R+L Hydraulics GmbH (Germany) - R+L Hydraulics GmbH has added test couplings to its product portfolio. The new test couplings offered by the hydraulics and power transmission specialist are designed for testing pressure, lubrication, bleeding air and sampling oil in a wide variety of mobile and fixed position hydraulic applications for industry, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, naval, energy and environmental technology, mechanical engineering, automobiles and rail vehicles.

Test couplings are usable for both original equipment and retrofits. They offer service personnel and end users of hydraulic applications a simple, safe option for monitoring system pressure, venting the hydraulic system, analysing the degree of contamination and taking representative fluid samples – either temporarily or permanently. The integrated non-return valve allows this work to be carried out under pressure of up to 630 bar and does not require the system to be shut down.

The test couplings can be supplied in a range of materials, e.g., stainless steel. They are compatible with all hydraulic and mineral oils and can be adapted for other media upon request. The seals are available in various designs and materials to satisfy the widest possible range of requirements and prevent oil leaks: seals made of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) are notable for their resistance to mineral oils and are suitable for use in a temperature range from -30 °C to +125 °C; seals made from the fluoropolymer elastomer Viton are highly resistant to thermal and chemical loads and are usable from -25 °C to +230 °C.

The test couplings can be configured to match the respective application, with various threads and in a variety of models, e.g., with standpipe, female swivel, pipe fitting, as bulkhead test coupling for pipe fitting or as check-valve couplings. Pressure gauges, microhoses, fittings and protection valves complete the offering.

"With these additions to our product portfolio, we are very pleased to have taken another progressive step as a full-service provider of high quality components for fluid and power transmission technology", says Timo Weber, General Manager of R+L Hydraulics GmbH. "The continuous expansion of our service spectrum is an important element of strategic business development in the Timken group of companies by supporting our discerning customers in a wide range of industries at all times with new, individual product solutions and confirming our customers' confidence in R+L as a long-term, highly capable systems partner."

In addition to the new test couplings, R+L Hydraulics develops, produces and markets a broad range of components for fluid and power transmission technologies, including industrial couplings and hydraulic accessories such as claw couplings, bell housings and cooling pump bell housings, damping elements, aluminium tanks, heat exchangers and coolers. The products are used in an enormous range of applications in machine building, shipbuilding and automobile construction, energy and environmental technology, in the steel industry and offshore technology, and in special plant construction applications.