Quick-Release Vacuum Coupling Set
A brass through-bag vacuum valve assembly with an integral check valve, for prepreg vacuum bagging and oven cure. The check valve retains bag pressure when the vacuum line is disconnected at the quick-disconnect coupling.
Assembly Components
- Valve base — bag-side component with machined airflow grooves on the underside
- Check valve body — outboard component, threads onto the base through the bagging film and seals against a silicone gasket
- Quick-disconnect (QD) coupling — spring-collar female coupling with hose barb
Supplied with a silicone gasket and a length of vacuum bag sealant tape.
Specifications
| Material | Brass |
| Assembled height | 95 mm |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Hose barb OD | 11 mm |
| Hose size | 10 mm ID vacuum hose |
| Mass | Approx. 280 g per set |
| Process suitability | Prepreg vacuum bagging; oven cure |
Hose Requirement
The QD coupling is supplied with the set — no additional coupling is required. Specify vacuum hose only:
- 10 mm ID vacuum hose — the hose barb on the QD coupling is 11 mm OD, sized for 10 mm ID hose.
- 8 mm ID hose: a 10 mm to 8 mm barbed reducer is available on request. Please specify at time of order.
- Other diameters: contact us to confirm reducer availability.
The valve-end connection is a spring-collar push fit; no clamp or thread sealant is used at that joint.
Installation
- Position the valve base grooved-face-down on the layup.
- Apply the vacuum bagging film over the base, then cut an aperture above it. Keep the cut within the inner ring of the base.
- Fit the silicone gasket, thread the check valve body onto the base and tighten. Do not trap or wrinkle the bagging film.
- Fit the QD coupling: raise the spring collar, seat the coupling on the valve stem, release the collar. An audible click confirms engagement.
- Connect the hose and draw vacuum.
- To disconnect, raise the spring collar. The check valve retains bag pressure.
- Where a high vacuum level is required, cover the valve port with a piece of the supplied sealant tape to eliminate micro-leaks.
Process Limitation — Not for Resin Infusion
This valve assembly must not be used for resin infusion. Resin ingress into the check valve fouls the sealing mechanism and renders the assembly unserviceable after a single use.
Care and Maintenance
- Keep the assembly clean and dry. Inspect the silicone gasket periodically and replace when worn.
- Do not allow the airflow grooves on the underside of the valve base to become obstructed during layup — this will restrict evacuation.
- Exclude debris and liquids from the air passage. Contamination will impair check valve function.
Applications
- Carbon fibre prepreg vacuum bagging
- Oven cure of bagged prepreg laminates
- Vacuum bagging operations requiring bag pressure retention after line disconnection
