5 Important Points for Choosing the Right Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and Accessories

5 Important Points for Choosing the Right Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and Accessories

5 Important Points for Choosing the Right Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and Accessories

1. Fittings

When choosing the right fitting, preference should be given to products that comply with common and internationally accepted standards such as DIN, EN, ISO or SAE. Prior to selection, should a hose connection with an elastomer seal (eg. DKOL, DKOS, ORFS), or the connection with an all-metallic sealing structure (eg. JIC, DKR). If possible, elastomer sealing element should be preferred. However, in cases where the gaskets are incompatible with the environment or in high temperatures, metallic gasketed connections are more suitable.

The connection geometry is also important in the selection. For example, if the bending radius of the hose is too small in the installation area, an elbow connection should be used to prevent the hose from bending. In addition, the connection angle should be determined by taking into account the natural curvature of the hose.

Environmental conditions should also be considered. For example, stainless steel fittings are recommended against corrosion caused by salt water.

2. Hose

As with fittings, the hose to be selected must comply with standards such as DIN, EN, ISO or SAE. Depending on the pressure and temperature values required by the application, steel or textile braided, elastomer or thermoplastic hoses can be used.

The suitability of the hose for the conditions of use is very important. For example, if high impact loads are involved, the HIDROMAN series R1, R2 or R9 hoses, which have been tested up to 1,000,000 impacts, would be the right choice.

The nominal diameter of the hose line should be selected in such a way as to avoid overload that can result from excessive fluid flow rates. In addition, it should not be assumed that each hose line will only carry hydraulic oil. If a different medium (media) is to be moved, prior consultation should be obtained from HİDROMAN technical experts.

3. Mounting Type

In order to speed up hose assembly, non-slip crimp ferrules can be used, in which a sleeve is threaded into the unpeeled hose and crimped. For braided hoses, fittings with tight crimp ferrules are suitable.

For secure connection in overloads and high pressures up to 500 bar, locking fittings with tensile protection are recommended. In this case, the inner and outer layers of the hose are peeled off, ensuring that the bend nozzle has a strong attachment to the hose and the ferrule.

An important point to know: When you order a pre-assembled hose line from HIDROMAN, the most suitable connection types are already selected for you.

Hydraulic hose lines should only be purchased from specialist workshops that are professionally and manufactured in accordance with standards. Thus, the compatibility and reliability of all components is ensured. If the hose installation is to be done by the user, it is critical that the hose and fittings are fully compatible. Size, shape and especially pressure values must be compatible with each other. In addition, the manufacturer's guidelines must be fully followed.

4. Accessories to Protect Personnel

Personnel safety is a top priority in the design of hydraulic systems. Various international standards and protective measures are available for risks such as hose whipping and fluid leaks at high pressure.

Risk of Hose Whipping:
 The risk of whipping defective hose lines can be minimized by using proper hose retention systems.

High Pressure Fluid Leaks:
 It is very important to choose the right hose holder systems, to have appropriate cable lengths, and to connect them securely to both machine components and hose lines. Protective hoses must have an inner diameter of at least 30% larger than the outer diameter of the hose line used.

Warning: Improper installation reduces the protective effect and may lead to serious injury.

5. Accessories for Hose Protection

Hose lines must be protected against adverse conditions such as mechanical load, extreme temperature, friction and kinking. Various protective accessories are recommended for these situations. The correct product selection should be suitable for the type of hose, the place of use, temperature and environmental conditions.

Protection products offered by HIDROMAN:

• Friction and bending protection systems made of various materials
• Heat protections containing silicate, silicone or glass fibres and resistant up to 260 °C
• Condensation protection systems

Basic Rules for Assembling Hydraulic Hoses

In order for hydraulic hoses to work correctly and have a long service life, the following rules must be observed:

• Installation must be carried out by qualified personnel.
• Hose lines should be accessible and laid in their natural position.
• Hoses must not be subjected to tension, torsion, impact and compression.
• The minimum bend radius of the hose must not be exceeded.
• It must be protected against external influences (mechanical, thermal, chemical).
• The safety of the connections must be checked before commissioning.
• If there is visible damage from the outside, the hose line should not be used.
• If necessary, the hose must be properly cleaned before commissioning.
• Potential balancing must be carried out in accordance with TRBS 2153 (formerly DGUV 213-060 T 033) or BGR 132.
• The hose length should be determined according to the installation conditions.
• The margin of elongation/shortening under pressure that may occur during operation should be taken into account.

If limit values such as maximum working pressure, maximum and minimum temperature are present at the same time, an improper bend radius can significantly shorten the life of the hose.