WHAT ARE HYDRAULIC HOSES USED FOR?

A hydraulic hose is used anywhere in a hydraulic system requiring a flexible connection between two fluid ports. A hydraulic hose is a synthetic rubber tube surrounded by some sort of flexible strength enhancing winding, such as metal or fiber, and then covered in another rubber carcass. The reinforcement windings are what give the hose its flexibility and strength, and these reinforcements can be either braided or spiral wound.

WHAT ARE HYDRAULIC HOSES MADE UP OF?

Hydraulic hose basically can be made up of different materials; the materials commonly used are elastomers, fluoropolymers and silicone, thermoplastics, metal, and composite or laminated structures. Elastomeric or rubber hydraulic hoses are known for their flexibility. Fluoropolymer hose has superior chemical and corrosion resistance, gives a good flexible life and also handles extreme temperatures. Thermoplastic hydraulic hoses present tight minimum bend radii with great kink resistance. Metal hoses can be either stiff or flexible, they can withstand high temperature and pressure flow materials. Flexible hoses are easier to route and install, they permit movement between parts, dampen vibration and pressure noise and lessen vibration and noise.

There are threebasic parts of a hydraulic hose; An inner tube, a reinforced layer and a third protective outer layer. They are seen in layers, and these layers help maintain a consistent and reliable flow of liquid while protecting the overall system from breaking down as a result of wear and tear during use.

Inner tube: The inner tube, often made from thermoplastic or synthetic rubbers that carries the fluid, is designed to be compatible with the liquid it carries, allowing free-flowing elasticity and pressure-resistant stress bearing.

Reinforcement layer: This layer is seen surrounding the inner tube and is made up of a sheath braided, spiral wound wire or a textile-based yarn. This arrangement protects against tears and also supports the tubing.

Outer layer: This layer is made of rigid materials and is designed to protect the innards of the hose from abrasion, chemicals as well as weather.

TYPES OF HYDRAULIC HOSES

As a result of differences in the uses of hydraulic hoses, as well as the different pressures and chemicals they are being exposed to, different kinds of hydraulic hoses exist for various jobs. this includes:

REINFORCED HOSE

This type of hose resembles the basic three-layer construction, but with extra buffers in the reinforcement layer, most often in the form of textile braid, wire braid, or wire helix material around the inner tube.

• Reinforced rubber

This is much lighter and can be used as a link to fit other hose in and makes movement of the hydraulic system easier. It can also withstand extreme temperature.

• Steel Reinforced Teflon

There are times that hydraulic hoses made of steel are too cumbersome to use. When hydraulic hoses made up of steel are too difficult to handle, and if you are working with a boiler or a blast furnace, Teflon hydraulic hose with steel reinforcement can be used because it is very light and has all of the benefits of steel hoses with very high heat resistance than rubber. Also, this type has an even higher heat resistance than rubber.

COILED HYDRAULIC HOSE

Coiled hoses are semi-rigid hoses designed for expansion and easy storing. Due to the fact that the hose is coiled, it can stretch in such a way that does not put unnecessary pressure on the hose materials. They can be easily stored and maintained .These tubes are best for businesses that have regards for efficiency and space, like welding or auto repair shops. Also, professionals like mechanics and engineers prefer this type of hose because they can be pulled, used, and snap back in place to where it was placed.

CORRUGATED AND ARTICULATED HYDRAULIC HOSE

Articulated hoses are hoses that are set in sections with rigid shafts connected by flexible joints. The articulation allows hoses to turn corners or swivel around other components.

Corrugated hydraulic hoses function much like expansion joints. It can accommodate sudden pressure or expansion as a result of fluctuations in the external temperature. On the other hand, articulated hoses are kind of similar to corrugated type hoses but they can be moved freely around corners or twist to fit around other components.

RETURN LINES

Return lines are responsible for bringing fluids back to the pump where the pressure decreases. So, less expensive hoses can usually get the job done. If return lines are not maintained properly, they can cause quite a hassle when they breakdown.

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.

Uses of Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses are used anywhere in a hydraulic system requiring a flexible connection between two fluid ports. Hydraulic systems connecting between two ports deliver hydraulic fluid to the machine component thereby providing energy for the machine to do its job.

There are two main primary purposes for which a hydraulic hose is being used. It is used to aid motion between two port locations or to reduce the vibration effect. It can also be used to ease installation or availability of hose manufacturing equipment. Due to the fact that the hose is flexible, it can easily be lined up with ports that were modified and are not well aligned.

When using a hydraulic hose for its basic purpose of linking ports together on two components that are moving, the flexibility must be attained well enough to bend so as to allow the components to move properly, as seen between the jib and boom arms of an excavator. The pressure rating and the number of reinforcement windings determines the hose flexibility as well as the material construction and its diameter. Hoses that are used for this particular purpose are placed on working equipment that can be easily moved such as injection moulding machines or automation, tractor implements, cable carriers, hydraulic presses.

https://www.gz-supplies.com/categories/hydraulics-...

Three main kinds of liquid pass through a hydraulic hose;

• Petroleum oil
• Synthetic oil
• Liquid with a high-water content

Some can transport petroleum oil and liquid with high water content. Hydraulic hoses are capable of transporting petroleum oil and liquids with high-water contents, while synthetic oils need specialized hose material for their transportation.

SELECTING THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC HOSE

When choosing the right hose to use for an operation, some factors need to be taken into consideration, these are:

• The type of fluid that is to be transported
• Its concentration and also substances that may attack the cover of the hose

Special oils and chemicals that are to be conveyed need hoses that are compatible and also for those that are exposed to harsh environments. UV light, ozone, saltwater, chemicals, and pollutants are substances that can destroy hose and cause problems for the job at hand.

Factors to be considered when selecting a hydraulic hose for application:

• Size: When choosing a hose based on sizes, the important things to consider are the inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and length.
• Temperature: Different hose materials have different working temperature ranges.
• Application: During usage, hydraulic hose applications basically involve bending. Thus, hoses are considered for their minimum radius bent, which refers to how much the hose can bend then contracting the flow space within the hose.
• Material: Compatibility charts are available for hydraulic hoses, usually from the manufacturer or in third-party reference guides.
• Pressure: Hydraulic hoses are also rated for maximum system pressure. It is important to note pressure spikes during application.
• Ends: This is also known as “coupling”. It is the end of a hose designed for connection. Permanent couplings are designed for attachment to a predetermined connection while field-attachable couplings require a user to use crimpers to seal the coupling to a connection.
• Duplication ( Delivery): This is when it is observed that a hose needs to be replaced. Hoses that are widely used and available can be easily replaced than highly specific ones. As a result of continuous usage, some hose wears out quickly and when this is observed, replacement should be considered.

CONCLUSION

It is a huge understatement to say a hose is an important part of a hydraulic system. Basically, a hydraulic hose provides a means for the movement of fluid from one component to another and at the same time it supplies an inherent versatility to designers.The flexibility of hose allows for efficient and proper positioning of components in their most convenient places because of its ability to bend, go through tight spaces and across long distance. Using the right hydraulic hose for the right application is a very serious matter. Many at times, important fluid systems become less active because the wrong hydraulic hoses are installed and breakdown occurs very easily. According to manufacturer's instructions hydraulic hoses should be checked and replaced.

For further information on hydraulic hose and its fluid compatibility, you can consult us at GZ supplies.