Hose couplings
are a connection fitting that is found on the end of a hose. The
device makes it possible to connect the hose with another hose, or with
some type of machinery or appliance. Usually constructed with brass or
steel, a hose coupling may be designed in several basic patterns.
Choosing the right hose coupling normally depends on the types of hoses
involved as well as their intended use.
In many cases, hose
couplings are designed to create a seal that is both airtight and
watertight. This makes the devices especially helpful when the hoses
are used to transport liquids or gases of some type. Some designs use
either male or female thread designs, while others are classified as
sexless hose couplings.
One of the more common types of hose couplings is known as the
Storz coupling.
This design requires very little effort to connect, as it requires no
more than lining up the coupling with the device and locks in place with
a simple quarter turn. A Storz hose coupler is often the choice of
many municipal fire departments, as they make it possible to quickly
attach a fire hose to a hydrant when attempting to bring a fire under
control.
A variation on the Storz coupling is known as the
Nakajima. This style of coupling also connects with a simple quarter
turn. What is different is that hose couplers of this type also come
with a locking device on the exterior. The lock can be especially
helpful when connecting the hose to machinery that will move liquid or
other agents through the hose at high pressures.
In Spain, the
Barcelona hose coupling is common for use with fire trucks as well as
connecting with local water systems when necessary. This design also
makes use of a combination of male and female threads and must be
screwed into place.
French fire fighters tend to utilize a
hose coupling configuration known as the Guillemen Symmetrical Clutch.
As with the Storz and Nakajima designs, this type of coupling connected
with a simple quarter turn. Two protuberances are found on the exterior
of the clutch, which allows the device to adjust to the hook of each
hose as the ring turns during use.
The National hose coupling,
also known as an NST, is also commonly used with fire hoses.Requiring
more than a simple turn and lock process, the NST requires several full
turns to complete the connection. The straightforward male and female
thread combination makes it possible to quickly screw the coupling into
position. A gasket helps to seal the connection. This type of coupling
works well as a nozzle holder as well as several other hose accessories.
