Understanding Hydraulic Hose Fittings

Due to their low density and remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum hydraulic hose fittings are widely used in the aerospace, military, and automotive industries. The amount of pressure and temperature these fittings can handle is determined by the grade of the aluminum used to manufacture them, though most can handle pressures of up to 4,000 psi.

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Brass hydraulic hose fittings provide a leak-tight seal and can operate under pressures of up to 3,000 psi, although lower pressure ranges are normally recommended. In addition, these fittings can handle temperatures in the range of &#;53°C to 204°C (&#;65°F to 400°F). Thus, they are ideal for moderate hydraulic applications.

These fittings are also considered suitable for high-temperature hydraulic applications, as they can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from &#;253°C to 648°C (&#;425°F to °F).

Hydraulic hose fittings are available in a variety of materials, with each fitting material featuring its own specific strengths and shortcomings. Outlined below are the most common types of materials used to manufacture hydraulic fittings.

Hydraulic hose fittings are specially designed connectors that allow hydraulic hoses to securely connect to various hydraulic system components, including hydraulic pumps, actuators, filters, and valves. They facilitate the safe and leak-free transmission of hydraulic fluids in a wide array of hydraulic-powered applications, such as robotics, heavy-duty lifting tasks, assembly lines, automobile and airplane hydraulic systems, oil refineries, and metalworking processes.

Types of Hydraulic Fittings

The hydraulic hose fittings supplied by Marshall Equipment vary depending on fitting material, installation method, sizes and shapes, thread types, and sealing methods, among other factors. With that in mind, let&#;s look at the common classifications of hydraulic fittings:

Permanent vs. Reusable Fittings

Permanent hydraulic hose fittings, also known as crimped fittings, are designed for one-time use, creating a robust and long-lasting leak-tight seal essential for high-pressure and critical hydraulic applications. They are also easier and faster to install, which makes them highly suitable for fluid power applications. Note, that to secure these fittings in a hydraulic hose assembly, you will require a stationary crimping machine or a portable hydraulic crimper.

On the other hand, reusable or field-attachable hydraulic hose fittings can be assembled and disassembled as many times as necessary using simple hand tools. They include a nipple and socket and can be installed anywhere without the need for crimping equipment. These fittings provide a versatile solution for hydraulic systems requiring frequent adjustments or immediate replacements in a breakdown situation, but these reusable fittings are only available for certain types of hydraulic hoses.

Sealing Methods

The choice of sealing elements in hydraulic hose fittings is crucial in ensuring secure and leak-free hydraulic connections. Hydraulic sealing elements are primarily divided into three categories, with the appropriate sealing type depending on the pressure rating of the intended hose fitting application:

1. Metal-to-Metal Seals: Metal-to-metal seals are often preferred due to their ability to withstand high working pressure and extreme environmental conditions, offering a reliable solution for heavy-duty hydraulic applications.
2. Tapered Threads Sealing: Tapered threads provide self-sealing capabilities, in which the male and female threads in hydraulic fittings compress and wedge together, creating a robust and leak-tight seal.
3. Soft Seals: Soft seals, such as gaskets and O-rings, are well-suited for low-pressure applications and can readily accommodate slight misalignments.

The appropriate sealing type depends on the pressure rating of the intended hose fitting application.

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Fitting Types

Here are some of the most common types of hydraulic hose fittings, with varying materials, sealing methods, and thread types.

• Joint Industry Council (JIC) Fittings are metal-to-metal sealing type hydraulic fittings with a machined 37-degree sealing surface angle (flare). They include parallel threads and are widely used in fluid conveyance hydraulic systems due to their exceptional sealing capabilities. They are usually manufactured in carbon steel, brass, stainless steel, and nickel alloys.
• National Pipe Thread (NPT) Fittings include American-standard tapered threads that offer self-sealing capabilities, providing leak-proof hydraulic connections for fluid transfer applications. They are available in brass and iron for low-pressure hydraulic applications and stainless and carbon steel for applications requiring vibration resistance and higher working pressures.
• O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) Fittings are versatile hydraulic hose fittings that use an O-ring to create a leak-tight seal between the hose fitting and mating surface. They are ideal for high-pressure hydraulic systems requiring frequent maintenance of hydraulic hose assemblies or periodic replacement of system components. They are commonly manufactured in stainless steel.

Learn more about hydraulic hose fitting types in How To Identify Hydraulic Hose Fittings.

How to Choose a Hydraulic Hose Fitting?

Selecting the right hydraulic hose fitting involves several considerations to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your hydraulic system. Proper selection is crucial for maintaining secure connections, preventing leaks, and ensuring overall system efficiency and safety.

1. Determine the Application Requirements:  Before selecting hydraulic hose fittings, you should have a comprehensive understanding of the specific requirements of your hydraulic system. This includes knowing the maximum pressure the system will be handling, its operating temperature range, and the type of hydraulic fluid it will be conveying. These factors are fundamental in determining the material, sealing method, thread type, and size of the hose fittings you will use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your hydraulic system.
2. Select the Fitting Material: The material of the hydraulic hose fittings plays a pivotal role in their performance and durability. When choosing a fitting material, consider the conditions of the intended working environment, including the level of exposure to corrosive agents, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, and the possibility of physical hazards. Materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, and plastics each offer distinct advantages in different environments, making fitting material selection critical to balance cost-efficiency and system reliability.
3. Identify the Fitting Type: The choice between permanent and reusable hydraulic hose fittings hinges on the design of your hydraulic hose assembly and the anticipated need for future modifications. Permanent fittings, which are crimped onto hydraulic hoses, offer a robust and long-lived leak-proof connection ideal for critical or high-pressure applications.  On the contrary, reusable fittings allow for easier disassembly and reassembly, offering system maintenance and reconfiguration flexibility. Additionally, the sealing type&#;whether metal-to-metal, soft seal or tapered thread&#;must be selected based on the pressure requirements of your hydraulic system and compatibility with the system&#;s hydraulic fluid.
4. Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility between the selected hydraulic hose fittings and existing hydraulic hoses and other components of your hydraulic system is essential for creating a cohesive and efficient system. This involves checking the fitting sizes, thread types, and materials against those of the hoses and other components in the hydraulic system. Incompatibility can lead to fluid leaks, reduced system efficiency, and even system failure under high working pressures.

Note: Compatibility extends beyond physical dimensions to include chemical compatibility between the fitting material and hydraulic fluid being conveyed, further emphasizing the need for a thorough hose fitting selection process to maintain system integrity and optimal performance.

Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Hoses 

How well do you know your industrial hoses?

Knowing how to choose a hose that best suits the needs of your application can lead to safer, more efficient system operation. Your ability to distinguish between material types, cores, end connections, and other variable hose characteristics can help you make the right selection.

Do you have questions about hose selection? We have answers. Below, you will find a handy directory of Swagelok Reference Point blog posts about hoses, their characteristics, applications, and much more.

When selecting an industrial hose, the first place to start is the core tube&#;the hose&#;s innermost layer. Learn how to select the ideal hose for your application with information on core tube materials and wall construction from Swagelok specialists.

The company is the world’s best Industrial Hoses Fittings Source Factory supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.