Hydraulic Hose Selection Criteria

Hydraulic hose Selection criteria & points of attention

The following criteria should be considered before selecting the correct hydraulic fitting types for your application:

1. Size: The internal and external diameter of the fittings are two important sizes to consider. These diameters of the fitting should be compatible with the hose diameter. Over or under-sized fittings can cause leakage or the connection to fail.

2. Material: The material of the hydraulic fitting should be compatible with the hydraulic fluid and with the operating environment. The most commonly used fitting materials are brass, aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. NBR (Nitrile) O-rings are the most widely used sealing materials.

3. Temperature: The hydraulic fittings should be suitable for your temperature range.

4. Pressure: The hydraulic fittings must be suitable for your pressure range, including the pressure spikes. Operating beyond this range can cause damage to the fittings.

5. Application: The type of application also determines the fitting type to be used. Tee- or cross- fittings are used for mixing or distribution application.

6. Assembly: If the hydraulic system requires frequent connecting and disconnecting of the hose or tube, the hydraulic quick-connect fittings can be used. Similarly, hydraulic compression fittings can be used to remove the need for welding or soldering of the fitting. It uses a compression nut to tighten against the ferrule creating a very tight seal. It can be used in areas with high temperatures as welded joints can leak in such environments.

How to properly connect to a hydraulic hose

To properly connect the hydraulic hose with the hydraulic fitting:

1. Ensure the length of the hose is as required. Hose cutters can be used to cut it to the optimal size with clean ends to reduce the risk of contamination and assembly failures.

2. Select the appropriate hydraulic hose fitting. Make sure to consider size, pressure, temperature, material, style, and orientation of the fitting is compatible with your operation.

3. Determine the insertion depth of the fitting and mark it on the hose with a marker. Lubricate the hose (if necessary) and insert the hose into the fitting until the mark on the hose.

4. Adjust the crimper to the appropriate diameter, place the end of the hose in the crimping machine and crimp the hose.

5. Verify the crimp diameter.

6. Clean the hose assembly to avoid contamination using a hose brush.

Common applications

Hydraulic fittings are used for piping and tubing with hydraulic hoses in the following applications:

1. Factory applications like assembly lines, presses, robotics, hydraulic power units

2. Construction and mining equipment

3. Agricultural equipment

4. Plumbing applications

5. Oil and gas industry