Reduce Contamination with Flat Face Quick Couplings

Modular machinery and equipment utilize hydraulic systems to power various attachments for versatility. Earthmoving machines such as a mechanical boom that can be outfitted with various buckets and grippers or skid steer equipment which powers various excavators, backhoes and other attachments provide cost efficient operations by managing the entire worksites with various hydraulic accessories.  Flat face quick couplings play an important role in maintaining hydraulic systems with optimum pressure and leak free performance.

It is important to maintain a tight seal when hydraulic lines are subjected to mechanical stress and working pressure.  The ability to quickly couple and uncouple hydraulic lines is also important to maintain productivity, especially when frequent changeovers are required. Frequent quick coupling and uncoupling of various attachments provides more opportunity for hydraulic fluid leaks, contaminating the environment and the hydraulic system.  

Risks of Contamination to Hydraulic Systems

When disconnecting hydraulic lines, both the male and female quick connect ends become an entry point for contamination to the hydraulic system. If dirt, foreign material and impurities become deposited on the connector end, it can enter the hydraulic system and be transported along with hydraulic fluid to mechanical components. This contamination can damage the pump or various other mechanical components including the structure itself. 

Impurities which are known to contaminate hydraulic systems include:

• Air:  Air inclusions can sometimes dissolve in the flow unlike contamination from solids or chemicals. In instances where air contamination does not dissolve, however, this can create an imbalance in pressure and temperature. Air contamination can create dangerous situations with loss of control over the entire system.
• Chemical: a water contamination can completely alter the composition of hydraulic fluid and reduce the ability of the hydraulic system to produce power.  Water contamination can also form ice in low-temperature applications which leads to dangerous obstructions or creates unintended chemical reactions which lead to rust and damaged components. 
• Solids: solid traces of dust and dirt increase friction and compromise the integrity of hydraulic fluid in the entire circuit. This reduction in lubrication can lead to premature wear and tear of components, equipment malfunctions and even structural damage to machinery.

As you can see, it is extremely important to prevent contamination to hydraulic systems by maintaining efficient and leak free quick couplers. Flat face quick couplers and adapters provide quick coupler solutions with a contamination proof hydraulic system, protecting the environment and preventing circuit contamination.  

Stucchi offers a wide selection of flat face quick couplers, threaded flat face quick couplers and a vast product line to meet the demands of high-pressure, critical applications. We analyze your process and provide quick coupler solutions to minimize risk for contamination while improving efficient quick coupler operations. For more than 60 years, our experienced technical team has provided safe, efficient and leak free quick connect operations to a wide range of industries.

Stucchi is recognized as a leading global supplier and authority on hydraulic quick connect solutions. We excel at problem solving and improving hydraulic operations for efficiency and safety. Contact us to learn more and to speak with an engineer about improving your hydraulic systems with leak free and efficient quick coupler solutions.