New Generation Non-Spill Quick Disconnect Technology

Traditionally, non-spill quick disconnect couplings have served the high pressure, industrial hydraulic market. Existing commercial designs are characterized by minimal air inclusion at connection and low spillage at disconnect. Common coupler package materials include machined brass, zinc-coated steel and stainless steel. Recent design innovations and improvements include advances in valve design, optimized flow area calculations and isolation of the valve actuation springs from the fluid flow path. These developments have led to new low pressure, thermoplastic quick disconnect couplings incorporating flush face non-spill valve technology.

For the purpose of this white paper and non-spill technology discussions, the following terminology is frequently used. As with any technical subject matter, it is important to understand and use common reference terminology.

Spillage: The volume of liquid between the valve faces that is released every time the coupler is disconnected. One drop of water = 5 ml. A traditional valved 3/8” coupler has ~ 1-2 ml spillage per connection cycle; Colder Products Company non-spill technology reduces this volume to .01-.15 ml spillage per connection cycle with the same 3/8” flow area.

Inclusion: The volume of air that is put into a system every time the coupler is connected. A traditional valved 3/8” coupler has ~ 2 ml inclusion per connection cycle; Colder Products Company non-spill technology reduces this volume to ~ 0.4 ml spillage per connection cycle with the same 3/8” flow area.

Leakage: Media that leaks out of the coupler while connected or disconnected.

Flow Area: The areas through which the fluid or gas media travel. Used to specify coupling size to meet requirements of tubing size, pressure drop, flow rate, etc.