The standard material for our metallic line of PBOF connectors is 316 stainless steel, passivated. The CCP coupling nut is bronze. Pressure Balanced, Oil-Filled connector/cable assemblies are recommended when maximum reliability is required.
How They Work - The oil-regulating valve located in the plug body opens when the connectors are mated, seals when they are disengaged.
The electrical contacts are hermetically sealed within the bulkhead connector body to resist open face pressure. Clear tubing containing the insulated conductors is filled with an insulating oil and installed to the connectors.
When the plug/receptacle are mated, oil flows thru the opened valve in the plug body and fills the connector interface area. The whole system is thus pressure balanced (equalized) to this point.
Tubing
The most popular type tubing used for the PBOF systems is made of clear modified vinyl, developed especially to maintain its physical properties in contact with fuels, oil, and lubricants. This clear tubing will last approximately 12 to 18 months in sea water without degradation. An opaque orange tubing is also available which lasts 24 months in sea water.
Oil
An insulating type, mild oil is recommended such as a transformer or turbine oil which feature a high dielectric strength.
Fasteners
The tubing can be secured to the connector with a variety of commercially available clamps.
