WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors for Hose Testing

Overview of WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

The WBA series pneumatic quick connectors are engineered for pressure and air-tightness testing of straight tubes, hoses, and externally threaded components. Using an elastic sealing principle, these connectors establish reliable seals on both smooth machined surfaces and rough cast surfaces, accommodating test specimens with wide dimensional tolerance ranges. Pneumatic actuation supports automated testing workflows while exerting no axial or lateral force on the test piece.

Designed for industrial clients requiring repeatable leak-tight connections, the WBA series covers sealing diameters from 0.80 mm to 78.00 mm across nine body sizes. Each connector provides three ports: a test port (B) through which test medium is delivered, a control air access port (P) for pneumatic actuation, and an installation port (G) for mounting. Dual-position configurations are available for sealing two closely spaced ports, and specialized versions accommodate rubber and soft-material hoses.

Key Features of WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

Elastic Sealing on Varied Surface Finishes

The main seal and O-ring are manufactured from nitrile rubber (NBR), delivering consistent sealing performance on smooth and rough surfaces alike. For applications involving significant wear, polyurethane seals are available as a replacement option.

Pneumatic Actuation Without Axial Load

Unlike threaded or clamp-style connectors, the WBA series applies no axial or lateral force to the test specimen. This protects delicate components and ensures accurate test results by eliminating mechanical stress that could influence leakage measurements.

Wide Pressure Range With Mechanical Regulation

The test port (B) handles pressures from vacuum up to 35 bar, with custom ranges available on request. Control air is supplied at 4 to 12 bar via an external mechanical pressure regulator with a manual knob, allowing operators to adjust actuation pressure precisely. For test pressures above 10 bar, polyurethane seals are recommended and control pressure should be increased accordingly. Vacuum applications require no securing device, while pressurized operation requires a fixed clamp.

Verified Leakage Performance

The reference leakage rate is 1 × 10⁻³ mbar·L/s (1 × 10⁻⁴ Pa·m³/s). Lower leakage rates can be provided based on customer specifications, including test method, temperature, pressure, and sample surface quality such as seal surface treatment, roughness, and dimensional tolerances.

Technical Specifications for WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

"*" represents physical dimension 001; 'P' is positioned above the quick connector's diameter, not on its surface.

Details of WBA series quick connectors.

Operation Guidelines for WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

To connect, secure the quick connector with a fixed clamp, insert the test piece into the connector, apply control air pressure to complete the sealed connection, and then apply test pressure. To disconnect, release the test pressure first, then release the control pressure, and remove the quick connector. Following this sequence prevents pressure spikes that could damage the seal or the test specimen.

When placing an order, commercial users should specify the part number, required pressure range, test medium and target leakage rate, temperature range, space requirements, and a CAD drawing of the test piece. If a suitable connector is not found in the standard range, custom configurations can be developed based on sample evaluation.

Applications of WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

The WBA series serves business buyers across automotive component testing, HVAC system verification, medical device manufacturing, plumbing fixture inspection, and industrial fluid circuit testing. The connectors are compatible with standard leak testing instruments and can be integrated into manual workstations or automated test cells. Their zero axial-force design makes them particularly suitable for testing thin-walled tubes, precision-machined parts, and components with limited structural rigidity.

FAQ About WBA Pneumatic Quick Connectors

What pressure regulation method is used with WBA connectors?

WBA connectors are pneumatically actuated. Control air pressure (4 to 12 bar) is adjusted through an external mechanical pressure regulator with a manual knob. The connector itself does not include a built-in pressure regulator.

Do WBA connectors support both vacuum and positive pressure testing?

Yes. The test port (B) is rated from vacuum to 35 bar, making the connectors suitable for both vacuum decay and positive pressure leak testing methods.

How do I select the correct WBA model?

Measure the outer diameter of the test piece, then match it to the sealing range (column A) in the model details table. Each sealing range corresponds to a specific part number that includes the connector body and sealing kit.

Can the seals be replaced in the field?

Yes. Each model has a designated seal replacement part number in NBR material. Polyurethane seals are available for high-wear applications. Replacement requires no special tools and can be performed by the operator.

What is the difference between testing and plugging connectors?

Testing connectors (standard part numbers) allow test medium to pass through to the specimen. Plugging connectors (part numbers with "P" suffix) block the port entirely for sealed-end testing configurations.