Hydraulic hose fittings connect hydraulic hoses, tubes, and pipes to pumps and other hydraulic system parts. So, what if you pick the wrong fitting? Unfortunately, something as little as a fitting can drastically reduce the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system and potentially constitute a significant safety risk. If you become overwhelmed by the variety of forms, materials, threads, and sealing choices available, save time and read our instructions on how to select the best fitting for your work.
When choosing a hydraulic hose, what variables should you assess?
Whether you’re replacing an old hose or designing a new system, you’ll need to choose a hose with the appropriate pressure rating, diameter, and length, as well as the optimum material attributes for your application. Here are some points to consider.
Security:
Use caution while using NPT (National Pipe Taper) pipe thread fittings. Even while tightening the connection appears to be an easy way to cure a leak with this sort of fitting, you increase the danger of the fitting cracking. This is particularly likely in the case of repetitive remakes (loosening and re-tightening the fitting). Use O-rings with elastomeric seals like DIN 2353 or SAE J1453, and use an untapered JIC fitting to eliminate unanticipated leakage. Keep your temperature conditions within the acceptable range if you utilize elastomeric seals. Unfortunately, even a single over-temperature incident might cause all of the seals to fail, resulting in many leaks.
Pressure rating:
The machine’s working capacity, as well as any peak forces or spikes, must be known. Select a hose with a highest operating pressure equal to or higher than the full mechanism load. The Hose Overview Chart illustrates the pressure ratings for the most commonly used Parker hoses.
When choosing components for a hose assembly, consider the assembly’s “weakest link.” A hose combination is graded based on the highest working capacity of the unit with the least strength classification.
Temperature:
When picking the correct hydraulic hose for your system, the temperature rating is also crucial to consider. You must consider both the medium temperature and the ambient temperature and ensure that the hose you choose meets or exceeds the higher of the two.
Also, take into account the media type as well as the media temperature, since various fluids might alter the effects of temperature on the hose. For instance, the average temp of the 811HT hose for petroleum-based hydraulic fluids is -40°F to +257°F. The maximum working temperature of hydraulic fluids including water, water/glycol, and water/oil emulsion decreases to +185°F, whereas air has a rating of +158°F. Temperature ratings should always be checked in the hose specification.
Material:
Consider the situations in which a hose will be used. A hose’s outer layer or cover can be made of a number of synthetic rubber materials. Some formulations can aid with abrasion-prone applications but may not bend as well. Look for the time of production marking on any rubber hydraulic hose you are contemplating buying. In most cases, the maximum shelf life is ten years.
When load and storage are essential, such as with mobile gear, opt into hoses with a thin-walled inner diameter. Technological advancements in synthetic rubber materials have boosted wall durability, enabling for a smaller outer diameter final result.
Application:
You should also think about how the hose will be utilized. Consider the sort of equipment on which the hose will be used, the environmental circumstances to which it will be exposed, if the routing will be constrained, whether the assembly will be subjected to abrasion, and other issues. Certain applications necessitate the use of specialized hoses, and it is critical that you select a hose that is rated for the application in question.
Final thoughts:
Assess the pressure limit, maximum temperature, jacket substance, and bend radius when selecting a hose, among other factors. Clean the inside of a rubber hydraulic hose before installing it! To maintain the optimal hose position and eliminate needless flexing, use brackets and supports wherever appropriate. Be assured that the hose is never forced into a curve with a diameter that is less than the lowest diameter allowed. Utilize thermoplastic hoses for lighter options with narrower bend diameters than normal. Before taking any decision always check with specialists like Greenshields Industrial Supply.
