Proper routing and installation maximizes the life of a hydraulic hose, ensures optimal efficiency and productivity, and reduces safety hazards. These benefits are possible because good routing practices prevent excessive kinking, bending, and dragging of hydraulic hoses. Hydraulic machine operators and owners should consider several routing best practices and avoid these installation mistakes when routing a hydraulic hose.
1. Exceeding Minimum Bend Radius
The minimum bend radius is the maximum extent to which a hose can bend before succumbing to damage. Avoid bending the hose excessively to the maximum extent, as this can slow down the flow rate, cause the hose to kink, and eventually lead to hose failure.
Take note of the manufacturer's guidelines for minimum bend radius, and as a rule of thumb, always maintain a small bend radius to maximize flow rate.
Take note of the manufacturer's guidelines for minimum bend radius, and as a rule of thumb, always maintain a small bend radius to maximize flow rate.
2. Failing to Consider Hose Length Changes
Hydraulic hoses are subjected to heat and pressure fluctuations that can cause the hose to constantly expand and contract. If you overlook these length changes, you may unknowingly install a hose that is too long or too short. An excessively long hose unnecessarily increases purchase costs, while a short hose would result in too much tautness, which can drastically reduce the hose's life.
Use elbows and adapters to ensure adequate flexibility when the hose contracts or expands. If you are unsure, consult with a reputable hydraulic hose supplier about the right tools to use to accommodate hose length changes.
Use elbows and adapters to ensure adequate flexibility when the hose contracts or expands. If you are unsure, consult with a reputable hydraulic hose supplier about the right tools to use to accommodate hose length changes.
3. Twisting the Hose
Like the minimum bend radius, hydraulic hoses also have a flexibility limit beyond which the hose will begin to twist. Twisting can significantly reduce the lifespan of a hydraulic hose.
To prevent twisting, check the position of the lay line, which is the stripe of writing on the hose that describes the hose's properties. When installing the hose, tighten both ends of the hose with two wrenches to ensure the lay line is straight.
To prevent twisting, check the position of the lay line, which is the stripe of writing on the hose that describes the hose's properties. When installing the hose, tighten both ends of the hose with two wrenches to ensure the lay line is straight.
4. Creating Multiple Bending Motions
Ideally, a hydraulic hose should move in a single direction for maximum efficiency. A hose that moves in too many directions can result in torque, flow rate reduction, and heightened safety concerns.
Use rotary fittings or joints to minimize multi-directional movement and twisting. Additionally, for hoses that are bent at two locations, place a clamp at the point where the hose changes planes.
Use rotary fittings or joints to minimize multi-directional movement and twisting. Additionally, for hoses that are bent at two locations, place a clamp at the point where the hose changes planes.
5. Installing the Hose Close to Hot Surfaces
Hydraulic hoses have a maximum operating temperature. Excessive heat can wear down and consequently reduce the hose's service life.
Avoid installing hoses next to hot surfaces or overcrowded areas. Also, be sure to buy a hose that is compatible with the flow and temperature requirements of the hydraulic equipment in use.
Also find out the correct hose size for your application. A short hose can result in overheating, which can, in turn, cause cracking and suboptimal performance.
Avoid installing hoses next to hot surfaces or overcrowded areas. Also, be sure to buy a hose that is compatible with the flow and temperature requirements of the hydraulic equipment in use.
Also find out the correct hose size for your application. A short hose can result in overheating, which can, in turn, cause cracking and suboptimal performance.
6. Mixing Hose Types
Different hoses are built for different applications. Avoid installing high-pressure hoses alongside low-pressure hoses in the same hydraulic system. The pressure differential can diminish hose efficiency and create a safety hazard.
At the same time, consider the hose material. Avoid mixing hoses made from different materials — for example, rubber hoses with metallic hoses — in the same hydraulic system.
At the same time, consider the hose material. Avoid mixing hoses made from different materials — for example, rubber hoses with metallic hoses — in the same hydraulic system.
7. Exacerbating Hose Abrasion
Poor installation can cause the hydraulic hose to rub against surfaces and accelerate premature wear and tear. To protect hoses from abrasion, use clamping tools such as sleeves and spring guards to bundle hoses together and to keep them from rubbing against other objects.
Improper hose installation can result in fatalities in hydraulic plants. Plant owners should ensure operators have proper training in hydraulic hose routing. Additionally, be sure to purchase the right hose and hose fittings for your particular application to ensure safe operations.
At KIMS International , we understand that one size does not fit all. That's why we offer custom hydraulic hoses fabricated to your needs to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. Get in touch with us today for all your industrial hydraulic hose and fittings needs.
Improper hose installation can result in fatalities in hydraulic plants. Plant owners should ensure operators have proper training in hydraulic hose routing. Additionally, be sure to purchase the right hose and hose fittings for your particular application to ensure safe operations.
At KIMS International , we understand that one size does not fit all. That's why we offer custom hydraulic hoses fabricated to your needs to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. Get in touch with us today for all your industrial hydraulic hose and fittings needs.
