Cam and Groove Coupling

Basics

• A Type of Coupling (for Hoses typically, although supposedly there is some Electical Equivalent) which while being capable of a “Quick Connect” is far less vulnerable to Dirt/Debris getting into the mechanism.
• It consists of an Inserting (Typically referred to as Male) and Receiving (Typically referred to as Female) end.
  • The receiving end has a Circular Gasket that the Inserting end presses against forming a seal
  • Two Hinged “ears” with Cam Profiles on their arm are used to press the hose in place and into said gasket
    • Many can also be locked into place via a Cotter Pin / Split Pin etc

Name

• As with Hook and Loop Fasteners , if you are a Business or Government and don’t want to violate the Trademark , you have to use the more clunky name.
  • Hence Hook and Loop Fasteners and not Velcro
• Similarly Cam and Groove Coupling and not Cam-Lock / Camlock etc

Design/Operation Decisions to Be Aware Of

Material

Fitting / Hose Termination Material

• First and foremost what material?
  • While Plastic can (and in some cases maybe REQUIRE) work, it’s low Wear Hardiness / Ability to Dry Rot/Shatter isn’t ideal
• Thus you TYPICALLY use either the “Standard” ( Brass + Steel based etc), or Stainless Fittings/Hose Terminations etc
• Food Grade/Water Grade must be separate from Petroleum Product Transfer etc too

Gasket Material

• Typically a Nitrile / NBR gasket is used (and it is wise to keep some spares on hand/in a kit)
• Double check for niche uses such as Food Grade Transfer, and High Acid/Alkali etc though (with the same detail Glove Compatibility and Material Compatibility concerns should usually be treated

Attached Hose Material

• While not ENTIRELY relevant if only using some multi-coupling “Christmas Tree” type contraption etc, any time Hoses are used similar Material Compatibility Concerns apply
• Typically NBR with a Ground Wire (connected to both metal fittings securely for Grounding and Bonding etc)
  • ” Petroleum Product Transfer Hose “ etc with whatever Pressure/Vacuum Rating you need
• If only doing water, such as with a Trash Pump / for “op checking” gear, lighter water only hoses are far more flexible and light which can be very nice.

Internal Links

• Hose Log
  • Hose Inspection and Testing Procedures
• Tote Camlock Adapter
  • An Adapter from the Drain Valve on an IBC Tote to a Cam and Groove Coupling
• Cam and Groove Coupling Construction Set
  • A set of fittings/adapters etc

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Cam and Groove Couplings