How to find the right Compression Bulkhead Fittings AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Compression Bulkhead Fittings
- Bulkhead union vs bulkhead connector
- A union has compression ends on both sides of the panel. A connector has a compression end on one side and a pipe thread on the other. Reducers change tube size through the wall. Choosing the wrong end type means you need an extra adapter and gain another leak point.
- Panel hole and thickness
- Drill to the maker's specified hole size and stay within the stated maximum panel thickness. An oversized hole lets the body spin, and too thick a panel leaves too little thread for the locknut.
- Tube OD and material
- Same exact OD match and material rules as any compression fitting, from the same maker as the nuts and ferrules. The bulkhead body seals on the ferrules exactly like an inline fitting.
- Panel sealing
- For tanks or enclosures that must hold liquid or keep out weather, choose a version with a sealing washer or O-ring, or add one. The locknut clamps the panel but does not seal the hole by itself.
Brands that matter
- Swagelok: Bulkhead unions, connectors and reducers in brass and stainless.
- Parker: Bulkhead variants in its A-Lok and CPI lines.
- Hy-Lok: Instrumentation bulkhead unions and connectors.
- Anderson Metals: Brass bulkhead fittings for low-pressure lines.
What to avoid
- Bulkheads without a locknut for removable panels
- Tightening the locknut by holding the tube nut instead of the body flats
- Using a bulkhead as a structural support for heavy tubing runs