Selecting the Right Hydraulic Hose Fittings for Hydraulic Hoses

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Hydraulic hose fittings play a crucial role in linking hydraulic hoses, tubes, and pipes to various components like pumps, valves, cylinders, and other parts in a hydraulic system. Selecting an incorrect fitting can have significant consequences. Even a minor component like a fitting can reduce the efficiency of the entire hydraulic system and potentially create serious safety hazards. To avoid the confusion caused by the various shapes, materials, threads, and sealing choices available, we recommend consulting our guide, which simplifies the process of choosing the most suitable fitting for your specific task.

    The Raw Material of Hydraulic Hose Fittings

    Hydraulic hose fittings are crucial components in hydraulic systems, available in various materials like plastic, stainless steel, brass, and even aluminum. Each material has its specific properties and applications:

    1. Plastic Hydraulic Fittings: These are more resistant to corrosion than metal fittings but are less durable and weaker, making them less ideal for high-pressure industrial applications despite their lower cost.
    2. Steel Hydraulic Fittings: Made from steel alloys, these fittings are much more durable than plastic ones. Carbon steel fittings, for example, can handle temperatures ranging from -53°C to 260°C, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial uses.
    3. Stainless Steel Fittings: Known for their strength, stainless steel fittings can withstand extreme temperatures from -253°C to 648°C. They are perfect for highly corrosive environments and can handle pressures up to 10,000 psi, with some designs going up to 20,000 psi. Their main disadvantage is the higher cost.
    4. Brass Fittings: While not as strong as stainless steel, brass fittings offer a reliable seal and can meet various standards like SAE, ISO, DIN, and JIS. They are suitable for temperatures from -53°C to 204°C and pressures up to 3,000 psi.
    5. Aluminum Fittings: Though less common, aluminum fittings are used in specific applications like automotive hydraulics. They are lighter than steel and resistant to corrosion, making them favorable for transportation-related hydraulic systems.

    Each material caters to different requirements and industrial applications, balancing factors like strength, temperature tolerance, corrosion resistance, and cost.

    When selecting a hydraulic fitting, important considerations include choosing between permanent and reusable types, the nature of port connections, fitting ends, and sealing methods. It’s crucial to consult with a professional to ensure the right fitting type is chosen for specific applications, as using an incorrect fitting can cause malfunctions, damage, or pose safety risks.

    Types Of Hydraulic Hose Fittings

    Permanent vs. Field Reusable Hose Fittings:

    • Permanent Hydraulic Hose Fittings: Also known as crimped fittings, these require a crimping machine for attachment to hoses. They are more common due to their reliability, ease of identification, assembly, and widespread use in the fluid power industry.
    SS One Piece Hose Fittings
    • Reusable Hydraulic Hose Fittings: These are attached to hoses using a wrench and a vice. Despite their higher cost and more time-consuming assembly process, they offer flexibility in certain scenarios.

    However, the increasing availability of portable hydraulic crimpers, which cater to mobile technicians and on-site applications, has led to a decline in the popularity of reusable hydraulic fittings.

    Fitting Ends And Adapters Types

    In the realm of hydraulic fittings, there are various types of fitting ends and connectors, each suited for specific applications and sealing methods. It’s crucial to consult with experts to ensure the right type is selected, as incorrect fittings can lead to leaks or safety hazards.

    Key Fitting Ends and Connector Types:

    1. O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS): These provide a robust elastomeric seal, ideal for high-pressure applications (up to 6,000 psi) where fluid leakage is a concern. ORFS fittings come in several forms:
    2. DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) or BSP (British Standard Pipe):
      • DIN Fittings: Interchangeable across brands, used in industries like construction and oil.
      • BSP Fittings: Common in plumbing, these fittings use screw threads conforming to BSP standards, sealing through interlocking male and female threads.
    3. JIC(Joint Industry Council):  Comply to SAE J514 — JIC fittings that have a 37-degree flare seating surface and parallel threads. These fittings are usually manufactured using nickel alloys, brass, carbon, and stainless steel. JIC hydraulic fittings and connections are usually used in fluid power systems. Both the male and female fittings have 37-degree seats, whose seals are made by creating a contact between the flare of the male component and the coned seat of the female component. Connections of this type are considered mechanical.
    4. NPT(National Pipe Thread): An American pipe taper thread that has 60 degree thread angle. It also known as ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 pipe threads(NPTF threads should be made according to ANSI B1.20.3)

    Each type of fitting and connector has its specific use case, making professional guidance essential for optimal selection and system safety.

    Choosing End Fittings for Hydraulic Hose:

    1. Size: Ensure the internal and external diameters of the fittings match the hydraulic hose to avoid leaks or connection failures.
    2. Material: Select fittings based on compatibility with both the hydraulic fluid and the working environment. Common materials include brass, aluminium, steel, and stainless steel, with O-rings often made from NBR (Nitrile).
    3. Temperature: Check that the fitting materials can withstand the operating temperatures.
    4. Pressure: Choose fittings rated for the specific pressure range of the application to prevent leaks and safety hazards.
    5. Application: Consider the specific industry or application, such as mixing or distributing, to determine the fitting shape (e.g., T-shape, cross-shape).
    6. Assembly: For systems needing frequent connections or disconnections, quick-connect or hydraulic compression fittings may be suitable.
    7. Permanence: Decide between permanent fittings (using a crimping machine) or field-attachable fittings for frequent changes.

    Installing Hydraulic Hose Fittings:

    1. Preparation: Select the correct hose type and size, and cut it to length with clean ends.
    2. Fitting Selection: Choose the fitting based on size, temperature, pressure, style, material, orientation, and hydraulic fluid type.
    3. Insertion Depth: Mark the insertion depth on the hose, lubricate if needed, and insert the hose into the fitting up to the mark.
    4. Crimping: Use a hydraulic crimper adjusted to the fitting’s diameter (refer to a crimp chart for specifics) to secure the fitting onto the hose.
    5. Clean Assembly: Finally, clean the hose assembly to prevent contamination.

    Hydraxio(Powered by QC Hydraulics) is a reliable supplier for wholesalers, distributors and brand manufacturers of hydraulic hoses fittings and adapters. View our a wide range of hydraulic fitting and adapters offering.

    Boost your business with our high quality services

    Ask For A Quick Quote

    We will contact you within 1 working day.