Hydraulic hose has three basic parts; an inner tube that carries the fluid, a sheath and a reinforcement layer. The latter is made up of a coil or braided wire and supports the tubing while protecting it from tears.
The material of the hose must be compatible with the fluid being conveyed. Consult a chemical compatibility chart to ensure this.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic hydraulic hose is an excellent choice for forklift and telehandler applications because it provides superior abrasion resistance and long continuous lengths. These advantages reduce downtime due to hose assembly changes. Thermoplastic hose also resists corrosion and is available in non-conductive styles. In addition, it offers extreme chemical compatibility, noise level redirection and UV and ozone resistance.
SAE 100 R8 type thermoplastic hose is suitable for delivering petroleum, synthetic and water-based hydraulic fluids in Hydraulic systems. It is compact, high pressure, lightweight and has low change in length. The tube is made from high quality hydraulic fluids resistant thermoplastic and the reinforcement is made from suitable synthetic fiber.
Thermoplastic hoses have smooth internal surfaces that reduce flow losses, offer minimal expansion even at maximum working pressure and can be easily cleaned and handled. Their lower elongation properties make them more compact and improve response time and efficiencies of hydraulic circuits and equipment. In addition, they resist degradation caused by environmental stress and heat that can break down rubber hoses resulting in premature failure, safety risks and lost revenue from on-site job repairs.
PTFE
PTFE hydraulic hose has excellent chemical resistance and is impervious to extreme temperatures. It is also highly durable and can withstand high impulse and vibration. It has a non-stick surface and absorbs very little water, making it suitable for use in automotive, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.
Typically, these hoses have a nylon tube with synthetic fiber reinforcement and a polyurethane cover. They are used in common hydraulic applications such as material handling and forklifts and can withstand pressures similar to 1 and 2-wire hoses. They are also ideal for use near electrical systems, as they are non-conductive.
These hoses are usually made with JIC female swivel or NPT male stub hose ends and can be assembled without the need for press tools. They are available in a range of sizes, including the -6 size which has an inside diameter of 3/8”. They are also available with antistatic PTFE to reduce the buildup of static electricity.
Rubber
Hydraulic rubber hoses transfer force from one component to another within the system. They are flexible and adapt to movement of the hydraulic components without breaking or kinking. They are also able to resist high-pressure environments. This makes them ideal for transporting hydraulic oils, chemicals, and other fluids.
There are three basic parts of a rubber hydraulic hose: the inner tube, the reinforcement layer, and the protective outer layer. The inner tube is the part that carries the hydraulic liquid and is designed to be compatible with the liquid it carries. The reinforcement layer is usually made of a metal wire or textile-based yarn that provides strength and support for the inner tube.
The outer layer is what protects the hose from environmental factors such as UV light, ozone, salt water, and other contaminants. Hoses can be labeled based on their internal diameter, which is represented by the letters ranging from -6 to -16 (16ths of an inch). It is important to follow manufacturer’s guidelines when choosing and installing hydraulic hoses to prevent overstressing.
Textile
A textile braided hydraulic hose is lightweight and flexible for low to medium pressure applications. It is typically used to transmit petroleum based hydraulic oils, glycol anti-freeze solutions and water.
Choosing the right hose requires consideration of several factors such as size, temperature, application and media/materials. The best choice will also consider the hose’s abrasion resistance and ability to operate at high temperatures and pressures.
The inner tube of a hydraulic hose must be compatible with the type of fluid it conveys. This is achieved by using a chemically compatible compound such as PKR rubber, synthetic rubber or butyl rubber.
The next layer is a flexible metal or fiber wire winding reinforcement that gives the hose its strength and hold pressures. Finally, a cover is placed on the hose that protects it from abrasion and corrosion. The hose is then cured by subjecting it to a specified set of conditions such as heat and pressure in a specialized curing chamber.
