BRITISH STANDARD

Metallic tube connectors for

fluid power and general use -
Part 1: Split collet compression fittings

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

 Committees responsible for this
British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee
MCEI18, Fluid power systems and components, upon which the following bodies
were represented:

Association of British Mining Equipment Companies

British Compressed Air Society
British Fluid Power Associalion
British Hydromechanics Research Group
National Engineering Laboratory
Muustry of Defence

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
drection of the Engineering
Sector Board, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes into
effect on
15 April 1998
Amendments issued since publication
0 BSI 1998
Amd. No. Date Text affected
First published, November 1968
first revision, July 1972
Second revision, April 1998

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference MCEI18
Draft for comment 971701187DC
I I
ISBN 0 580 29520 6
 Contents

Committees responsible Inside fiont cover

Foreword n
Scope
Normative references
Terms and definitions
Requirements for materials
Pressurehemperature requirements
Designation of fittings
Requirements for tubes
Across flats (A/F') dimensions
Design
Screw threads
Manufacture
Assembly instruction
Marking of components
Identification statement (reference to this part of BS 4368) 6
Annex A (informative) Procurement information 16
Bibliography Inside back cover
Figure 1 - Cross section of a typical split collet compression fitting 2
Figure 2 - Straight fitting 4
Figure 3 - Straight stud fitting (male type illustrated) 4
Figure 4 - Tee 4
Figure 5 - %be nut (N) 7
Figure 6 - Straight union fitting 8
Figure 7 - Pipe to hose bulkhead fitting 9
Figure 8 - Equal elbow 10
Figure 9 - Equal tee 11
Figure 10 - Cross 12
Figure 11 -Male stud- BSPthread to BS5200 13
Figure 12 - Male stud - IS0 61492 thread 14
Figure 13 - Bulkhead union fitting 15
Table 1 - Working pressure ratings for split collet compression fittings 3
Table 2 - Overall dimensions of tube nut 7
Table 3 - Dimensions of straight union fittings 8
Table 4 - Dimensions of pipe to hose bulkhead union fitting and locknut 9
Table 5 - Dimensions of equal elbows 10
Table 6 - Dimensions of tees 11
Table 7 - Dimensions of equal crosses 12
Table 8 - Dimensions of male stud couplings - BS P thread to BS 5200 13
Table 9 - Dimensions of male stud couplings - IS0 6149-2 threads 14
Table 10 - Dimensions of bulkhead union fittings and locknuts 15

0 BSI 1998 1
 Foreword

This revision to BS 43681 has been prepared by Technical Committee MCEI18, and
supersedes BS 43681: 1972.
Fluid power system couplings types A and B which were previously covered by
BS 43681 and BS 43683 are now covered by BS IS0 8434 MetaUic tube connectionsfor
Juid power and geneml use
-Part 1: 2.4"compression fittings
- Part 2: 37"mred fittings
- Part 3: '0'ring face seal fittings
These British Standards are implementations of IS0 8434-1 to IS0 84343.
These standards do not cover couplings type C (split collet compression fittings).
Consequently BS 43681 has been revised to cover this type of fitting only.
The other part of BS 4368 remaining is BS 43684 Specification for type test
requirements. BS 43683 has been withdrawn.
Annex A of this standard is informative.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 16, an inside back cover and a back cover.

ii 0 BSI 1998
1 Scope
This part of BS 4368 specifies general and
dimensional requirements for the design and
performance of collet compression fittings which are and selection for screws, bolts and nuts - Diameter
suitable for use with ferrous and non-ferrous tubes range 0.06 to 6 in
with outside diameters from 6 rnrn to 50 mm
inclusive. They are intended for the connection of
plain end tubes and hose fittings to ports in
accordance with BS IS0 6149-1, IS0 1179 and
IS0 99741. The limits of pressure and temperature of IS0 1127, Stainless steel tubes - Dimensions,
use are also specified.
Requirements for tubes are included together with
marking and designation requirements for the
fittings.
Annex A is informative and provides a list of
procurement information required from a purchaser
of the components specified in this standard.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain
provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of this British
Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. For undated references,
the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies.
BS 2871-2, Specification for copper and copper
alloys. Tubes - Tubes for general purposes
BS 4368-4, Compression couplings for tubes -
Specification for type test requirements
BS 5200, Specification for dimensions of hydraulic
connectors and adaptors
BS 7479, Method for salt spray corrosion tests in
artificial atmospheres
BS IS0 6149-1, Connections for fluid power and
general use - Ports and stud ends with
I S 0 261 threads and O-ring sealing - Ports with
O-ring seal in truncated housing
BS IS0 6149-2, Connections for fluid power and
general use - Ports and stud ends with
I S 0 261 threads and O-ring sealing - Heavy duty
(S-series) stud ends - Dimensions, design, test
methods and requirements
BS IS0 6149-3, Connections for fluid power and
general use - Ports and stud ends with
I S 0 261 threads and O-ring sealing - Light duty
(L-series) stud ends - Dimensions, design, test
methods and requirements
IS0 228-1, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints
are not made on the threads - Part 1: Dimensions,
tolerances and designation
Under revision.
0 BSI 1998
IS0 2611),I S 0 general purpose metric screw
threads - General plan
IS0 263, I S 0 inch screw threads - General plan
IS0 274, Copper tubes of circular section -
Dimensions
IS0 725, I S 0 inch screw threads - Basic
dimensions
tolerances and conventional masses per unit length
IS0 1179, Pipe connections, threaded to IS0 228/l,
for plain end steel and other metal tubes in
industrial applications
IS0 3304, Plain end seamless precision steel tubes -
Technical conditions for delivery
IS0 3305, Plain end welded precision steel tubes -
Technical conditions for delivery
IS0 4759-1, Tolerances for fasteners - Part 1: Bolts,
screws and nuts with thread diameters
between 1,6 (inclusive) and 150 mm (inclusive) and
product gradesA, B and C
IS0 5598, Fluid power s y s m and components -
Vocabulary
IS0 99741, Connections for general use and fluid
power - Port and stud ends with IS0 261 threads
with elastomeric or metal-to-metal sealing -
Part 1: Threaded ports
IS0 99742, Connections for general use and fluid
power -Port and stud ends with IS0 261 threads
with elastomeric or metal-to-metal sealing -
Part 2: Stud ends with elastomeric sealing (type E)
IS0 99743, Connections for general use and fluid
power - Port and stud ends with IS0 261 threads
with elastom& or metal-to-metal sealing -
Part 3: Stud ends with metal-to-metal sealing
( t w B)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of BS 4368, the terms
and definitions given in IS0 5598 and the following
apply.
3.1
fluid power
means whereby energy is transmitted, controlled and
distributed using a pressurized fluid as the medium
[IS0 55981
3.2
connection; fitting
leak-proof device to connect pipelines (conductors)
to one another, or to equipment
1
3.3 4 Requirements for materials
fastening thread 4.1 Components
terminal thread of a complete fitting Figure 1shows the cross section and component
3.4 parts of a typical split collet compression fitting.
run 4.2 Fitting bodies
two principal, axially aligned outlets of a tee or cross Bodies shall be manufactured from carbon steel,
3.6 stainless steels or high duty non-ferrous alloys which
shall provide the minimum requirements for the
branch pressure/temperature ratings specified in clause 5.
side outlet(s) of a tee or cross They shall have properties (e.g. strength, corrosion
3.6 resistance) which make them compatible with the
fluid to be conveyed and to provide an effective
chamfer joint. Weld fitting types shall be made of materials
removal of a conical portion at the entrance of a classified as suitable for welding.
thread to assist assembly and prevent damage to the
start of the thread 4.3 Nuts
Nuts shall be of a similar material to those of the
3.7 bodies.
face-to-face dimension
4.4 Collets
distance between the two parallel faces of axially
aligned outlets of a fitting The material of the split collets shall be selected by
the manufacturer to suit the design and application.
3.8 The final material surface hardness shall be
face-to-centre dimension sufficient to allow the collet to fully perform it's
gripping function upon the selected tubing.
distance from the face of an outlet to the central
axis of an angularly disposed outlet 4.6 Sealing ring
3.9 The material of the sealing ring shall be selected to
suit the medium to be carried and the temperature of
assembly torque the application.
the torque to be applied in order to achieve a
satisfactory final assembly 4.6 Compatibility of components
In all cases the materials of metallic components of
3.10
a fitting assembly shall be similar, so as to prevent
working pressure electrolytic corrosion, particularly in marine
pressure at which the apparatus is being operated in environments.
a given application

Figure 1 - Cross section of a typical split collet

compression fitting

2 O BSI 1998
5 Pressureltemperature requirements 6.3 The following letter symbols shall be used.

6.1 Fittings made of carbon steel shall have Connection end type Letter
sufficient mechanical strength for use at the working Bulkhead BH
pressures given in Table 1when used at fluid Swivel SW
temperatures between -40 "C and + 120 "C.
Weld-on WD
Table 1- Working pressure ratings for Braze-on BR
split collet compression fittings Port P
Tube 0.d. Working Proof pressures Stud SD
mm 1 MPa I bar I MPa I bar Reducing RE
Shape Letter
Stra@t S
Elbow E
NOTE Purchasers should consult the manufacturer for 45 degree elbow E45
applications under conditions outside the pressure andlor
temperature limits given in Table 1and in 6.1 to 5.3. Tee T
5.2 Fittings made of stainless steel shall have Run tee RT
sufficient mechanical strength for use at the working Branch tee BT
pressures given in Table 1 when used at Cross K
temperatures between -40 "C and + 150 "C.
Component type Letter
5.3 Copper alloy fittings shall have sufficient Nut N
mechanical strength for use at the working pressures
given in Table 1when used at temperatures between Back-up washer SS
-40 "C and +I20 "C. Sealing ring D
Split collet GS
6.4 The fitting assembly shall not leak or fail
mechanically when hydrostatically tested at four Locknut LN
times the applicable recommended working pressure Shouldered blanking plug BPL
specified in Table 1. Testing shall be conducted at
room temperature. Examples of split collet compression fittings and
designations are given in Figures 2 to 6.
5.5 For port and stud end pressure/temperature EXAMPLE:
requirements, the values specified in the respective
port and stud end standards shall be used. A fitting with a heavy duty stud connection end
with a G3/8A thread in accordance with
NOTE The pressureltemperature requirements given in
Table 1 and in 6.1 to 5.3 are for tube and hose connections and IS0 1179 to be connected to a 12 mm outside
fitting bodies only. diameter tube is designated as follows:
5.6 Fittings shall be type tested in accordance with BS 4368-1 - SDS - 12xG3/8A, type B.
BS 43684. 6.4 Tube ends shall only be described in terms of
the outside diameter in the alphanumeric code.
6 Designation of fittings 6.5 Reducing fittings and reducing elbows shall be
designated by speclfylng the larger tube end first.
6.1 Fittings shall be designated by an alphanumeric
code to facilitate ordering. The code shall commence 6.6 Stud fittings (see Figure 3) shall be designated
with BS 43681, and shall be followed by a spaced by speclfylng the tube end first, then the thread size
hyphen, then the fitting style designation letter for the stud end.
symbols (see clauses 6.2 and 6.3), then a spaced
hyphen, then for the ends the outside diameter of 6.7 For tee fittings (see Figure 4) the order of
the tube (in rnrn) to which they are to be connected. designation of the connection ends shall be from
For stud ends (connector ends), a multiplication sign larger to smaller on the run,followed by the branch
followed by the thread designation of the stud end end.
and the sealing type shall be added (see Tables 2 6.8 For cross fittings, the order of designation of
to 13). the connection ends shall be from left to right,
6.2 The fitting style designation shall have two followed by top to bottom, with the larger ends on
parts, the connection end type, immediately followed the left and at the top.
by the shape of the fitting. 6.9 If the fitting has a tube union connection, it
shall be designated first, then the designation shall
proceed clockwise.

0 BSI 1998 3
 Figure 2 - Straight fitting

Figure 3 - Straight stud fitting

(male type illustrated)

Figure 4 - Tee

4 O BSI 1998
7 Requirements for tubes
Carbon steel tubes shall conform to delivery
condition R37 NBK as specified in
IS0 3304 (cold-drawn and normalized) or
IS0 3305 (cold-drawn and normalized).
Stainless steel tubes shall conform to
IS0 1127 (annealed).
Copper tubes shall conform to IS0 274
(as-drawn and half-hard).
Copper alloy tubes shall conform to BS 2871-2.
8 Across flats (A/F) dimensions
8.1 The dimensions across flats for nuts and on the
bodies of the fittings shall be those given in
Tables 4 to 11 and Tables 13 to 17. For sizes up to
and including 24 mm, tolerances for across flats
dimensions shall be -0.8
mm, and for sizes larger
than 24 mm, they shall be -:mm.
8.2 Hex tolerances across flats shall be in
accordance with IS0 4759-1, product grade C.
Minimum across corner hexagonal dimensions
are 1,092 times the width across flats. The minimum
side flat is 0.43 times the nominal width across flats.
Unless otherwise specified or shown, hex corners
shall be chamfered 15' to 30" to a diameter equal to
the width across flats, with a tolerance of mm. 00,4
9 Design
9.1 Fittings
The fittings shall conform to the requirements given
in Figures 5 to 13 and Tables 2 to 10. They shall be
designed so that resistance to flow is reduced to a
minimum.
NOTE These fittings are intended for the connection of plain end
tubes and hose fittings to ports in accordance with BS IS0 6149-1,
IS0 1179 or IS0 99741 or any other thread agreed between the
purchaser and manufacturer.
9.2 Dimensions
Dimensions specified apply to finished parts,
including any plating or other treatments.
Dimensions shall be subject to a general tolerance of
f0.4 mm where not otherwise specified. The sealing
ring bore of fittings shall be concentric with straight
thread pitch diameters within 0.1 mm full indicator
movement (FIM).
9.3 Passage tolerances
Where passages in straight fittings are machined
from opposite ends, the offset at the meeting point
shall not exceed 0.4 mm. No cross-sectional area at a
junction of passages shall be less than that of the
smallest passage.
0 BSI 1998
9.4 Angular tolerances
Angular tolerances on axis of ends of elbows, tees
and crosses shall be f 1.5"for all fittings.
9.5 Contour details
Spanner flats on elbows and tees shall conform to
the dimensions given in Tables 2 to 10. Abrupt
reduction of a section shall be avoided. Junctions of
small external sections and adjoining sections that
are relatively heavy shall be blended by means of
ample fillets.
NOTE Details of contour may be chosen by the manufacturer
provided the dimensions given in Tables 2 to 10 are maintained.
10 Screw threads
10.1 Compression ends
The screw threads on the compression ends of the
fittings shall be in accordance with IS0 263 and
IS0 725. Threads shall be chamfered at the face of
the coupling to an included angle of 45"; the
diameter of the chamfer shall be equal to the minor
diameter of the thread, with a tolerance of mm. 00.4
10.2 Stud ends (connection ends)
The thread for stud ends (connection ends) of
fittings shall be chosen from IS0 2281 (Class A) or
IS0 261. The dimensions of the stud ends shall
conform to the requirements given in Tables 8 and 9.
NOTE Parallel threads require an undercut with a sealing
washer, O-ring or similar device to ensure a leakproof joint.
11 Manufacture
11.1 The fittings shall be free from cracks and
porosity and shall be deburred.
11.2 All machined surfaces shall have a surface
roughness value of Ra < 6.3 ym, except where
otherwise stated in the figures.
11.3 Unless otherwise specified, carbon steel
coupling bodies, split collets, backing rings and nuts
shall be treated or protected to prevent corrosion
during storage. The external surface and threads on
all fittings except weld components shall be
protected with an appropriate coating to pass a
minimum 24 h salt spray test in accordance with
BS 7479, unless otherwise agreed by the
manufacturer and purchaser. Any appearance of red
rust during the salt spray test shall be considered a
failure. Fluid passages shall be excluded from the
plating or coating requirements but shall be
protected from rust. Weld components shall be
protected from corrosion by an oil film or phosphate
coating.
11.4 Sharp edges shall be removed to 0.15 mm
maximum unless otherwise specified.
5
12 Assembly instruction
Assembly instructions for the use of the fittings shall
be supplied. These instructions shall include at least
the following.
- Details relating to the material and quality of
suitable tubes.
- Details concerning the preparation of the
selected tube.
- Instructions regarding the assembly of the
coupling, such as assembly torque.
NOTE It is essential that the assembly of the fittings with the
connection tubes is carried out without external loads.
- Recommendations regarding the tools to be used
for assembly.

13 Marking of components
Fitting bodies and nuts shall be permanently
marked2)with the manufacturer's name or trademark
and code identifier which the manufacturer's
literature can show correlation with the content of
clause 6.

14 Identification statement
(reference to this part of BS 4368)
The following statement shall be used in test reports,
catalogues and sales literature when complying with
BS 43681.
"Dimensions and design for split collet
compression.metallic fittings in accordance with
BS 4368-1 - MetaUic tube connections for fluid power
and general use - Split coUet compression fittings".

Marking BS 436&1:1998 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer's declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on
behalf of the manufacturer that the pkoduct meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is solely the claimant's
responsibility. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third-party certification of conformity.

6 O BSI 1998
 Details to suit individual
manufacturer's collet
Figure 5 - Tube nut (N)

Table 2 - Overall dimensions of tube nut

Dimensions in rnillimeWes
Tube o.dea b
minimum

a 0.d. = outside diameter.

A/F = across flats.

0 BSI 1998 7
 Figure 6 - Straight union fitting

Table 3 - Dimensions of straight union fittings

Dimensions in rnillimeh-es
Tube 0.d.

8 O BSI 1998
 L

Figure 7 - Pipe to hose bulkhead fitting

Table 4 - Dimensions of pipe to hose bulkhead union fitting and locknut

Dimensions in millimetres
Tube 0.d. Thread
designation

6
8
10
12
16
20
25
30
38
50

0 BSI 1998 9
 Figure 8 - Equal elbow

Table 5 - Dimensions of equal elbows

Dimensions in rnillimetres
Tube 0.d. Forged fitting Barstock fitting

O BSI 1998
 Figure 9 - Equal tee

Table 6 - Dimensions of tees

Dimensions in millimetres
Tube 0.d. I Forged fitting Barstock fitting
S S
AIF AIF

0 BSI 1998 11
 Figure 10 - Cross

Table 7 - Dimensions of equal crosses

Dimensions in rnillirnetres
Tube 0.d. A B S
AIF
6 54 24 19
8 57 27 19
10 71 27 26
12 71 27 26
16 79 33 32

O BSI 1998
 Figure 11 - Male stud - BS P thread t o BS 5200

Table 8 - Dimensions of male stud couplings - BS P thread t o BS 5200

Dimensions in rnillirnetres
Tube 0.d. Thread
designation
0G

0 BSI 1998 13
 Figure 12 - Male stud - I S 0 6149-2 thread
I
Table 9 - Dimensions of male stud couplings - I S 0 6149-2 threads
Dimensions in millimetres
Tube 0.d.

O BSI 1998
 L
NOTE Maximum bulkhead thickness 12 mm
Figure 13 - Bulkhead union fitting

Table 10 - Dimensions of bulkhead union fittings and locknuts

Dimensions in millirnetres
Tube 0.d.

0 BSI 1998 15
Annex A (informative)
Procurement information
The following procurement information should be
supplied by the purchaser when malung an enquiry or
placing an order.
a) Description of fitting.
b) Material of fitting.
c) Material and size of tube.
d) Fluid to be conveyed.
e) Working pressure.
f ) Working temperature.
g) Working environment.

16 0 BSI 1998
Bibliography

Standards publications
BS 6322-1:1982, Rlerances for fasteners - Specification for tolerances of bolts, screws and nuts with thread
diameters 2 1.6 mm and 5 150 mm and product grades A, B, and C.
BS EN 20286-2: 1993, IS0 system of limits and fits - Rbles of standard tolerance grades and limit deviations
for holes and shafts.

0 BSI 1998
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