Modern manufacturing industries rely on the whole organized hoses and pipes system, which also brings high demands on quick connection and disconnection. That’s where camlock coupling comes in.
Camlock fittings, or simply the quick connect hose fittings, or the cam and groove fittings, usually have two parts: male and female. The two parts are designed to lock together securely while withstanding high pressure and preventing leaks.
While camlock lock coupling is reasonably easy to operate, understanding their pressure rating is critical for the success of the pipe or hose system. But what is this pressure rating? And how much pressure can a camlock coupling hold? Keep reading! This blog will give you an answer.
Camlock Coupling, Pressure Rating, and Choosing the Right One
The pressure rating of a camlock coupling is the maximum pressure the quick-connect fittings can safely handle. The pressure rating varies based on the application and the quality of the fittings. Therefore, users must understand the pressure rating of the fittings to ensure they’re using them right. The pressure rating of the camlock coupling varies depending on the construction material used. This is because some materials are better at handling copious amounts of pressure than others.
Common camlock fittings materials include stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, and each has its uniqueness that makes it appropriate for particular applications. However, the pressure rating of each varies based on the thickness and material.
Brass camlocks, usually between ½” to 12”, have up to 250 psi maximum pressure, which is is compatible with gasoline, coolants, water, and petroleum products. These are easy to thread and cost-effective for low-pressure system applications. Camlock couplings with this pressure rating are commonly applied in the marine industry.
Stainless steel fittings are highly durable and robust, so you’ll find them in sanitary and food applications. Camlock fittings made from stainless steel have higher pressure tolerance (100-250 psi or more) than brass fittings. Stainless steel is also corrosion-resistant and, therefore, ideal for harsh environments. The material keeps in shape for longer. However, stainless steel fittings have a higher price tag than other materials.
While the aluminum camlock fittings tick the boxes as a lighter and easy-to-handle option, their pressure rating ranks below brass and stainless steel fittings. The rating for aluminum camlocks is around <50 psi to ~250 psi, which is often sufficient for irrigation and agricultural applications. Aluminum camlocks do well for petroleum products, water, and hydraulic oil.
Polypropylene camlock fittings are made from durable plastics. They’re cost-effective and have a high tolerance for harsh chemicals. However, polypropylene is not comparable in strength to metal. Polypropylene fittings are common in agricultural, coolant, and water applications. The psi range of the polypropylene fittings is 50 to ~100.
Choosing the Right Camlock Coupling for Your Application
Experts at Union Metal often advise customers to consider their particular system requirements before picking a camlock coupling. The critical factors include temperature, the type of fluid being transferred, and the pressure involved. The length and the size of pipes and hoses also play a role when determining the best camlock fittings pressure rating.
Union Metal Camlock Fittings
Every industrial system relies on the efficient working of camlock coupling and other fittings and understanding it is vital to ensure safe and reliable operation.
To put it simply, the pressure rating is the function of the materials chosen – the size and type of the material. Pick suitable material based on the particular needs of the system to avoid problems along the way.
Union Metal camlock fittings are of the highest quality to ensure the success of any industrial system. The reliable manufacturer has a range of products that are designed to meet various industrial needs. The fittings are constructed from durable materials such as brass, stainless steel, and aluminum and are available in different pressure ratings and sizes.
Contact Union Metal for high-quality camlock fittings suited to your business needs.
