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A quick connect fitting, also called a quick disconnect or quick release coupling, is a coupling used to provide a fast, make-or-break connection of fluid transfer lines. Operated by hand, quick connect fittings replace threaded or flanged connections, which require wrenches. When equipped with self-sealing valves, quick connect fittings will, upon disconnection, automatically contain any fluid in the line.
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Uses
Quick connect fittings (push fittings) are used in a wide variety of plumbing, heating, electrical and fire suppression systems. Quick Fitting, Inc., Warwick Rhode Island has been a prolific inventor of innovations in quick connect technologies. Quick Fitting is the original inventor of quick connect for electrical, fire suppression and plumbing technologies, holding over 20 U.S. and foreign patents on quick connection technology. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Quick connect works by inserting the tubing into a connection mechanism that deploys fastening teeth onto the tubing surface. When opposing force is applied to the union, the teeth are forced deeper into the tubing, preventing separation of the union. Quick connect fittings offer a significant time saving benefit over traditional technologies and require little skill for their usage. There are a large variety of quick connect fittings in the market and they are found in all industries. They are employed many kilometers underwater, in drilling operations, in orbit, for docking spacecraft, and everywhere in between, for a myriad of reasons.
Cost
Unit cost varies from a few dollars, for mass-produced compressed air couplings, to a million dollars for large bore couplings used in the ship-to-shore transfer of liquified natural gas.