required, such as water supply pipes. For plastic pipes, a female coupling connection is inserted into the end of the pipe. Then a soft metal ferrule, resembling a washer, is placed on the end of the tube and inside the female connector.
The male coupler connection is slid over the end of the other piece of tubing. When the two connections are threaded together, the male connector threads into the female, creating a complete connector. As the two connectors squeeze, the ferrule is compressed within the tube coupler and expands, creating a sealed connection. Compression couplers can be removed later, but the ferrule usually has to be cut, as the compression deforms it and renders it unusable a second time.
A flared pipe connector is the most permanent type of pipe coupler and uses a flaring tool to shape one end of the pipe. First one half of the connector is slid in, then the tool shapes the end of the tube, bending and rounding it to a shape larger than the tube. This flared end fits into one half of the coupler located on the other section of pipe. When the two sections are screwed together, the flared end of the tube is compressed and is leak-free.
Quick connect couplers are useful when hoses need to be removed on a regular basis or when accessories need to be added and removed. This connector is common on compressed air systems, using a female quick connect connector placed at the end of the flexible plastic hose. Various accessories, such as tire inflators or air nozzles, have a threaded male connector and by pulling an outer sleeve of the female coupler, the male connector pushes inside and makes a complete fitting. These couplers can be disconnected repeatedly without damage, making them very useful for mechanics or homeowners who operate compressed air systems with different tools or accessories.
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