Colder NS6 Non Drip Couplings

Colder NS6 Non-Drip Coupling

Date log; 28 October 2006

Colder is a company which has a long history of development and manufacture of fluid control products. A quick glance at their catalogue will demonstrate a bewildering number of differing coupling variations in their product range. We will be looking at one version of the non drip couplings in this FAQ. We intend to establish the relevant flow rates and therefore restrictiveness of this form of coolant control. Today we are specifically focused on the Colder NS6 non spill couplings flow rate values. We will provide the data for for half inch and three eights inch tubing sized couplings.

Test Method;

The test method used was a simple flow rate evaluation using one of the common pumps used in water cooling system. That is the Laing D5.

We used 1.5M of 3/8" and the same length of 1/2" tubing during the testing of each size of fitting. Two NS6 couplings of the same ID were placed in series in the line to simulate a normal loop.

The test process involved pumping 4 liters of coolant from one container into a second container.We took ten samples of the flow rate tests then averaged them to provide the results. The timed flow rate averages are presented below for the half inch and three eights inch couplings.

Colder 1/2 inch Fittings.
Flow rate without Colder using D5 pump setting (5) = 14.89 L/Min or 893.85 L/Hr
Flow rate with Colder using D5 pump on setting (5) = 10.44 L/Min or 626.63 L/Hr

Colder 3/8 inch Fittings.
Flow rate without Colder using D5 pump setting (5) = 9.76 L/Min or 585.60 L/Hr
Flow rate with Colder using D5 pump on setting (5) = 7.67 L/Min or 466.50 L/Hr

Head Pressure Loss;

A head pressure loss of 0.5 PSI was noted during in-line testing on a high restriction cooling loop system.

Personal Impressions;

From a testing view point of view these couplings are a winner in my mind. They greatly simplify the breakdown of the cooling loop components for transport or in our case modification of the coolant system. It is relatively easy to de snap the radiator out of the loop while keeping the fluid within it secured. The addition of a second pre filled loop means that you can easily test two pumps or two radiators in whatever combination you like with minimal disruption and very little re bleeding. This makes for a major improvement in the speed and accuracy of testing with a reduction of re fitting mistakes.

The Down Side;

The Causation rule always seems to be that there is a down side with any major simplification and in this case the rule applies. Flow rates and head pressures are affected but there is a way round this. The solution lies in the flow and head rate adjustability of the pumps we use.

Pumps;

The Laing D5 pump that we used in our testing is a very impressive pump with a degree of variability provided by the on-board switching method fitted to the rear case of the pump. Values range from 1-5 with P5 representing the highest setting of 4,800 RPM. At this point we have established that the Laing D5 will push almost 15 L/Min at 6.5 PSIG or 4.7M head pressure. The pump is capable of voltage ranges of up to 24 volts however there are no flow rate or head pressure gains from doing so. While the provided adjustability makes the D5 somewhat of an "ideal" pump there is another contender prepared to take on the D5. This is the Alphacool AP1510.

The AP1510 which we nicknamed the "Goliath" represents a major move away from the traditional single speed pumps. With the included voltage controller the pump is capable of up to 24 volts operation.

Rated at 17 Watts at switch on it is somewhat below the D5's 26 Watts startup ratings. Using the attached voltage controller the AP1510 pump can be ramped up to higher head pressures and flow rates with ease. You will face the increased wattage rate on each adjustment to attain higher flow rates so be aware of this unavoidable outcome.

Using the AP1510 we were able to achieve the pre Colder flow rate values when using the Colder couplings by using the AP1510 at 15 volts operation during testing. We were very pleased with this results as it also demonstrated that we had finally found a pump that is capable of easily adapting to changing out and fitting new cooling systems components.

As a result of our testing with the AP1510 pump the Colder's can now become a part of the test unit here without sacrificing either flow rate or head values when we are testing components.

Conclusion;

"If you don't need to do something why do it" is the simplest conclusion to be reached here. If you need the Colder's because you transport your case a lot and/or need an easy way of disconnection then these are simply wonderful devices. If your testing and need a way to swap out say a radiator, pump or component they are invaluable. The choice lies with you.