Everything You Need To Know About Pneumatic Fittings

Pneumatic fittings are parts that are used to connect sections of tubes, pipes, and hoses in pneumatic systems. Pneumatic fittings are characterized by lower pressure requirements and tighter seals, compared to hydraulic fittings.

These fittings are frequently used in pneumatic instrumentation and logic control systems.

The conduit between the pneumatic fittings can either be a pipe, hose or tube. It’s important to distinguish between the three types of vessels connected in the system in order to determine the fittings appropriate for your application:

• Pipes:

They are rigid vessels made up of one solid material. Typically, pipes are measured by their internal or inner diameter dimensions.

• Hoses:

They are flexible vessels constructed of multiple layers of materials. The pneumatic fittings for hoses aren’t permanent since the hoses are often replaced due to wear.

• Tubes:

They’re fairly rigid vessels, made of one solid material. Generally, tubes are measured by their outer diameter dimensions.

Types of fittings

Pneumatic fittings are usually distinguished based on their connection type and function.

Connection type

Air fittings can be attached via several connection methods, each with their own advantages and convenience.

1. Ball and Sleeve Fittings

Ball and sleeve pneumatic fittings connect the outer sleeve to the inner ball fitting. Typically, the sleeve will retract to connect and disconnect the ends of the fitting. Some of them may even function as push-to-connect fittings.

2.  Push-to-Connect Fittings

The ends of these fittings are designed to accept pneumatic accessories by pushing them onto the end. The fittings disconnect via some sort of collar retraction, making them ideal for applications that require frequent disconnection and reconnection.

Function

Fittings installed in pneumatic systems perform different functions. Let’s look at some common types:

1. Union

These couplings can easily be disconnected without cutting. They typically have built-in grooves on their outer (male) or inner (female) surfaces to accept connections and ensure excellent tube retention and release.

2. Elbow

The elbow fittings allow you to change the directional flow at various angles. Common angles are 45° and 90°. The elbow fittings provided by Utah Pneumatic have release rings to ensure that the unit being disconnected is in good shape. They also contain internal hexagonal holes to provide the ability of installing the fitting in a narrow space.

3. Tee

Tee pneumatic fittings connect the flow section via a T-shaped intersection, thereby allowing the fluid flow to either combine or split apart. These tube fittings are best used only for fluids like air and water.

4. Valve  

Valve fittings control the flow rate of air, in addition to connecting vessels together. The air entering the tube side can be controlled, while the air entering from the thread side, exits the tube side at the same flow rate (not controlled).

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Our store features pneumatic accessories for all your needs. From push to connect tube fittings to air filter regulators and nylon air line fittings, we have it all!

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