If hydraulic hoses are part of your heavy machinery inventory, you know they need vigilance and care. Your hydraulic machinery relies on precise and secure fittings and couplings to connect hoses to other components in the system such as valves and pumps.
The correct connections are critical for the proper, pressurized flow of fluid and to avoid leakage in the system. Sourcing the correct components will ensure the safe and efficient performance of your machinery. An improper choice and poor coupling will lead to hydraulic hose failure, loss of function, machinery downtime and hazards that could cause injury. A good understanding of hose assembly is definitely worthwhile.
What are the types of hydraulic hose couplings?
Permanent – Permanent couplings are applied with a crimper or swaging device to squeeze the coupling on to the end of the hose and are permanently attached. They cannot be reused and will be discarded at the end of the hose’s service life. They can be applied quickly and are considered convenient.
Reusable or field-attachable couplings – These are more costly than permanent couplings and require more time to attach to your hose. Using a simple wrench and vice, they can be removed from an old hose and reattached to a new one, saving money over time.
What type of industrial hose coupling do you need?
Your choice will depend on the type of hydraulic system you are using, manufacturer’s guidance and the type of coupling interface needed. A coupling interface is how a coupling connects to the component it is attached to. Types of coupling interface include:
Thread – Thread couplings are comprised of male parts which possess an outside thread and female threaded couplings where the thread is internalised. When joined, the tapered threads deform and apply under pressure to form a tight seal.
Mated Angle – These couplings also comprise male and female parts which screw together and bring the mating angle seats together to form a functional seal. A notable example is the NPSM joint.
O-ring – O-ring couplings rely on a rubber O-ring to create a very effective seal which is favoured in high-pressure applications.
Making a practical assessment of which coupling will be suitable.
The ‘STAMPED’ acronym has become widely adopted as an effective way of ensuring you have the appropriate hose and accessories including couplings:
S = Size of Hose – This can be found by identifying the hose I.D. or if necessary cutting the hose to measure the inside diameter.
T = Temperature – Minimum and maximum temperatures for the medium within the hose and the surrounding environment need to be known.
A = Application – Consider how the hose will be used, including its routing, configuration, and orientation, as well as whether it will be used in an indoor or outdoor setting.
M = Material to be conveyed – You will need to know if your hose will be conducting oils, lubricants or chemicals, and whether they will be sitting in the hose for long periods or continuously flowing.
P = Pressure – The pressure within the hose assembly and its parts must be equal to or greater than the system pressure to avoid shortening hose lifespan and blow-outs.
E = Ends of Couplings – As addressed above, the type and orientation of couplings will greatly impact the function of your system.
D = Delivery (Flow Rate) – expert or manufacturers guidance is needed to ensure that the assembly meets this specification.
Where can I get advice and assistance in finding the right hose coupling?
Consult a reputable supplier, like Paca Industrial, who will have the experience and expertise to guide you in sourcing the optimal hydraulic hose coupling for your assembly.
For more information, please visit our website at www.paca.ca or call 1-877-998-6446 to speak to one of our sales representatives.