Keyed Pneumatic & Fluid Couplings for Laboratory Gas and Fluid Equipment
Laboratory equipment can use several separate gas, air and fluid services within the same installation. Where connections are routinely made and broken, the interface needs to be easy to identify and difficult to cross-connect.
Why separate laboratory gas and fluid connections?
A laboratory bench or instrument installation can contain multiple service lines. The consequences of connecting the wrong line depend on the equipment and medium, so connector identification and keying can form part of the overall design.
Kee supplies standard and keyed coupling systems together with fittings and tubing. The complete arrangement must still be assessed against the gas or fluid, pressure, temperature and laboratory requirements.
How does the system work?
Service source
The required gas, air or fluid is supplied to the equipment.
Identification
Lines are identified by the equipment designer using labelling, colour, keying or other controls.
Connection
The correct mating coupling and plug connect the service to the instrument or module.
Disconnection
The line can be removed for service or equipment changeover when required.
Where do Kee couplings, fittings and tubing fit?
A keyed quick-release interface is useful where several similar connections are positioned close together and cross-connection must be controlled. Conventional couplings may be suitable where only one service is present or where other safeguards are used.
What matters when selecting the connection?
Service segregation
Keying and colour coding can help distinguish different connection circuits.
Medium compatibility
Seal and body materials must match the actual gas or fluid.
Pressure and temperature
The selected coupling must be within its specified operating limits.
Labelling and procedure
Connector design should support, not replace, the laboratory's identification and operating procedures.
Kee 051 Series for this application
The Kee 051 Series is a small single-handed coupling system with four key codes and matching colours. Kee's catalogue states that the matching key and colour arrangements are intended to prevent mix-ups when connecting, making the range relevant where equipment designers require differentiated pneumatic or fluid interfaces.
051 Series | Keyed & Colour Coded Quick Release Couplings & Plugs
Small single handed operated coupling with four key codes and matching colours. Four key codes with matching colours for the couplings and the respective plugs make sure there is no mix-up when connecting.
Nominal Diameter: 5mm. Valve Type: Single Shut Off. Coupling: Back Body: Brass (MS 58); Valve Body: Brass (MS 58); Sleeve: Brass (MS 58); Spring and Locking Ring: Stainless Steel 301; Locking Balls: Stainless Steel 301. Plug: Plug Body: Brass (MS 58). Seals: NBR. Four colour/key codes: CG (green), TC (turquoise), HB (blue), OR (orange). BSPP thread and hose tail options.
View the complete Kee 051 Series
Available 051 Series configurations
The table below is pulled directly from the Kee catalogue data so current part numbers and available configurations remain tied to the live series information.
Male Thread BSPP Coupling
| Part Number | Thread | Length | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 051CKMP18BNXCG | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP18BNXHB | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP18BNXOR | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP18BNXTC | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP14BNXCG | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP14BNXHB | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP14BNXOR | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKMP14BNXTC | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
Female Thread BSPP Coupling
| Part Number | Thread | Length | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 051CKFP18BNXCG | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP18BNXHB | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP18BNXOR | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP18BNXTC | 1/8" | 47mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP14BNXCG | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP14BNXHB | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP14BNXOR | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP14BNXTC | 1/4" | 49mm | 16mm |
Hose Tail Coupling
| Part Number | Hosetail | Length | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 051CKFP06BNXCG | 6mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP06BNXHB | 6mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP06BNXOR | 6mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP06BNXTC | 6mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP09BNXCG | 9mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP09BNXHB | 9mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP09BNXOR | 9mm | 69mm | 16mm |
| 051CKFP09BNXTC | 9mm | 69mm | 16mm |
Male Thread BSPP Plug
| Part Number | Thread | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 051PKMP18BXXCG | 1/8" | 39mm |
| 051PKMP18BXXHB | 1/8" | 39mm |
| 051PKMP18BXXOR | 1/8" | 39mm |
| 051PKMP18BXXTC | 1/8" | 39mm |
| 051PKMP14BXXCG | 1/4" | 41mm |
| 051PKMP14BXXHB | 1/4" | 41mm |
| 051PKMP14BXXOR | 1/4" | 41mm |
| 051PKMP14BXXTC | 1/4" | 41mm |
Female Thread BSPP Plug
| Part Number | Thread | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 051PKFP18BXXCG | 1/8" | 38mm |
| 051PKFP18BXXHB | 1/8" | 38mm |
| 051PKFP18BXXOR | 1/8" | 38mm |
| 051PKFP18BXXTC | 1/8" | 38mm |
| 051PKFP14BXXCG | 1/4" | 40mm |
| 051PKFP14BXXHB | 1/4" | 40mm |
| 051PKFP14BXXOR | 1/4" | 40mm |
| 051PKFP14BXXTC | 1/4" | 40mm |
Hose Tail Plug
| Part Number | Hosetail | Length | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 051PKHT06BXXCG | 6mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT06BXXHB | 6mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT06BXXOR | 6mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT06BXXTC | 6mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT09BXXCG | 9mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT09BXXHB | 9mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT09BXXOR | 9mm | 47mm | 15mm |
| 051PKHT09BXXTC | 9mm | 47mm | 15mm |
Bulkhead Hosetail Plug
| Part Number | Hosetail | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 051PKBH06BXXCG | 6mm | 63mm |
| 051PKBH06BXXHB | 6mm | 63mm |
| 051PKBH06BXXOR | 6mm | 63mm |
| 051PKBH06BXXTC | 6mm | 63mm |
051 keyed connection options
The 051 range includes threaded and hose-tail versions in four keyed colour codes. It should only be specified where its materials, pressure, temperature, flow and connection sizes suit the actual laboratory service.
Designing laboratory service connections
Keying is most useful when it is incorporated deliberately into the equipment layout and documentation rather than added as an afterthought.
Where the medium is critical or regulated, the complete connector, seal, hose and fitting arrangement should be validated for the specific service.
Why this connection approach is relevant
The 051 Series addresses a specific connection problem: reducing the possibility of mating the wrong plug and coupling when several similar circuits are present. That functional feature can be valuable in laboratory equipment, subject to full application assessment.
OEM, replacement and assembly support
Kee Connections can support OEMs, equipment builders and maintenance teams with individual couplings, plugs, fittings and tubing or with configured hose and coupling assemblies. For replacement work, photographs, plug-profile dimensions, thread or tube dimensions and operating conditions provide a useful starting point for technical review.
For new equipment, Kee can review the connection point and help determine an appropriate valve arrangement, termination, material and assembly before samples or production quantities are specified.
FAQs
What is a keyed pneumatic coupling?
A keyed coupling uses a defined mating configuration so only the corresponding plug and socket arrangement can connect.
How many key codes are available in the Kee 051 Series?
Kee's catalogue lists four key codes with matching colours.
Does colour coding alone establish gas compatibility?
No. Colour and keying identify the connection; material, seal and operating suitability must be checked separately.
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