Camlock Couplings facilitate the transfer of products between two hoses or pipes. They are also called Cam and Groove Couplings. They are simple to connect and disconnect, requiring no tools (see diagram below). They can eliminate the need for some time-consuming traditional connections, such as prevalent on other couplings for hoses and pipes. Their versatility, combined with the fact that they are comparatively inexpensive, makes them one of the most popular couplings in the world today.

 

How do Camlocks work?

A male adaptor and a female coupler connect to form a fixed connection that joins pipe or hose together. They require no tools to operate and are quick and easy to implement.

  • The male adapter is inserted into the female coupler.
  • The female coupler arms will rise slightly.
  • The female coupler arms are then closed by applying hand pressure in towards the coupler body.

The camlock fitting remains united until both arms are released in an outward motion. The cam arms can be locked in place using the safety pins that are provided. For most situations they are not necessary and are only needed when extra precautions are required.

Inside the female camlock coupling there is a gasket already recessed in place. This forms a tight seal when it connects with the male adapter.

 

 

Figure 2: Connecting a Camlock coupling with a plug: 1: connection, 2: assembly lock 3: disconnection.

 

  • 1. The handle of the coupling should be extended outward, and the correct male plug should be placed into the female coupler.
  • 2. The two halves should be firmly locked together by closing both handles simultaneously. Closing both handles at the same time ensures that the grooved plug is consistently pushed down onto the seal, guaranteeing a leak-proof assembly for the safe transfer of product.
  • 3. Ensure that the hose assembly is de-pressurized before reversing the process to disconnect the fitting.  

 

Applications

You can usually find Camlocks in use within every industry where liquids and in some cases powders are moved from one location to another.  Such as Manufacturing, Agriculture, Fuel & Oil, Chemical, Cleaning, Food and Beverage, Water, Paints & Dyes, Adhesives and Pharmaceutical applications. This coupling is exceptionally versatile because it does not use threads, there are no issues with it getting dirty or damaged.  These couplings are incredibly well suited for situations in which there is a requirement for frequent hose changes, such as petroleum and industrial chemical trucks. 

 

Camlock Coupling Types

Figure 4: The different types of Camlock couplings

 

Camlock couplings are identified by their type designations, which are listed below while the image above shows a visual reference for the various coupling types.

 

  • Type A: - Male Camlock x Female BSP
  • Type B: - Female Camlock x Male BSP
  • Type C: - Female Camlock x Male Hosebarb
  • Type D: - Female Camlock x Female BSP
  • Type E: – Male Camlock x Male Hosebarb
  • Type F: – Male Camlock x Male BSP
  • Type DC: - Dust Cap (Female)
  • Type DP: - Dust Plug (Male)

  

 

Cam & Groove Materials

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
  • Brass
  • Polypropylene
  • Nyglass

 

Gasket Materials

All Metal camlocks come with Buna-N (Nitrile) and Polypropylene Cam and groove come standard with EPDM gaskets for better resistance to acid.

  • Buna-N (Nitrile)
  • EPDM
  • Viton
  • PTFE (Teflon) special order.

 

Camlock Fitting Threads

British Standard Pipe Threads (BSP) are widely used in most commonwealth countries. Threads have a pitch angle of about 55 degrees. They are designed to thread onto a pipe and tighten. Hose shanks are available on the Type C and Type E for a direct push in fit into the hose.

 

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