What is hydraulic hose? types of hydraulic hose? Choosing the best hydraulic hose

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Hydraulic hose pipe is used to transfer fluid to hydraulic components like actuator, control valves including all system. Hydraulic hose are typically flexible types which allows the hydraulic components to install in right place. It has ability to curved or bend, run inside the tight space or stretch across very long distance and can also retain withstand pressure.

Hydraulic hose pipe is widely used in industrial hydraulic system that's why hose pipe material, specifications and performance are all important to consider before selecting hydraulic hose.

Construction of hydraulic hose

Typically, hydraulic hose pipes are constructed with three basic components.

1. Tube
2. Reinforcement
3. Cover

Tube: Mainly inner lining like plastic tube or rubber tube make contact with the conduct fluid. These tubes resist the chemical contact and also corrosion.

Reinforcement: Reinforcement layer of tube helps to withstand inter or external pressure. It has multiple sheaths which includes braided wire, spiral-wonded wire.  It is usually made with cables, fibers and monofilaments.

Covers: The cover is the outer layer of hydraulic hose. It is chemical resistance and can also resist abrasion. Covers are commonly made with plastics, rubbers and textiles.

Hydraulic hose material

Usually hydraulic hoses are made with synthetic rubber materials where most popular outer material of hydraulic hose pipe is neoprene. In major case the outer cover of is polyurethane. For this type of hoses lifetime is longer and it is chemical resistance.  Neoprene maintain flexibility and temperature between -40 degree to 100 degree Celsius. Inner material is also made from co-polyester or nylon.

Materials are used to make hydraulic hose is listed below:

• Metal
• Silicone
• Composite of laminated structures
• Elastomers
• Fluoropolymers
• Thermoplastics 

Types of Hydraulic Hoses

There are many types of hydraulic hose pipes are available depending on application of uses. Some common and standard hose pipes are listed below: 

SAE standard hose: SAE 100R1 type of high-pressure hose are most commonly used in petroleum or water-based fluids designed to power generation industrial application.These hoses are single steel and wire braided tubing which will operates in temperature ranging between -40°C to 100°C. 

Standard High-Pressure Hose: Standard High-Pressure Hose is flexible and using to transporting mineral,hydraulic oils also with water oil emulsion.Most commonly used in mining and construction and agriculture and oil industries.

Steel Wire-Braided Hose: In most cases this hose are used to transport fluids under extreme pressure,vacuum and temperature. Most commonly used in mining,heavy industries,oilfields and industrial application. 

Low-Pressure Hose: This hose pipes are commonly used in lighter applications like anti static delivery lines lube lines,return lines and can be used other safety devices.

Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose: Most commonly used in hydraulic lift,heavy construction, lubrication lines also used to resistance to abrasion and can also run in low temperatures. Inner and outer layers are made of thermoplastic material where middle layer reinforces with synthetic fiber meshes. 

Choosing the correct hydraulic hose

To keep your hydraulic system safe and longer life of hose you need to select the correct type and size.  To select the correct hydraulic hose, you should consider the pressure rating, material properties, length and diameter.

Pressure rating: Maximum hydraulic system pressure should not be exceeding than the hydraulic hose pressure rating.

Some series of hoses are used to hydraulic system:

• 100R series works for lower working pressure with larger diameter. It is costly.
• SAE100R17 having with constant pressure and can withstand pressure 3000 PSI for all available diameters.
• ISO 18752 hoses used for constant working pressure having with 4000 psi for all available diameter.

Inner diameter: Inner diameter is the important matter for selecting hydraulic hose. For small diameter hose pipe, the liner velocity will be high. Excessive velocity creates friction which makes pressure and heat. So, it should consider optimum diameter for flow and hose length. For long hose length needs larger inner diameter to reduce restriction and friction.

Length: Right length of the hose allows for bending and flexing if machine move and articulates. When hose connects perfectly to straight path from one to another component it may shrink in length up to 4% at maximum pressure. It should allow this extra length during making up the hose assembly. Where, excessively long hose pipe adds restriction of flow and increase system pressure thus it reduces system efficiency.

Material: Hose material are the important aspect for selecting hydraulic hose. Different types of hoses behaviors are different for their construction material. Such like their bending, abrasion and chemical resist. 

Also read

Basic pneumatic system? Components of pneumatic system

types of hydraulic hose

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