What are the Most Used Hydraulic Hose Types?
What are the Most Used Hydraulic Hose Types?
Hydraulic hoses of any type must meet very stringent standards to adapt to the pressure levels, loads, and sometimes contorted positions demanded of them. Few engineering components are expected to withstand the forces within and be flexible enough to bend or reach at varying angles to perform heavy-duty functions.
In simplest terms, a hydraulic system is one that uses highly pressurized hydraulic fluids to create mechanical output such as lifting, stamping, or forging. Hydraulics are commonly used for excavators and backhoes, wing flaps on airplanes, lifting equipment like jacks and wheelchair lifts, and much more.
Standard industrial hoses are not suitable for use in hydraulic systems. Hydraulic hoses, as part of an enclosed system, must be able to withstand average internal pressures averaging 3000 psi and withstand extreme temperatures.
Standards for Hydraulic Hoses
Hydraulic hoses are important components used in many industrial applications and must comply with certain standards. These standards specify requirements for the design, material, durability and performance of hoses. Here are some common standards for hydraulic hoses:
ISO 1436: This standard specifies general requirements for type, size, pressure class and performance of hydraulic hoses. It also defines the material and properties of the inner and outer coverings of the hoses.
SAE J517: This American Standard specifies the physical and performance characteristics of hydraulic hoses. Pressure ratings, temperature ranges and other technical details for various hose types are specified under this standard.
DIN EN 853: This European Standard defines the characteristics of low, medium and high pressure hydraulic hoses. It also includes performance tests to determine the suitability of the hoses for the conditions of use.
DIN EN 854: This standard determines the properties and performance tests for hydraulic oil hoses.
DIN EN 856: A European Standard for high pressure hydraulic hoses. This standard defines the characteristics and performance of hoses with a four- or six-wire braid structure.
TS 9578 for Spiral Steel Wire Reinforced Hoses: This Turkish Standard determines the properties and performance of spiral steel wire reinforced hydraulic hoses.
These standards provide specific guidelines for the safety, durability and suitability of hydraulic hoses. It is important to ensure compliance with these standards in the design and operation of hydraulic systems, as unsuitable hoses can cause system malfunctions and safety risks.
SAE, the standard-setting organization of engineers, has set standards for hydraulic hoses. Since these components are essential to efficient operations and, in many situations, human safety, hoses must meet specific requirements for a hydraulic system. SAE J517 provides general, dimensional, and performance specifications for hydraulic hoses in mobile and stationary systems.
The typical hose is composed of three layers. These include the inner tube, a reinforcing middle layer, and a protective outer layer.
The design and material used for the inner layer must be engineered to the level of flexibility required and the type of fluid to be used. Typically, the inner layer is produced from a form of synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, or a PTFE material.
The middle layer which largely determines the strength is made from coiled wire or a textile braiding that allows flexibility, yet is strong enough to withstand the extreme pressures of a hydraulic system at work.
The outer layer is a material that protects against foreign matter, extreme weather, abrasive tools, and sharp objects.
Fittings that attach the hydraulic hose to its source and destination must be sufficient to manage extreme pressure as well.
5 Types of Hydraulic Hoses
While there are more types and applications of hoses, the five listed here are a cross-section of specific components, uses, and capabilities:
- SAE Standard Hose: SAE 100R1 is a high-pressure hose is used with petroleum or water-based fluids designed to power general industrial applications. The hose is single steel, wire-braided tubing that will operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 100°C.
- Standard High-Pressure Hose: These hoses are flexible and used to transporting mineral and hydraulic oils and water-oil emulsions. They are in demand for the mining and oil industries, construction, and agriculture.
- Low-Pressure Hose: Textile-braided and highly flexible, these hoses are employed in lighter applications such as return lines, anti-static delivery lines, and air or lube lines. Low-pressure lines are not suitable for braking or other safety-related applications.
- Steel Wire-Braided Hose: Either single or double wire-braided and extra durable, these hoses are used to transport fluids under extreme pressures, temperatures, and even a vacuum. These hoses are used in oilfields, mining, and heavy industrial applications.
- Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose: Useful for heavy construction, hydraulic lift equipment, and lubrication lines, the thermoplastic hoses are resistant to abrasion and can operate at very low temperatures. Both the inner and outer layers consist of a thermoplastic material while the middle layer reinforces with a synthetic fiber mesh.
Choosing the Right Hose
Choosing the right hydraulic hose is extremely important for the safety, efficiency and durability of hydraulic systems. Here are some factors to consider for choosing the right hydraulic hose:
Application and Ambient Conditions: Hydraulic hose selection must comply with the requirements and environmental conditions of the job to be applied. Factors such as pressure rating, temperature range, chemical resistance should be taken into account.
Pressure Rating: In selecting the hydraulic hose, the maximum working pressure required for the application should be taken into account. This is important to ensure the durability and safety of the hose.
Working Temperature: The hose to be used in hydraulic systems must be resistant to the operating temperature of the system. The temperature range is a determining factor for the material and construction of the hose.
Media Compatibility: The hydraulic hose must be compatible with the hydraulic oil or other fluids to be used. Chemical resistance is a factor to consider in selecting the hose.
Flexibility and Durability: The flexibility of the hydraulic hose makes it easy to install and use, while its durability ensures long-lasting performance. Correct material selection and design are important to provide these features.
Length and Connections: Hydraulic hose length and connections must suit the requirements of a particular application. Appropriate length and correct connections ensure efficient operation of the hose.
Compliance with Standards: When selecting hydraulic hoses, it is important to ensure compliance with relevant industrial standards and regulations. This is important for security and compliance.
Choosing the right hydraulic hose can reduce operating costs and prevent unexpected malfunctions, while ensuring reliability and efficiency in the system. Therefore, choosing the right hose is of great importance in the design and maintenance of hydraulic systems.
Hydraulic hoses might be at the core of your operation. Breakdowns can be expensive. Determining the best ones for your pressure capacity, durability, flexibility, abrasion resistance, temperature exposure, and the material to be conducted usually requires complex engineering considerations.