How Do Compression Couplings Work?

If you’ve worked with pneumatic conveyance systems, then you’re probably familiar with compression couplings. These couplings are designed to create a secure, leak-free connection between breaks in pneumatic tube or pipe. They work by using compression to create a strong, uniform, and reliable seal. Below, we’ll explore how compression couplings work and how to select the right one for your pneumatic conveyance application.

The Basic Mechanics of Compression Couplings

Compression couplings typically consist of four parts: a shell, sleeve, gasket, and grounding strip. The shell consists of one piece with flanged ends that are secured together by bolts to create the “compressed” connection. There is an optional gasket protector that can be added at the customer’s request. This prevents excessive gasket wear or contamination of the material flowing through the system.

While standard couplings are constructed using galvanized material, you can request to have them fabricated from stainless steel. Some systems require this depending on what is being conveyed. If this is needed for your system you will need to make sure and include this detail in your request.

Selecting the Right Compression Coupling

When selecting a compression coupling for your pneumatic conveying system, consider the following factors:

• Tube or Pipe size: Make sure you choose a coupling that fits the size of your pneumatic tube or pipe. Couplings come in various sizes and are designed to fit specific diameters. Make sure to specify what schedule or gauge of material you are using.
• Pressure and temperature: Check the pressure and temperature of your pneumatic conveying system. Choose a coupling gasket that can handle the pressure and temperature range of your application.
• Material being conveyed: Consider the type of material being conveyed through your system. Certain materials may require special gaskets, such as those made of food-grade materials for the food industry.

Compression couplings play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of pneumatic conveyance systems. By understanding how they work and selecting the right type for your application, you can ensure that your system operates safely and reliably.

At PneuComponents, our mission is to provide durable, cost-effective, abrasion-resistant components that are right for the job. Because we don’t believe in a cookie-cutter approach, our specialists want to discuss the challenges unique to your system. Contact our experts today so that we can find the right solution for you and your pneumatic conveyance system.

As a part of Progressive Products, Inc, PneuComponents draws on over 40 years of technical expertise and industry innovation to give you the best possible guidance and service. Progressive Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of abrasion-resistant components, and their products are used in pneumatic conveying systems worldwide.