A well-designed quick coupler allows you to remain blissfully unaware of its user-friendly and effective operation. Regardless of where couplers are used and how helpful they can be, they must also be robust enough to withstand the application and safe enough for the end user.
Watering systems for the flooded lead acid batteries used in golf carts offer one example of an unforgiving environment for quick couplers. Water needs to be replaced in these battery cells as it evaporates over time due to the heat generated by charging, daily use, and ambient temperature. These systems consist of automatic shutoff valves interconnected by tubing, which replace vent caps. The quick coupler allows the system to be connected to a water supply. Once connected, water flows into each cell until it reaches the correct level.
Flow-Rite’s quick couplers are designed for industrial, chemical, and medical/life science applications.
The couplers in battery watering systems must be corrosion and acid resistant in the event they interact with battery acid. The material used should be UV resistant, since these couplers are installed on outdoor vehicles. The design must handle the pressure range needed for the valves to operate properly. Since golf course staff might water more than 100 carts in a day, it is essential for the coupler to be ergonomically correct. This all needs to be taken into consideration when choosing the right coupler specific to golf cart battery watering.
Lift trucks powered by flooded lead acid batteries bring their own set of environmental challenges to couplers on watering systems. The construction and material used requires greater durability in an industrial setting. Extreme temperatures from summer heat and refrigerated warehouses can be damaging if the structure and materials are weak. Rough routine handling by personnel quickly moving from one battery watering system to the next puts strain on a coupler. A properly designed quick connect can make all the difference.
Applications with very specific quick coupler needs include chemical and medical equipment. Error-proofing is paramount in these types of equipment, which therefore greatly benefit from keyed connections. Lines can be mistakenly switched to create an expensive and dangerous result. Keyed couplers put a stop to accidents by alerting the end user to an incorrect connection. Color coding couplers further directs end users to a correct fit.
Flow-Rite recently launched a line of gamma sterilizable quick couplers. These couplers have keyed connection options to prevent mistakes in sensitive applications while being durable enough to withstand use in industrial and outdoor equipment. The material used for construction is acid, corrosion, and UV resistant. Disconnecting is hassle-free.
Sounds like Flow-Rite had made some advances in the materials used in quick coupler materials. I can imagine these couplers take a beating outside in the Phoenix sun.
I agree Rob, I really like Flow-Rite's innovation and careful consideration of both environmental factors and seeking ways to error proof connections. The Texas sun is brutal as well - I am wondering how long one can expect the UV protection to hold up and what the specs are for that type of testing...we have UV protected furniture grade pvc pipe for some of our horse obstacles to protect against degradation but extended exposure will eventually have some effect. Of course horse obstacles aren't made to withstand acid so I am guessing these couplers are pretty tough in comparison.
I also really like their ease of use - it is so nice to be able to carry out a task without having to wrestle with the connectors first!
I would imagine the heat itself would have a long-term effect on the hoarse obstacles. So even if they're UV protected, they still may suffer from getting baked in the heat.
Probably so, Rob. The nice thing about our obstacles is that they are portable - they are easy to put up and break down in five minutes or less. If riders store them in their duffle bag out of the sun after using them - they should last for years. I think anything left baking in this heatwave will eventually have an effect. Same problem leaving them out in cold weather - pvc is known to get brittle.
Good point on the cold weather, Nancy. It could be that the repetitive swing from hot exposure to cold exposure breaks down the material. So UV resistance may not be enough. In my New Mexico backyard, plastics don't last long. While the temperature may only be 95, the sun beating on the plastic goes to a much higher temp.
I was just in Clovis a couple of weeks ago, Rob. It sure was nice - much cooler during the day and especially in the evenings than Texas at the same temperature. I think Texas humidity is a factor as well. Just goes to show that when you are designing for outdoor environments, there are all kinds of variables that need to be considered! Location, location, location!
Yes, Nancy, location is everything. a couple months ago there was a discussion about problems with a European car that was not holding up in the desert Southwest. While the car maker was happy to sell cars here, they were not testing their cars for our climate.
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