Quick Couplings
Instrumentation Bulkhead Quick Connect Stem
316 stainless steel bulkhead quick connect stem for panel-mounted instrumentation and fluid connections. Available in QC4, QC6 and QC8 sizes with fractional and metric bulkhead tube fitting connections and valved or non-valved stem configurations.
Specifications
- Product Type
- Bulkhead Quick Connect Stem
- Standard Material
- 316 Stainless Steel
- Coupling Sizes
- QC4, QC6 & QC8
- Stem Configurations
- Valved & Non-Valved
- End Connection
- Bulkhead Tube Fitting
- Tube Size System
- Fractional & Metric
- Fractional Tube Sizes
- 1/4 to 1/2 in.
- Metric Tube Sizes
- 6 to 12 mm
- Maximum Working Pressure
- Up to 3000 psig / 207 bar
- Installation
- Panel / Bulkhead Mounting
- Mating Component
- Compatible Quick Connect Body
Instrumentation Bulkhead Quick Connect Stem
The Instrumentation Bulkhead Quick Connect Stem combines a quick-connect stem with a bulkhead tube fitting for mounting through a panel, enclosure or equipment wall.
Available in QC4, QC6 and QC8 coupling sizes, the design provides a fixed interface between internal tubing and an externally accessible quick-connect connection. Valved and non-valved stem configurations are available for different shutoff and flow requirements.
Key Features
- 316 stainless steel construction
- Integrated bulkhead tube fitting
- QC4, QC6 and QC8 coupling sizes
- Valved and non-valved stem configurations
- Fractional and metric tube-size options
- Panel or bulkhead mounting
- Working pressure up to 3000 psig / 207 bar, depending on configuration and operating conditions
- Designed for use with compatible quick-connect bodies
- Suitable for instrumentation, testing and equipment-panel connections
Stem Configurations
Non-Valved Stem
The non-valved stem remains open when uncoupled and provides a less restrictive flow path where automatic shutoff on the stem side is not required.
Valved Stem
The valved stem incorporates an internal shutoff mechanism that closes when the stem is disconnected from a compatible quick-connect body.
The required configuration should be selected according to the desired shutoff function, flow requirement and system operating conditions.
Fractional Bulkhead Tube Fitting Configurations
Tube OD | Coupling Size | Maximum Panel Thickness | Minimum Panel Opening | F | L — Non-Valved | L — Valved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/4 in. | QC4 | 6.4 mm | 11.6 mm | 5/8 in. | 69.6 mm | 71.1 mm |
3/8 in. | QC6 | 6.9 mm | 14.8 mm | 3/4 in. | 74.2 mm | 78.0 mm |
1/2 in. | QC8 | 6.6 mm | 19.6 mm | 7/8 in. | 87.1 mm | 92.2 mm |
Metric Bulkhead Tube Fitting Configurations
Tube OD | Coupling Size | Maximum Panel Thickness | Minimum Panel Opening | F | L — Non-Valved | L — Valved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 mm | QC4 | 6.4 mm | 11.6 mm | 16 mm | 69.6 mm | 71.1 mm |
8 mm | QC4 | 6.4 mm | 13.2 mm | 16 mm | 70.4 mm | 71.9 mm |
10 mm | QC6 | 6.9 mm | 16.4 mm | 19 mm | 77.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
12 mm | QC8 | 6.6 mm | 19.6 mm | 22 mm | 87.1 mm | 92.2 mm |
Bulkhead Mounting
The integrated bulkhead connection allows the quick-connect stem to be secured through a panel or equipment wall while the tube connection remains on the opposite side.
Panel thickness and required mounting-hole size vary with tube and coupling size. The mounting dimensions should therefore be considered together with available panel space and tubing layout during equipment design.
Quick Connect Operation
The bulkhead stem mates with a compatible quick-connect body of the corresponding coupling size.
In a valved configuration, the stem provides automatic shutoff when disconnected. A non-valved stem remains open when uncoupled and can be selected where stem-side shutoff is not required.
QC4, QC6 and QC8 identify quick-connect coupling sizes rather than tube sizes. Both the coupling size and tube OD should therefore be specified when ordering.
Pressure & Operating Considerations
Maximum working pressure is up to 3000 psig / 207 bar, depending on coupling size, stem configuration, mating body, tube connection, seal material, temperature and service conditions.
Coupled, uncoupled and coupling or uncoupling pressure limits may differ. The allowable working pressure should therefore be confirmed for the exact body-and-stem combination and operating condition.
The pressure capability of the tubing and other connected system components should also be considered when determining the allowable pressure of the complete assembly.
Connection & Compatibility
The bulkhead stem must be matched with a compatible quick-connect body of the appropriate coupling size and configuration.
When selecting replacement components, confirm the coupling size, stem configuration, tube OD, mounting requirements and mating-body information.
Quick-connect components from different series or manufacturers should not be assumed to be interchangeable based only on nominal size or external appearance.
Typical Applications
- Instrument and analyzer panels
- Test equipment and test benches
- Calibration equipment
- Equipment enclosures
- Laboratory fluid systems
- Hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
- Industrial fluid and gas systems
Selection & Ordering Information
To specify the required Instrumentation Bulkhead Quick Connect Stem, provide:
- Coupling size — QC4, QC6 or QC8
- Stem configuration — valved or non-valved
- Tube OD — fractional or metric
- Panel thickness
- Available mounting-hole size
- Mating quick-connect body information
- Operating pressure and temperature
- Fluid or gas medium
- Seal material, when specified
- Required quantity
- Existing part number or drawing, when available
For replacement requirements, provide the existing part number, product photo, drawing or mating-body information for configuration review.
