Quick Disconnects

GGHYD Series - Quick Disconnects; what you need to know 

ARTICLE INDEX

Quick disconnects are fittings used to quickly and easily disconnect and connect fluid or air lines. These fittings can also be called Quick connects or quick release couplings. They consist of a coupler and a nipple. They are easily operated by hand and used as a good replacement for other fitting connections that require tools to tediously assemble and disassemble.  

In many industries, there are various types of quick disconnects being used to greatly improve end users’ experience by through simplifying connections/disconnections and preventing fluid leakage.

Technicians and Engineers easily use disconnects to facilitate the workability of their designs, save time and increase their product value. The design engineer will also find the ease of connection and disconnections will also save valuable time during testing and development.

In a bid to ensure and guarantee success and high performance, there are of various designs for quick disconnects and Engineers and Designers should confirm that the fitting can deliver the flow performance required by their design. Quick disconnects also have pressure limitations which it can handle, temperature compatibility and material selection is also very important are also to be taken into consideration.

Other important questions to ask before specifying a quick disconnect include: Can the fitting be operated with the use of only one hand? Do you need a shut-off mechanism in either or both ends of the connector? Or is no shut off mechanism(s) preferred to maximize flow capacity when connected? Is “dry breaking” required?
Is a non-latching disconnect required? Are there multiple fluid lines that require simultaneous connection/disconnection? Will disconnects have to operate under vacuum? What type of tubing or hose will be connected to the quick disconnect?

As earlier stated, there are different types of quick disconnects and they include; Snap type, Non-Latching, single shut-off, No-shut off, Double shut off, Dry breaking etc.

This type is also called Ball latching and it is the most used of all quick disconnects. The quick disconnects operated on the spring loaded ball latching mechanism which when attached or pushed together will automatically the two halves of the fittings together.

However, it also quickly disconnects and disengage when the releasing sleeves is pulled back. This quick release characteristics is of merit in designs and it requires many connections during the product life cycle because it is very easy and simple to operate.

It also requires no more than one hand to disconnect. The pressure limit for a snap type disconnects is over 100,000 Psi for fluid and hundreds of Psi for air/gassesg.

This types are often used when quick serviceability in a compact envelope is needed. A non- latching quick disconnects is an option when a part of the device needs constant and frequent change out, when disengaging sleeve could be inaccessible, or if the client or customer want to incorporate a quick disconnect directly into a mounting plate or personal design.

Non-latching disconnects mechanism is applied in Test trays, animal cages, and umbilical lines. Many types of quick disconnects can be supplied as non-latching so inquire with the manufacturer. Snap type quick disconnects are commonly specified with no shut-off, a single shut-off, double shut-off, or as a dry break.

This type of Quick disconnects are made without internal checks often used when high flow rates are needed and required. They are generally limited to shut-offs that are often used when high flow rates are required. 

For a single shut off quick disconnects, the internal half of the device contains a valve that prevents flow from escaping. This design is beneficial because whenever you wish to fill or evacuate pressure from a chamber or portable device, you just have to disconnect the line. 

The double shut off quick disconnects have internal shut-off valves “checks” which are in the internals and  both the coupler and nipple. The shut off valves the  fluid or air in the lines, without leaking,  when the assembly is disconnected. This is ideal for clean where fluid and gas needs to be contained and lot leak out. It is important and vital to understand that fluids can still leak out on quick disconnects that do not have this internal check system.

The application of quick disconnect is found in many machines and equipment such as Food packaging equipment, semiconductor production machinery, toxic gas detection monitor, analytic instruments, pneumatic tools, hydraulic power equipment, air compressors, drug and explosive detection device, snow plows, medical and dental equipment, power units, car washes, industrial applications, air and fluid line connections and lots more.

This is arguably the most known application of quick disconnects. hHas a quick disconnect placed at the end of your air or fluid lines. A visit to an automobile repair workshop would allow you see the quick disconnects in action when changing out toolong from imact wrenches to air sanders with a quick change made possible by the quick disconnects that are installed on the hoses attached to the air comprosser. Check out our video to see how much quick disconnects can save you time! Quick disconnects make tool change over a breeze.

Workers do perform a test to determine the ambient air or gas in a confined place before entering there for any work. Gas detection devices all equipped with long sampling probes that helps workers detect the gases such as CO2, CO, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, Oxygen, and other toxic and flammable gases. Often times, quick disconnects are used so probe lines can be easily switched. Gas detection devices are also used the aerospace, semiconductor, chemical processing, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Medical laboratories use blood testing equipment for running high volume medical tests. These analyzers are able to operate rapidly around the clock. Internal connections are usually fixed and positioned but when a service call is needed, the machines may need to be quickly disconnected from supply lines and then disassembled for troubleshooting. The quick disconnection needed makes a quick disconnect applicable.

Easily change hydraulic tools such as jacks and swagers from the pump, motor or hydraulics line. No more screwing or un-screwing oil lines that can waste time and money and be messy.

Some analytical Instruments are used to test water and air to determine and ascertain purity. They are also used to test the composition of pharmaceuticals and other compounds. Fluid lines needed to be quickly disconnected and disconnected because many gases and liquids are involved in the analysis.

Since the 911 terrorist attack explosive detection equipment and toxic gas detection equipment has become common in the many places such as airports, government buildings, military facilities, and arenas. These detective devices are used to scan passenger, luggage, and freight for explosives and narcotics at entry ports of airports. The detection devices make use of quick disconnects for a facilitated workability.

The process of producing a semiconductor requires the handling of chemicals, de-ionized water, gases, heat transfer fluids, and frequently the use of pneumatics and vacuum. The temperature and pressure requirements in the long manufacturing and test processes used in turning a silicon water into IC chips. Quick disconnects can ensure a safe handling which is dependable, compatibility with fluids, fast and leak free.

The time spent on packaging is very cogent. Money could be lost when machineries used for food packaging is down with fault needing repair. Packaging machines usually work round the clock with an operator positioned to guarantee smooth running of the machine. The work of the operator or technician is made easier with Quick disconnects that allows fast and rapid changeovers to reduce leaking of fluids and down time. Quick disconnects help the operator maximize machine up-time and profit for the company.

1. Quick Disconnect: A type of connector shell that allows fast locking (connecting) and unlocking (disconnecting) of two connector halves.

2. Quick Disconnect Coupling: A design feature, apparent in the rapid locking connector; it allows relatively rapid joining and separation. 

3. Rated Pressure: The maximum pressure at which a particular quick disconnect device is designed to operate.

4. Spillage: Occurs upon disconnection of the quick-action coupling. This is the fluid trapped between the mating seal and the valve seal of the mating halves.

5. Double shut-off: A quick-action coupling with a shut-off/check valves in both mating halves.

6. Single shut-off: A quick-action coupling with a shut-off/check valves in one half only.

7. Non-valve: A quick-action coupling without any shut-off/check valve at all on either half.