Safety Alert - High Pressure Couplings
The second edition WJTA Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment (Orange Book) includes a recommendation on high pressure couplings:
| 13.5 | High Pressure Couplings – All waterjet couplings shall be pressure-rated. All non-threaded, push-to-connect couplings that can be accidentally disconnected under pressure shall not be used effective January 1, 2022. |
WJTA recommends removing these couplings from service as soon as possible. However, to ensure that this recommendation is communicated throughout industry, the effective date is being adjusted to May 31, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these couplings not recommended for high pressure waterjet hose connections?
Hoses used for high pressure waterjetting applications are commonly dragged, coiled and moved around the work area as part of their regular usage. As the hose is dragged, the safety pin or latch may become damaged. Alternately, the coupling may rotate to align the slot with the safety pin. If the coupling then catches while the hose is moved, it can become disconnected at pressure.
Are all quick connect fittings recommended against for high pressure connections?
Screw type or face-seal style quick connect couplings are options whose design prevents accidental disconnection under pressure.
For more information on the WJTA Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment visit the WJTA Online Store.