THE new BFM fitting is the world’s first “clampless and snap in” connector. Developed and trialled in New Zealand during the past two years, the BFM fitting is a revolutionary advance on the traditional flexible connector used for the transfer of mainly powder type products from one item of plant to another (in simplistic terms from A to B). The connector is flexible as frequently one item of the plant is vibrating whilst the recipient item of plant is stationary. Standard connectors are secured by hose clips which are difficult to fit and can easily be fitted incorrectly resulting in the loss or contamination of product. Hygiene is also a problem in that the product can build up between connector material and the sidewall of the spigot. Many powder products are also of an explosive nature and in an over pressure situation are likely to let go. The BFM fitting is a completely new concept in that it totally eliminates the need for hose clips. The newly designed and manufactured stainless steel flange/spigot eliminates the crevasse between the side walls of the spigot and the flexible connector. The fitting will also accommodate various connector materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, aramid, kevlar, and PTFE. Field trials so far have exceeded all expectations as have customer reactions and acceptance. Not only is the fitting ideal for highly critical food hygiene areas, but in all aspects of manufacturing and in many industries around the world – including cement, wood, steel and aluminium smelting. BFM Global has already registered design, patents and trademarks in the countries that it intends to market the BFM fitting.