Pipe fittings/connections
Posted: November 17th, 2015, 2:31 pm
Zildjian has asked me for information on reliable pipe connections. I had posted information prior to the site crash, but that was lost, hey ho.
Most peeps are familiar with the popular 'push-in' type pipe connections for water and pneumatic connections. These are quick to use and relatively simple to dis-connect. However they are not reliable in harsh situations, like under vehicles. If there is any scratches to the exterior of the hose (easily done when pushing through holes etc.), this can cause issues with sealing. If the fitting is in a harsh environment and subject to dust and vibration, this can lead to poor sealing, especially if disconnected and reconnected several times.
For a more positive connection, you can use a compression fitting with an 'olive'. These compression fittings are good positive connections, however they're not so good if you wish to change the length of the hose, or perhaps re-routing through small holes as once the olive has been compressed, they're not removable and requires replacement if removed (big hassle in the wilderness).
What's the answer? We use an olive-less compression fitting on all our air suspension systems (bar the connections to our basic gauge assembly which is mounted in a non harsh environment) as they give 100% leak-proof. The fitting as shown in the fuzzy photo below comprises of a hose barb/hose tail which is pushed in to the inside of the hose, then a cap is screwed over the top to retain the hose in position. These connections can be dis-assembled and re-assembled without detriment to the reliability.
These fittings are regularly used with automotive pneumatic systems, however I've also used them with the water plumbing in my own motorhome as the original push-in fittings had started to fail leaving me with soaking carpets
Any questions, do ask.
Steve
Most peeps are familiar with the popular 'push-in' type pipe connections for water and pneumatic connections. These are quick to use and relatively simple to dis-connect. However they are not reliable in harsh situations, like under vehicles. If there is any scratches to the exterior of the hose (easily done when pushing through holes etc.), this can cause issues with sealing. If the fitting is in a harsh environment and subject to dust and vibration, this can lead to poor sealing, especially if disconnected and reconnected several times.
For a more positive connection, you can use a compression fitting with an 'olive'. These compression fittings are good positive connections, however they're not so good if you wish to change the length of the hose, or perhaps re-routing through small holes as once the olive has been compressed, they're not removable and requires replacement if removed (big hassle in the wilderness).
What's the answer? We use an olive-less compression fitting on all our air suspension systems (bar the connections to our basic gauge assembly which is mounted in a non harsh environment) as they give 100% leak-proof. The fitting as shown in the fuzzy photo below comprises of a hose barb/hose tail which is pushed in to the inside of the hose, then a cap is screwed over the top to retain the hose in position. These connections can be dis-assembled and re-assembled without detriment to the reliability.
These fittings are regularly used with automotive pneumatic systems, however I've also used them with the water plumbing in my own motorhome as the original push-in fittings had started to fail leaving me with soaking carpets
Any questions, do ask.
Steve