Unique non-spill coupling prevents costly spillages

Dean Palmer reports on a new non-spill coupling that uses a patented valve design and looks suitable for a wide variety of industrial applications

A non-spill coupling has been launched in the UK that promises to shorten connection times, enhance operator safety and reduce cleaning procedures. Colder Products' new NS6 coupling (distributed in the UK and Ireland by Tom Parker) features a unique, patent-pending non-spill shut-off valve design that makes the product ideally suited to a variety of applications, including printing and labelling, chemical handling, electronic, cooling, instrumentation and medical devices. Launched last year in the US, the new coupling achieves 40% more flow and withstands twice the operating pressure of previous similar units from Colder. The non-spill feature also reduces costly media loss, time-consuming clean-ups and potential risks to operators associated with various media leaks and spillages. As with all Colder couplings, there's also an easy-to-use thumb latch to provide single-handed operation with an audible 'click' noise that confirms that a secure connection has been made. The coupling is manufactured from glass-filled polypropylene and incorporates 316 stainless steel springs and EPDM or optional FKM O-ring seals to give very high resistance to corrosive media. The device has an olefinic overmoulding which increases the durability of the connection and offers better grip for users. The coupling is also colour-coded to provide instant visual recognition of different media lines. Richard Parker, sales director at Tom Parker commented: "The NS6's unrivalled versatility makes it perfect for an extremely diverse range of applications and environments. The combination of high flow rates and the ability to perform across a broad temperature range at varying operating pressures makes it a natural first choice." The coupling withstands operating pressures from vacuum to 120 psig (8.3 bar) and temperatures from 0°C up to 49°C. The device should provide a lightweight, durable, compact and economical replacement for metal, non-spill couplings, ball valves and fittings.