Almost every industry has some sort of need to connect two lines together to extend service from one area to another or to ensure a reliable flow of commodities. The better the seal between these two lines, the more you can guarantee service and flow continue to a worksite, client, or service provider.
The problem is whenever these connections are broken in some way, they can cause severe delays in providing service or finishing up a job. Quality camlock fittings are essential in so many industries, and keeping them properly maintained ensures longevity and reliability.
What are Camlock Fittings?
A camlock fitting, sometimes known as a cam and groove coupling, connects two hoses or pipes together to ensure the proper flow. They are fairly easy to install because they require little to no tools and can replace other issues around extending or connecting hoses in a worksite or other area.
These are also highly cost-effective solutions across pretty much any industry. As long as you are receiving your camlock fittings from a trusted and industry-leading source, you will experience a versatile solution.
Most do not have any threads when connecting, so you do not have to worry about dirt and buildup getting into the actual connection, making them critical for dirty environments and industries requiring a lot of frequent changes like oil, gas, and chemicals.
How Does a Camlock Fitting Work?
This is part of the beauty of this quick guide to maintaining camlock fittings. The use case of camlock fittings is incredibly easy. You typically have a male groove adapter and a female coupler. Then you just:
- Extend the handles of the coupler outwards and place the male adapter into the female coupler.
- Close the handles together until the two halves are appropriately sealed together.
- This creates a seal that prevents leakage.
- To undo the coupling, simply reverse the process (always check depressurization first).
Where are Camlock Fittings Utilized?
Camlock fittings are a low maintenance, easy to use, and cost-effective solution to transporting one commodity from one location to another. Think of a gasoline truck making a delivery, an RV getting rid of waste, or even some forms of fire hoses for putting out fires.
- What are the benefits?
You get a durable seal that prevents any unwanted spillage. This is critical in industries where a leak can damage the environment or result in extreme fines (oil, chemical, gas). They are also highly versatile thanks to the rugged construction and material options that create a reliable solution.
- What are the materials?
You can find camlock fittings in a variety of material construction, including stainless steel, brass, aluminum, polypropylene, nylon, and more.
- What are the applications?
There are many industry applications you can imagine that have a form of camlock fitting. This includes agriculture for feed and waste, oil and gas, ink manufacturing, cleaning and sanitation, military application, and pumps.
How to Maintain Camlock Fittings?
To keep your camlock fittings in proper repair, you should always start by ensuring you have the correct size. For example, trying to fit a male adapter into a female coupler that is the size could result in leaks or damage to your system, especially if it is pressurized.
To get the right size, you measure the outside diameter of the adapter head or the inside diameter of the coupler. For most materials, you want to match the two with the same parameters, including:
- Size
- Temperature rating
- Application of use
- Material
- Pressure rating
- End Fittings
- Delivery type
Next, you want to double-check any of the camlock fitting accessories you have on hand. This could be the coupler, adapter, gasket, cam arm, and pin. All of these parts need to be in proper working order without cracks or poor connections to nothing leaks.
Finally, regularly check the sealing surfaces of the couple and adapter. Any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion, and you should immediately replace them with the proper high-quality parts.
Still Need More Help?
If you are still in a bind about maintaining and picking up the best parts for your camlock fitting needs, speak to the experts at Union Metal. For years customers have been returning and referring business to Union Metal because of the reliable parts and exceptional customer service to ensure every single interaction meets the specifications of your camlock fitting needs.
With more than 15 years of industry experience, Union Metal is a manufacturer of superior camlock fitting parts and a research and development team pushing the industry forward into new innovations and solutions. Learn more by contacting the excellent support team and find the right camlock fitting for your industry application today!
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