Camlock Solutions for Secure Connections

There are many types of camlocks on the market, and you may be dazzled and don’t know how to choose. In this article, you will learn some common camlock types and related knowledge. 

I hope that after reading this article, you can choose the camlock that best suits your transmission system and equipment. 

Based on Material

The most basic classification is based on raw materials. The choice of raw materials is very important, which determines the various performances, application industries and application scenarios of camlocks made of different materials.  

Stainless Steel Camlock

The main manufacturing materials of stainless steel camlock are generally 304 grade stainless steel and 316 grade stainless steel. Camlock made of these high-quality stainless steel raw materials has excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and is very suitable for use in extreme environments of corrosive and high temperature and pressure. 

At the same time, the excellent durability of stainless steel camlock also highlights its very long service life, saving a lot of costs. 

From the perspective of raw materials, on the one hand, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, which greatly reduces maintenance costs. On the other hand, stainless steel has hygienic properties and can be used in fields with high requirements for hygiene and cleaning. 

With the above advantages, stainless steel camlock can be widely used in industries such as petroleum, chemical, food and beverage. 

Aluminum Camlock

Aluminum Camlock is a quick-connect fitting that is easy to install and remove. It is made of aluminum, a light and corrosion-resistant silver-white metal. This metal is lightweight, making the camlock very portable, and it is not easy to rust and has high strength. 

Because it is also corrosion-resistant, it is often used in corrosive environments and systems. Although aluminum camlock is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel camlock, it has another advantage – it is very cost-effective. If you are looking for cost-effectiveness, then aluminum camlock is undoubtedly a good choice. 

These excellent properties make aluminum camlock widely used in industries such as agriculture, water treatment and construction. 

Plastic Camlock

Plastic camlock is usually made of high-quality thermoplastics such as polypropylene and nylon, and has good plasticity. At the same time, plastic camlock also has good chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, suitable for smooth operation in environments with a lot of chemicals and corrosive environments. 

Because it is made of plastic, it is more cost-effective than metal camlock. However, although it also has good durability, it is still not as durable as metal. 

Like aluminum camlock, plastic camlock is also very lightweight and suitable for portable applications. You can often see it in many temporary setups and equipment. It is worth mentioning that plastic camlock has excellent electrical insulation properties and is a safer choice in applications where the possibility of conductivity needs to be considered. 

Plastic camlock is usually widely used in agricultural irrigation, chemical industry and water treatment and other fields. 

Under detailed classification, plastic camlock can be divided into two types of camlocks with different characteristics, polypropylene camlock and nylon camlock. Polypropylene and nylon are both common engineering plastics, which are widely used in industrial fields and daily life. 

Polypropylene Camlock

This is a quick connector made of polypropylene. Camlock made of this material has good corrosion resistance to acids, alkalis, salts, etc., but is not resistant to oxidants. 

Polypropylene camlock is more suitable for normal temperature and low pressure environments and has good resistance to corrosive liquids. Compared with camlocks made of other plastic materials, polypropylene camlock has good cost-effectiveness and low cost. 

Nylon Camlock

Nylon Camlock has good corrosion resistance to acids, alkalis, greases, etc., but it is not suitable for use in transmission systems and equipment that transmit strong acids and alkalis, because in such an environment, nylon is easily decomposed. 

Nylon Camlock also has excellent wear resistance and toughness, and good high temperature resistance, which is suitable for application in many industries. However, the cost of nylon is relatively high. 

In short, nylon Camlock is suitable for higher strength, wider temperature range, and more demanding application environments and fields. 

Brass Camlock

Brass camlock is made of high-quality brass and inherits the excellent corrosion resistance of brass itself. It can resist a variety of corrosive substances and ensure that the transmission system can operate smoothly in a corrosive environment.  

Brass is a relatively strong alloy, so the camlock made of it also inherits the excellent performance of high strength. At the same time, brass is lightweight, so brass camlock is also a good choice for portable applications. Brass camlock also has excellent performance of long-lasting durability and high temperature resistance and can adapt well in high temperature environments. 

The excellent performance and characteristics of Brass Camlock make it widely used in oil transportation, chemical industry, fire fighting and other fields. 

Based on End Connection

Based on different end connections, camlock can be mainly divided into two types, one is male camlock and the other is female camlock. 

Male Camlock

The male camlock usually has a protruding interface at one end, which is inserted into the groove of the female camlock for connection. It is usually directly connected to the hose or pipe to ensure transmission. 

There are mainly the following types of male camlock: 

Type A – Male Adapter with Female Thread

One end is a male connector and the other end is a female thread. It can be directly connected to pipes or equipment with male thread interfaces.

Type E – Male Adapter with Hose Shank

One end is a male connector and the other end is a hose shank. It is mainly connected to the hose transmission system and has good leak-proof performance. 

Type F – Male Adapter with Male Thread

One end is a male connector and the other end has male threads. It is usually connected to pipes with female threads, and the connection is very firm and reliable. 

Type DC – Dust Cap

This is a dust cap designed for male camlock, which is mainly used to prevent dust and debris from entering the transmission system and extend the life of the system and equipment. 

Female Camlock

Female camlock usually has a groove that can be connected to the male camlock’s convex end, and there are cam arms on both sides to lock the connection to form a seal. Its usual function is to prevent leakage and looseness, and ensure sealing and stability. 

Female camlock mainly has the following types: 

Type B – Female Coupler with Male Thread

One end is a female connector and the other end has a male thread. It is easy to operate and can be smoothly connected to pipes with female threads. It is very tight and durable. 

Type C – Female Coupler with Hose Shank

One end is a female connector and the other end is a hose shank. It is often used together with Type E camlock, suitable for connecting with hoses, transmitting liquids and other substances, and the hose end has good sealing performance. 

Type D – Female Coupler with Female Thread

One end is a female connector and the other end has a female thread. It can be quickly installed and removed, and the operation does not require complicated procedures. It is suitable for connecting transmission systems with male threads. 

Type DP – Dust Plug

This is a dust plug mainly for female camlock. It protects the system and connector from contamination and damage when not in use. 

Based on Standard

The quick connector market is becoming more and more standardized. In order to achieve compatibility with transmission systems and equipment, camlock has gradually formed the following standard types. 

American Standard Camlock

The standards applicable in the United States are mainly MIL-C-27487 and A-A-59326. MIL-C-27487 is a military standard, while A-A-59326 is mainly used in commerce. 

European Standard Camlock

The European standard is mainly EN 14420-7, which is generally used in European countries and is basically compatible with European transmission systems. 

Other Special Standard Camlock

There are some special types of standards, mainly used in some places. For example, Japan has a Japanese Industrial Standard, which is mainly used in Japan and has a relatively small scope of application. 

In general, the first two standards of camlock are basically compatible with the transmission systems on the market, and a few places require special standard camlocks. 

Conclusion

After reading this article, you must have a better understanding of the different types of camlocks and can choose the right camlock for your industry and system! 

Of course, if you want to know more information, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.  

As a quick-connect connector for connecting transmission systems and applications, camlock can fully demonstrate its advantages in ensuring smooth transmission operation in terms of its structure and working principle. 

In this article, you will learn why camlock can provide stable fluid or gas transmission for your transmission system and improve your transmission efficiency. 

Structure

Camlock includes the main body and related accessories. The main body mainly includes male adapter and female coupler, which are connected to form a whole. It is the most important part of the quick connection connector. The accessories are mainly camlock gasket, camlock cam arms, safety pin and locking ring. 

The main body is generally made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic and brass, which have excellent durability and corrosion resistance and are widely used in petrochemical, agriculture, water treatment and other industries. 

Male Adapter

This is the male part of the camlock, with a male end interface that fits the female coupler. The threaded end or flange end is usually connected to the pipe or hose of the transmission system. 

Female Coupler

This is the female part of the camlock, with a grooved end that fits the male adapter, secured and sealed with external camlock arms. There is a camlock gasket inside for sealing. There is also a threaded end or hose handle to connect the pipe or hose for transmission. 

Camlock Gasket

The camlock gasket is usually located in the internal groove of the female coupler. When the male adapter enters the groove, pressure is generated and the gasket is squeezed to form a seal. 

According to the different transmission substances and materials, the materials used in camlock gaskets are also different, mainly divided into the following types: 

Nitrile rubber: Excellent chemical resistance, wear resistance and mechanical properties. Widely used in environments and applications that require oil resistance.

EPDM: Excellent UV resistance and good resistance to acids, alkalis and extreme temperatures, but not suitable for contact with oil products. Commonly used as a sealing material for steam pipes and cooling systems. 

Viton: It has excellent chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, and high temperature resistance, and can maintain performance in harsh, high temperature and corrosive environments. 

PTFE: It has excellent chemical resistance and high temperature resistance, and is often used as a sealing material in the chemical industry and corrosive environments.

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Camlock Arms

The camlock arms are located on the outside of the female coupler and play an important role in the locking and sealing mechanism. 

After the adapter and coupler are connected, rotate the camlock arms toward the coupler to allow the interface to engage stably, thus forming a strong and reliable connection. 

The material used for camlock arms is usually the same as that used for the main body. In some special cases or when connected to a specific transmission system, stainless steel will be used to ensure the stability and safety of sealing and transmission. 

Safety Pin and Locking Ring

Some female couplers are equipped with safety pins and locking rings to prevent accidental disconnection during connection, transmission or operation, which would affect transmission efficiency. These components are commonly used in high pressure transmission systems and the chemical industry. 

Camlock Dust Cap and Dust Plug

The former is often used for female couplers, and the latter is often used for male adapters. When the camlock is not in use, these two products are often used to protect the camlock from dust, debris, and dirt. It can effectively prevent pollution and contamination of the transmission system and the transmission material.  

Working Principle

The working principle of camlock is to quickly and safely connect and disconnect through the cam action, without any extra tools and easy to operate. 

The cam arm locks the coupler and adapter together firmly to form a reliable and firm sealing connection. 

So, after understanding the working principle, are you curious about how to install and remove the camlock? The following is a detailed list of steps for your reference. 

Install

Step 1: Attach the Male Adapter to the Hose or Pipe

Use hose clamps to secure the adapter and ensure it is installed correctly without tilting. 

Step 2: Attach the Female Coupler to the Opposite Hose or Pipe

Make sure the female coupler fits snugly, the gasket is not damaged, and is installed correctly. 

Step 3: Insert the Male Adapter into the Female Coupler

Make sure the depth and angle are in compliance with the standards and the connection is tight. 

Step 4: Close the Cam Arms on the Coupler

Attach the cam arms to the adapter, making sure they are not loose and will not affect the connection. 

Step 5: Inspect the Connection

After everything is done, check whether the connection is tight and whether there are any leaks. 

Remove

Step 1: Lift the cam arms toward the adapter. 

Step 2: Remove the adapter from the coupler to release the seal. 

Conclusion

After reading this article, I believe you have understood the structure and working principle of camlock, and also understood that camlock has many advantages, such as good corrosion resistance, long-lasting durability, etc. 

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If you have other questions, please feel free to ask us.

FAQ

How to fit a camlock to a hose?

First, select the appropriate camlock according to the size of the hose. Make sure the size of the camlock matches the size of the hose, otherwise the connection will fail or cause leakage. Then push the hose shank into the hose to ensure a tight fit, and then clamp the hose end connected to the hose shank with a clamp. Finally, check the connection for gaps and ensure that the connection is tight and leak-free. In this way, the camlock and hose are connected. 

What are the common sizes of camlocks?

The common standard sizes of camlock are 1/2 inch to 6 inches.

Can camlock be used in high temperature and high pressure environments?

Of course, camlock can operate smoothly in high temperature and high pressure environments. At the same time, camlock can also maintain good performance in harsh environments and corrosive environments. 

Stainless steel valves are widely used in many industrial systems and transmission systems, such as chemical industry, metallurgy and other industries.

This article will take you to learn about the different types of stainless steel valves. You can learn about the various types based on materials, application industries, standards, valve functions, etc.

Based on Material

There are many types of stainless steel, so based on different types of stainless steel, stainless steel valves can also be divided into the following categories. 

304 Stainless Steel Valves

Since 304 stainless steel contains at least 18% chromium and 8% nickel, 304 stainless steel valves have moderate corrosion resistance and can resist corrosion in the atmosphere and general industrial environments. It also has good heat resistance and can operate smoothly in high temperature non-corrosive environments. 304 stainless steel valves are widely used in the chemical industry, food processing, storage and transportation, water treatment and other fields.

316 Stainless Steel Valves

316 stainless steel valves have stronger corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel valves. They can effectively resist corrosion from a variety of chemical substances such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and are suitable for use in highly corrosive industries and environments such as the chemical industry. Therefore, 316 stainless steel valves have excellent durability and a long service life. These excellent properties make it widely used in industries such as petroleum, chemical industry, and pharmaceutical industry.

316L Stainless Steel Valve

Compared with 316 stainless steel, 316L stainless steel has a lower carbon content and contains 2-3% molybdenum. 316L stainless steel valve has better corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical corrosive environments containing acids, alkalis and salts, ensuring the stability of the system. 316L stainless steel valve also has an excellent heat resistance and can always maintain operation in high temperature environments. The above advantages make 316L stainless steel valves widely respected in the fields of power, chemical industry and marine ships.

Duplex Stainless Steel Valves

Duplex stainless steel valves combine the advantages of ferritic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel, have excellent corrosion resistance, and are not affected in highly corrosive environments. They are very suitable for use in high-intensity corrosive systems and industry fields. Duplex stainless steel valves also have excellent heat resistance and can adapt well in a wide temperature range of -50 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius. It also has good durability and can be used for a long time. 

Duplex stainless steel valves are widely used in fields such as oil and gas, chemical industry and offshore operations.

Based on Valve Functions

Stainless steel valves have many different functions, for example, some valves can intercept fluids, and some valves can prevent fluid backflow.

Based on different valve functions, stainless steel valves can be divided into the following categories. 

Stop Valve

The stop valve mainly uses the gate disc to cut off and control the flow of fluid, and is widely used in many fluid control systems. It is suitable for various pressure environments and systems has good durability, and is very convenient to use, operate, and maintain. The stop valve can also be subdivided into direct-flow stop valves, angle stop valves, etc. 

Gate Valve

The gate valve is mainly used to close the valve by dropping the gate plate and cutting off the fluid. The gate plate is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, so the sealing is very good after closing. The gate valve cannot be used for regulation or throttling, it can only be fully opened or fully closed, and it is used at a high height, and it takes a long time to open and close. The gate valve is mainly used in the pipeline system of various industries to cut off the fluid.  

Ball Valve

Under the action of the valve stem, the ball valve opens and closes the valve by rotating. Compared with the gate valve, the ball valve is more flexible, can be opened and closed quickly, and is very light, easy to operate and maintain. It can also be classified into manual ball valves, automatic ball valves and start-up ball valves according to different driving methods. Ball valves are widely used in pharmaceutical, electric power, petrochemical and other industries. 

Butterfly Valve

The butterfly valve opens and closes the valve by rotating the butterfly plate around the butterfly shaft. The butterfly valve is very suitable for cutting off and regulating fluid flow, and it is light in weight, easy to operate and maintain. However, it has a small adjustable range and is not suitable for use in high temperature and high pressure environments. Butterfly valves are often used in pipeline systems in the fields of drainage, fire protection, etc. 

Check Valve

A check valve is an automatic valve that also controls the flow of fluid with a gate flap to prevent fluid backflow or leakage. It can be further classified into lift check valves, swing check valves, etc. Check valves can prevent the backflow of transmitted fluids and ensure the safety of pipeline systems. They are commonly used in metallurgy, chemical industry and other industries. 

Based on the Application Industry

Different application industries can match corresponding stainless steel valves, and such valves can help the corresponding systems and industries achieve better results. Based on the application industry, stainless steel valves can be divided into the following categories. 

• Industrial stainless steel valves: Mainly used in the oil, natural gas and chemical industries, which have high requirements for the valve’s corrosion resistance, durability and strength.
• Sanitary stainless steel valves: Mainly used in industries and fields with high requirements for hygiene and health, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, etc., usually require aseptic design, good hygiene, easy cleaning, replacement and maintenance. 
• Stainless steel valves suitable for marine environments: specially used for offshore operations, they require excellent corrosion resistance and durability, and can maintain long-term stability in high-intensity offshore operations. 

Based on Market Standards

Stainless steel valves also have corresponding market standards. Due to regional differences, several different standards have gradually been formed. The common standards in the market are the following categories. 

ANSI standard: This standard is mainly used in the North American market and follows the national standards of the United States. 

DIN standard: This standard is applicable to the European market and mainly follows the national standards of Germany. 

GB standard: This standard is widely used in the Chinese market and follows the national standards of China. 

JIS standard: This is the national standard of Japan and is mainly used in the Japanese market. 

Conclusion

The above is the classification of common stainless steel valves on the market.

If you want to choose the right stainless steel valve for your industry and system, then this article can give you a good reference. Of course, if you want to know more relevant information, please feel free to contact us.