Brass Bulkhead Union

The Brass Bulkhead Union is a specialized plumbing and industrial fitting designed to create a secure, leak-proof connection through a flat surface, such as a tank wall, panel, or enclosure. It acts as a bridge, allowing fluid or gas lines to pass from one side of a barrier to the other while maintaining a hermetic seal around the penetration point.

Design and Mechanical Construction

A bulkhead union consists of a threaded body, a fixed hexagonal shoulder, and a heavy-duty locknut. The body is typically longer than a standard union to accommodate various wall thicknesses. It is precision-machined from high-tensile brass, providing the mechanical strength necessary to withstand the torque applied during installation and the vibration of active machinery.

The fitting is installed by inserting the threaded body through a pre-drilled hole; the locknut is then tightened against the opposite side of the wall, "sandwiching" the panel between the shoulder and the nut. To ensure a gas-tight or liquid-tight seal, these unions are often paired with high-performance washers or O-rings (typically Nitrile or PTFE) that compress against the bulkhead surface.

Technical Specifications

• Connection Versatility: These fittings commonly feature SAE 45 flare ends for refrigeration, or NPT/ISO threads for general plumbing and pneumatic applications.

• Pressure Resistance: Engineered for high-pressure environments, they are capable of handling several hundred PSI, making them suitable for both liquid and gas transfer.

• Corrosion Resistance: The brass composition ensures the fitting remains free from rust and scale, even in humid environments or when exposed to industrial oils.

Primary Applications

Brass bulkhead unions are indispensable in the manufacturing of refrigeration units, automotive fuel systems, and water storage tanks. They are the preferred choice for service technicians and engineers who need to transition lines through cabinets or chassis without risking leaks or mechanical failure at the entry point. By providing a rigid, fixed mounting point, they prevent the tubing from rubbing against sharp panel edges, thereby extending the life of the entire system.