What’s the hydraulic couplings?
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What's the Hydraulic Couplings?

Hydraulic couplings are specialized connectors that facilitate the repeated connection and disconnection of fluid lines in hydraulic systems. Quick couplings, with their compact yet durable construction, enable seamless and efficient operation. They provide high reliability by ensuring consistent, leak-free fluid transfer in demanding applications, including high-pressure oil, water, and other hydraulic fluids.

About the Design

Hydraulic couplings have a straightforward design: a male or female plug inserts into a corresponding female or male threaded socket. Most hydraulic couplings incorporate a double shut-off mechanism, automatically sealing both ends upon disconnection to prevent fluid leakage. However, in specific applications—such as water couplings in car wash systems—a straight-through design is preferred, allowing uninterrupted fluid flow even when disconnected.

The structure of the hydraulic couplings

In the industry field, there are two styles hyraulic couplings. One’s stucture is the thoughway model! We also call it as Open type hydraulic coupling. Another is the double shat off hydraulic coupling.

1.Thoughway hydraulic couplings

There are no shut off mechanism on both of the hydraulic coupling and the plug.

That means there is no a floating valve to close automatically when the couplings are disconnected and hence the medium spill from the system. 

Open type hydraulic quick coupling-disconnected
Open type hydraulic quick coupling-coupled

2. Double Shut Off Hydraulic Couplings

This type of couplings shut off both (instantaneously) the socket and the plug upon disconnection. They can be of brass, stainless steel or steel with different pressure ranges, sizes and applications of fluid. Due to the shut-off valves in their both ends, so they retain pressure in both fluid lines when an assembly is connected or disconnected. They are ideal for minimizing leaks.

Double Shut Off Hydraulic Couplings-discconected
Double Shut Off Hydraulic Couplings-coupled

Key Considerations for Selecting Quick Couplings

When selecting a quick coupling for a hydraulic system, several critical factors must be evaluated to ensure optimal performance, durability, and efficiency.

1. Effective Orifice Rating

The effective orifice rating significantly impacts applications with high flow requirements. As the effective orifice size increases, the overall size of the fitting also grows to accommodate the higher flow capacity. Selecting an appropriate orifice rating ensures efficient fluid transfer and minimizes pressure drop.

2. Pressure Rating

The pressure rating of a quick coupling must align with the operational pressure of the application. Ensuring that the selected coupling can withstand the system’s pressure prevents failures, leaks, and potential safety hazards.

3. Frequency of Connection and Disconnection

The connection and disconnection frequency of the coupling is a crucial factor in selecting the appropriate type:

  • Automatic Quick Coupler: We designe for frequent connections, this coupler allows the plug to be inserted without manually activating the sliding sleeve. Disconnection requires manual sleeve activation.
  • Manual Quick Coupler: Requires manual sleeve retraction for both connection and disconnection, making it more suitable for applications with infrequent coupling changes.

4. Working Conditions

Environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or corrosive elements, should be considered when selecting quick couplings. In harsh conditions, corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or specialized coatings, may be required to ensure long-term reliability.

5. Fluid Compatibility

The medium passing through the coupling directly affects material selection. When dealing with corrosive fluids, we should choose both the coupling body and sealing elements carefully. For example, refrigerants can degrade standard NBR (nitrile rubber) O-rings, leading to seal failure. In such cases, alternative materials, such as FKM (Viton) or EPDM, should be considered for enhanced chemical resistance.

By carefully evaluating these factors, engineers can select the most suitable quick coupling for their specific application, ensuring durability, efficiency, and operational safety.

The Guide To Choose The Hidraulic Couplings.

1. Body Style

ISO Couplers: Standardized Reliability in Hydraulic Systems

We widely adopt the ISO couplers in hydraulic systems due to their standardized design and reliable performance. Their dimensions adhere to specific ISO standards, ensuring compatibility and consistency across different manufacturers. These couplers meet or exceed the technical performance criteria established by standards such as ISO 16028, ISO 5675, and ISO 7241.

A key advantage of ISO-compliant couplers is their interchangeability—users can confidently connect coupler halves from different brands without concerns about mechanical incompatibility. Compliance with international standards guarantees a secure connection, preventing fluid leaks or failures due to insufficient mechanical resistance in either half of the coupling.

By choosing ISO-standardized couplers, hydraulic system operators benefit from seamless integration, enhanced reliability, and long-term operational efficiency.

Hidraulic Couplings Body Style

2. Body Size

By referring to the following figure and measuring the plugs in your hands, you can easily determine the coupler halves you need.

Among hydraulic couplings, the ISO 7241-A series is one of the most famous worldwide, particularly in European countries, such as the agricultural and forestry machinery applications. In contrast, the ISO 7241-B series is predominantly used in North America and chemical industry offen choose this model.

Hydraulic Couplings Body Size

3. Measuring the Thread Diameter

The first step in identifying the thread size of your components is to measure the diameter accurately using a caliper.

For male threads (external thread), use the bottom clamps of the caliper.

For female threads (internal thread), use the top clamps to ensure precise measurement.

These measurements will help you match the thread size with the selection charts. However, your measured value may not always perfectly match the exact number listed on the chart. This discrepancy can result from manufacturing tolerances or wear over time. In most cases, the difference is minimal—simply select the closest matching size from the chart.

G thread:

G thread refers to the British Standard Pipe Parallel (BSPP) thread, which is commonly used in plumbing, pneumatics, and hydraulic systems. It is a parallel (non-tapered) thread that follows the ISO 228-1 standard.

G thread configuration
G thread dimension chart

NPT Thread

NPT (National Pipe Thread) is a standard for tapered threads used in the United States for plumbing, fluid, and gas connections. It follows the ANSI B1.20.1 standard.

NPT thread configuration
NPT thread dimension chart

O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) or SAE J1453

O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS), also known as SAE J1453, is a type of hydraulic fitting designed to provide a leak-proof, high-pressure connection using an O-ring in the sealing surface..

O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) or SAE J1453 configuration
O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) or SAE J1453 dimension chart

JIC 37° Flare or SAE J514

JIC 37° Flare (SAE J514) is a widely used hydraulic fitting standard that utilizes a 37-degree flare seating surface to create a metal-to-metal seal. It is known for its reliability, high-pressure capability, and ease of assembly..

JIC 37° Flare or SAE J514 configuration
JIC 37° Flare or SAE J514 dimension chart

4. Material

Brass

Brass quick couplings are resistant to corrosion, durable and strong. This material makes the coupling highly robust and together with FKM (Viton) seals, it makes the couplings able to endure high temperatures. 

Carbon Steel

The most commonly used carbon steel quick couplings are extremely tough, and resistant to pressures and tear & wear involved in daily use.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is essential for applications requiring high corrosion resistance and exceptional durability. This makes it an ideal material for quick couplers used in corrosive fluids or harsh environments. Additionally, our stainless steel quick couplings feature FKM (Viton) seals, providing an extended operating temperature range. This enhances their versatility, making them well-suited for demanding applications.

Sealing Element

NBR is the most commonly used seal material, while other compounds are selected based on the required chemical compatibility with different fluids. In particular, FKM (Viton) enhances quick couplings by providing a broad operating temperature range, making them suitable for a wider range of applications.