Cool Connector for Liquid Co2

Customer

A leading global supplier of medical, industrial and specialty compressed gas. 

Application

High-volume vent and vacuum of gas cylinders. 

Challenge

The customer was experiencing a bottleneck in the process when making manual twist-on connections.

Project Goals

• Speed up the connection/disconnection time.
• Eliminate the ergonomic safety hazard of the twist-on connections

Solution

The FasTest engineering team collaborated closely with the customer, conducting an in-depth analysis of their operational workflow and pinpointing the inefficiencies caused by the manual twist-on connectors. By leveraging our proven bail handle family as a foundation, we customized the design to align with the CGA 320 standard for CO2 applications. This involved precision-engineering the connector components to ensure a robust, leak-free seal under high-pressure conditions. To address the unique challenges of liquid CO2, we incorporated a specialized seal compound, rigorously tested to withstand the explosive decompression and extreme temperatures inherent in these applications. The result was a tailored G320 connector that seamlessly integrated into the customer’s.

Results

The introduction of the G320 connectors transformed the customer’s CO2 cylinder venting and vacuuming process, slashing connection and disconnection times by up to 70% compared to the previous twist-on method. This eliminated the production bottleneck, boosting throughput and enabling the fill plant to meet rising demand without additional labor or equipment. Safety soared as the ergonomic design eradicated the repetitive wrist strain that had plagued operators, reducing injury reports and enhancing workplace morale. The connectors’ intuitive, one-handed operation was an instant hit with the team, who praised the newfound efficiency and comfort—nicknaming it “the wrist saver.” Beyond operational gains, the customer reported a measurable decrease in downtime and maintenance costs, thanks to the G320’s durable construction and reliable sealing, proving its value as a long-term investment in both productivity and employee well-being.