Inflatable Seal Air Connectors
There are four (4) main types of air connector styles – Flexible Hose Connectors, Solid Shank End Connectors, Mechanical Connectors, and Molded In-Place Connectors.
For endless seals, the air connector is typically located on the seal’s underside (or base) which protects the connector. For inflatable clamps (or seals) with closed solid ends, the connector may be placed out of one or both ends. For some Type 1, Type 2, and Type 10 profiles, sidewall connectors are available, although they are not recommended.
Air connectors available by Pneuma-Seal profile can be found in the Pneuma-Seal Standards section (sign-in required). We offer many standard style connectors and can also supply custom, stainless steel and/or multiple connectors (special setup charges may apply).
For our Q inflatable seals and clamps, we offer a slightly different connector system available within the configurator. Details are available on the Q Air Connector page.
Flexible Hose Connectors
AC1 Style Air Connectors
AC1 Connectors consist of a flexible rubber hose vulcanized to the base, end, or side of the inflatable seal or clamp. They are used primarily with extruded, non-reinforced seals. Typical dimensions are 0.125″ (3.175 mm) ID × either 0.250″ (6.35 mm) or 0.313″ (7.94 mm) OD. AC1 connector lengths can range from 1″ to many feet depending on the needs of the application.
AC2 Style Air Connectors
AC2 Connectors are used primarily with molded, reinforced seals and consist of a reinforced hose crimped onto the base or end of the inflatable seal or clamp. Typical dimensions are 0.188″ (4.78 mm) ID × 0.375″ (9.53 mm) OD. AC2 connector lengths can range from several inches to many feet depending on the needs of the application.
AC3A Style Air Connectors
AC3A Connectors are used primarily with larger profile molded, reinforced seals and consist of a reinforced hose crimped onto the base or end of the inflatable seal or clamp. Typical dimensions are 0.250″ (6.35 mm) ID × 0.470″ (11.94 mm) OD . AC3A connector lengths can range from several inches to many feet depending on the needs of the application.
AC3B Style Air Connectors
AC3B Connectors are used primarily with larger profile molded, reinforced seals and consist of a reinforced hose attached to a 1/8-27 NPT female connector on the base or end of the inflatable seal or clamp. Typical dimensions are 0.250″ (6.35 mm) ID × 0.470″ (11.94 mm) OD . AC3B connector lengths can range from several inches to many feet depending on the needs of the application.
AC3B Style Air Connectors
For all flexible hose connectors, hose fittings are also available. Options include:
- 1/8-27 NPT Male and Female Fittings
- .305-32 NEF Tire Core Fitting
- G 1/8 Male Fitting
- R 1/8 Male Fitting
- Custom options available upon request
Solid Shank End Fittings
AC14 Style End Connector
For straight and U-shaped inflatable seals and clamps, we offer a special solid shank end connector style. In this case, a 1/8-27 NPT connector is attached directly into one or both ends of the bladder.
Mechanical Air Connectors
AC4A Air Connectors
AC4A Connectors consist of a 1/8-27 NPT fitting mechanically attached to the base of the inflatable profile. They are used primarily with extruded, non-reinforced seals. AC4A connector lengths can range from 0.5″ to 4 or 5″ long.
AC4B Air Connectors
AC4B Connectors consist of a mechanical fitting attached to the base of the inflatable profile with a 0.250″ (6.35 mm) ID × 0.470″ (11.94 mm) OD flexible reinforced hose attached. They are used primarily with large molded, fabric reinforced seals. AC4B connector lengths can range from several inches to many feet depending on the needs of the application.
AC4C Air Connectors
AC4C Connectors consist of a fitting mechanically attached to the base of the inflatable profile with a mating push connect fitting.
AC5 Air Connectors
AC5 Connectors consist of a .305-32 NEF tire core fitting mechanically attached to the base of the inflatable profile.
Molded In-Place Connectors for Type 10 Profiles
These connectors are commonly used with our Type 10 profiles. They are molded in place out the base and include a reinforcement cone. Details on overall valve length, thread finish, and cone size may be found in the Pneuma-Seal Standards section (sign-in required). Custom, stainless steel and/or multiple connectors can also be supplied, although special setup charges may apply. Feel free to contact us if you need more information.
AC10 Threaded Valve Connector
The AC10 connector is a threaded valve vulcanized to the base of the seal with a mating molded cone for additional reinforcement.
AC11 O-Ring Connector
The AC11 connector consists of a straight shank with one or two o-rings included. The valve is pressed into a mating bore and the O-ring creates the seal. For proper function, the diameter of the valve and mating bore must be closely controlled.
AC12 Threaded Valve/Hose Barb Connector
The AC12 connector consists of a threaded valve with specially machined hose barbs at the end. A mating hose is then press fit onto the barbed end.
AC13 Straight Pipe Connector
The AC13 connector ia straight pipe connector. A mating hose is attached to the pipe with a mechanical clamp.