Motorsport Plumbing Systems: Dry Break Couplings
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Dry Break Couplings
03.39
| 00:00 | With the increased maintenance periods and requirement for fast servicing during pit stops, and between sessions in motorsport, being able to disconnect our plumbing without spilling any fluid is a game changer. |
| 00:12 | The most common place you'll see dry brake couplings used is when filling fuel tanks. |
| 00:18 | In motorsport, every second counts, so minimising the time spent filling the car in the pits is critical to success. |
| 00:25 | Dry brake fuel fillers allow the operator to quickly insert the fuel filler into the port which initiates fuel flow into the vehicle. |
| 00:33 | When the job is complete, the filler can be pulled out of the port without spilling fuel and creating a fire risk. |
| 00:39 | The dry brake coupling is an automated mechanism that seals off each side of the plumbing when the line is disconnected. |
| 00:46 | This looks like a sprung valve on each side of the connection that opens when pressed together. |
| 00:52 | In the fuel filler system, the filler side is the male side and the vehicle side is the female. |
| 00:58 | The other areas where dry brakes are beneficial are naturally those where we want to disconnect lines for servicing components, but don't want fluid to leak out. |
| 01:07 | For example our brake lines. |
| 01:09 | In some racing series, changing, removing or servicing callipers can become a regular occurrence, but if we want to remove the callipers, we have to disconnect the lines, meaning we're going to need to re bleed the system. |
| 01:22 | This is a time consuming process, but something we are likely going to have to do anyway. |
| 01:27 | Regardless, spilling the extremely corrosive brake fluid is less than ideal, so preventing this could be worth the extra cost of dry brake fittings. |
| 01:36 | High quality dry brake fittings that won't introduce air when connected and disconnected are necessary for brake and clutch plumbing. |
| 01:44 | Otherwise the system will need to be re bled which of course defeats the main purpose of a dry brake. |
| 01:50 | Fuel lines in the engine bay are another common area for dry brake use for vehicles with regular engine removals for obvious reasons. |
| 01:58 | For fuel and brake lines, these couplings will have some form of fitting on each end. |
| 02:03 | For example this could be an AN fitting on each side or an ORB or banjo on one side, allowing connection of the plumbing lines directly to components. |
| 02:14 | These fittings for brake lines are usually dash three AN which uses a 37 degree flare. |
| 02:21 | This means a single flare, which isn't recommended for hardline fittings and brake line systems due to the risk of cracking and leakage. |
| 02:29 | So, using these couplings with a crimped AN fitting hose end attached to a flexible section of hose is the best solution. |
| 02:36 | Let's look at an example of this part from a quality supplier called Stolbly. |
| 02:41 | We can see the male and female side of the coupling when forced together open the sprung valves. |
| 02:47 | When the valves are open, the fluid can flow and in this case for the brake system, pressure can be transferred. |
| 02:54 | A bayonet mount is used for quick and secure locking, allowing for fast connection and disconnection. |
| 03:01 | These couplings will generally also use a swivel with o-ring seals, allowing it to be rotated in place without twisting the lines. |
| 03:09 | In summary, dry brake couplings allow us to quickly connect and disconnect plumbing lines without spillage using an automated valve mechanism. |
| 03:19 | These are commonly used when filling fuel, but are also helpful in the rest of our fuel system and brakes where the servicing is regular and the expense is justified. |
| 03:29 | With a range of different fitting types, some extra planning can be required to get the most effective, but safe installation. |
