Clamp coupling is a coupling method that can be used when joining two piping units or hoses. It is one of the most popular methods and is also the most simple in design. The clamp coupler is typically used to join two hoses at their end, or to join a hose end securely to the end of a pipe, though these particular coupling devices come in many variations of form and function depending on what they are used for.
Consisting in most cases of a circular metal strap that has measured holes in it that are fit to the threads of a screw, a clamp coupler is easily tightened with a screw or nut driver. This means clamp coupling can be a secure way to connect any two items of any material. A clamp coupling device is by far the most commonly utilized type of coupling unit when a rubber or polyurethane hose has a metal component attached to one end. Such devices are also used for a spacer that connects two hoses together.
Clamp couplings come in many different shapes, sizes, and options. Some are rubber grommets that have screwed tension-clamping rings around them used for compression. Others are hinged plastic cylinders with threaded holes that line up on each side so a screw can be used to tighten the cylinder around the joined materials.
There are also some types of clamp coupling products that have lever-activated tensioning devices where the coupler is slid over each end of the pipes it’s being used to connect and then tightened through the use of a lever. The lever compresses the clamp around the pipes when it’s engaged. These are popular in applications where the joint in the piping system is a temporary one, as the seal can be broken and removed by disengaging the lever to decompress the clamp.
Any clamp coupling, no matter what application it is used for, has a certain strength rating according to both pressure and material tolerances. For instance, if the clamp coupler is used to connect two hoses together that are used to transfer a chemical such as a catalyst or other acid, the clamp coupler must be able to tolerate that material or it will deteriorate and provide a poor seal. Also, if the material passing through the hose unit is pressurized, the pressure capacity for the clamp coupling must be one that will tolerate the amount of pressure inside the line being joined or the seal could break at the junction, causing a leak or a spill.