If you constantly work with air compressor and air tools, or planning to set up a permanent system for a workshop, then among other equipments and tools, you need to know everything about air hose fittings, its types and it various sizes. Although, almost all consumer air tools, compressors, and hose systems come with standard fitting sizes, it is significant to understand about their sizes, uses and universal measurements available.
What are Air Compressor Hose Fittings?
Although air hose fittings are quite small but they play a very significant role in proper functioning of air compressors and the air tools they are attached with. These fittings assist in maintaining a constant flow of air and pressure inside the hose so that the performance of air tools remains efficient. These parts connect sections of hose, pipe and tube in various pneumatic systems. When compared to its hydraulic counterpart, air fittings feature tighter seals and lower pressure requirements. Apart from connecting, various air components, the air fittings aids in stopping the flow of unused ports as well as control the direction of the air flow.<./p>
Types of Air Compressor Hose Fittings and Features
Air Hose Fitting differs for each application depending upon various factors. These factors add functionality required for certain operations. While choosing the right fitting, one needs to keep in mind the factors that include type of tubing type, air pressure or P.S.I requirement, thread type of fitting needed, material of the fitting and other concerns. Below are an array of fittings and popular styles available.
Reducer
This type of fitting usually connects tubes of smaller size. It enables connection between two or more conduits of different sizing.
Bush Threaded Fittings
Threaded fittings bear screw threads on the inner (female) or the outer (male) surfaces in order to match other threaded fittings. There are straight threads that are used for simple applications whereas tapered threads offer a better seal. Equal threaded union and unequal threaded union are used to join pipes or tubes of same dimensions and different dimensions respectively.
Elbow
Elbow fittings change the direction of the flow at two angles without the risk of tube kinking. It connects to hose at 45 or 90-degree angle to change the air flow direction. They comprise of female or male threaded secondary port. Normal elbows have same length arms whereas long elbows have one arm longer than other.
Hose Joiner
Hose tails are used to connect hoses to couplings or even two hoses together. While selecting the hose tail ensure to choose the correct size based on the inner diameter of the hose and then secure the joint with the help of jubilee clip.
Sockets
Socket, a short length female threaded pipe of uniform cross-section, is used to connect two male treads of same size together. Size of sockets vary and are selected based on the size of the male threads to be connected. Depending upon the application, various material options are also present.
Y Socket Fitting
Y socket fittings comprises of 3-connection ports in form of a “Y” shape. Each port connection can link have female or male threads. The fitting can be used for distributing or mixing the media that depends upon which ports are selected to be inlets or outlets. Thus, it is important to select the right materials and connect the fittings properly.
How to measure Air Hose Fittings
After the first step of deciding, the type of fitting required is completed, comes the integral part of selecting the perfect size of air fitting. Proper sizing is integral for efficient functionality as undersized or oversized parts will be either incompatible or will not seal or connect adequately.
Firstly select the suitable measurement system for compatibility while choosing the proper sizing, between the two systems of measurement i.e. Metric (mm) and English (“). The size of an air fitting is measured by the size of vessel it connects to. Conduits such as pipes, tubes and hoses are sized with help of their inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) in inches or millimetre. The outside diameter implies the thickness of tubing wall whereas inner diameter measures the diameter of empty part of the cylinder. Many different types of air fittings are available but most air tools use one of the few type of connectors. Common fixing types are 1/4” PCL, 1/4” BSP and 3/8” NPT.
It is important to have air hose and fittings that are durable and reliable for safe and efficient function of air tools. Fittings must be kept in good working shape in order to ensure optimal working condition of equipments they are attached to. Ranger Stork offers a wide collection of best air hose fittings, air hose connector to complement its vast range of tyre inflation equipments and compressed air products. Our range enables you to extend your air supply, and is capable of creating complex air systems that are in accord to your requirements.