quick coupler flow question

CJONE · Nov 25, 2014

Experience is the best teacher when it comes to quick couplers. There is so many different "standards" that the MFG's use it's pathetic. For good flow per hose size I stick with the ISO B quick couplers [poppet style] and for my high pressure high flow units, I use Stucchi VEP flat face series. To give a example a VEP 1/2" would give you a total pressure loss of 90psi for a circuit at 25gpm. 45psi per coupler. I would not use 1/2" hose for 25gpm. 3/4" pressure lines are a better choice. Esp in the winter. CJ

IceStationZebra · Nov 25, 2014

Cord said:
I can't figure this out. I agree that 1/2" couplers are rated for 12gpm, but my skid steer, from the factory, pushes 36gpm through them. My new pump has been flow tested at 46gpm. Same couplers are on the high flow side as the standard flow. I have a hunch that the rated gpm is base upon pressure loss and when dealing with 3,000 psi you can afford to lose a few psi at full flow. Generally when the pressure starts to rise the flow drops off anyways.

Cord, understand that you can always push more through than rated. In simple terms the quick couplers are just a restriction, so it all comes down to how much pressure drop you can live with. And like several of us have noted, there is a wide range for a given size coupler - even within the same companies products. It is all a compromise between cost, durability, pressure drop, ease of coupling and seal integrity. ISZ