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Types of hose couplings and connectors: a quick guide

A coupling, or fitting, is the part that joins a hose to another hose, to a pipe, to a valve or to a piece of equipment. Choosing the right one depends on three things: the coupling system your installation uses, the fluid that flows through the hose and the working pressure. At Tecniman we have quick-connect, threaded, hydraulic, pneumatic and sanitary stainless steel couplings.

Which coupling to use for each application

ApplicationTypical couplings
Fire-fighting, water and irrigationBarcelona couplings (UNE 23400), Storz couplings, Express couplings, Geka couplings, Bauer couplings and UMT couplings
Tankers, hydrocarbons and chemicalsGuillemin couplings, Camlock/Kamlock couplings, Tankwagen (TW) couplings, API Tankwagen, dry couplings and valves for tanks
Food industry, drinks and wineClamp couplings, DIN 11851 NW couplings, SMS connectors, ITA (garrolla) couplings and stainless steel butterfly valves, all in stainless steel
Compressed air and pneumaticsCouplings for compressed air, automatic, double-cone and semi-quick pneumatic connectors, and ISO 6150 quick couplings
Hydraulics and hose assembliesHydraulic connectors: JIC, BSP, DIN 2353, crimp fittings and reusable fittings
Steam, mortar and blastingSteam hose fittings (EN 14423), couplings for mortar and couplings for streams and shotcrete
Threaded jointsBrass fittings, flanges and spherical couplings

Frequently asked questions about couplings

What is a coupling?

It is a connecting part that joins hoses, pipes and equipment in a leak-tight way. It can be threaded, hose tail or quick-connect, and it is made of brass, aluminium, bronze, iron, stainless steel or polypropylene.

What is a symmetrical coupling?

It is a coupling with no male or female half: two identical parts connect to each other. Barcelona, Storz, Guillemin and Geka are symmetrical, which speeds up assembly in fire-fighting and on tankers.

Which coupling is used in fire-fighting in Spain?

The Barcelona coupling to the UNE 23400 standard, in DN 25, 45, 70 and 100 mm. On motor pumps and equipment of Central European origin, Storz is also common.

How do I choose the coupling material?

Brass and aluminium for water, air and general use; stainless steel for food, chemicals and corrosive environments; polypropylene for acids and light chemicals; iron for mortar, blasting and shotcrete.

Can I order sizes or types that are not shown on the website?

Yes. Many types and sizes are supplied to order. Write to us through Contact and orders with the part reference or the application and we will advise you.