For hoses and piping, a quick connect fitting, also called a push fitting, is a coupling used to provide a fast, make-or-break connection of gas or liquid transfer lines.
When equipped with self-sealing valves, quick connect fittings will, upon disconnection, automatically contain any fluid in the line.
They are used underwater, in drilling operations, in outer space, and for pneumatic-power, plumbing, heating, electrical, and fire-suppression applications.
[1][2][3] Fittings come in a variety of generic and proprietary types, with market dominance highly dependent on global region.
[4] North America: Europe: Japan: Unit cost varies from a few dollars for mass-produced compressed air couplings to $1 million for large-bore couplings used in the ship-to-shore transfer of liquified natural gas.