Can the Wrong Hydraulic Hose Damage Your Pump or Valve?

In the complex realm of hydraulic systems each component plays an important part. Starting with the powerful pumps, to precise valves, every component is designed to function in perfect harmony. But what is the basic hydraulic hose? It is often viewed as a simple conduit, its significance is often undervalued. However, choosing the incorrect hydraulic hose isn't only a nuisance and can also be a silent enemy, that can cause serious damages to expensive valves and pumps which can cost your time, money, and possibly compromising security.

Let's look at how a faulty fitting can wreck havoc on the most vital hydraulic system components.

1. Pressure Rating Match: The Most Evident Culprit

Every hydraulic system functions at a particular pressure. Hoses are made with a maximum Pressure (MWP).

• Hose's MWP too low: This is the most obvious risk. If the operating pressure of your system is greater than the hose's capacity the hose could fail in a short time. The failure can be sudden and devastating and cause a burst pipe, rapid loss of hydraulic fluid, and possibly grave injury to people. The sudden depressurization, or the force of the whipping hose could cause shock to the valves and pump and cause internal damage or an error in alignment.

• Hose MWP may be too high (or simply "overkill"): Although it may seem more secure, using a pipe that has a high-pressure rating for a system that is low pressure could be a problem. They are typically more rigid, and less flexible, and come with a smaller internal diameter than the outer diameter. This can lead to...

2. The Inner Diameter (ID) and Flow Rate Problems The Flow Rate Issues are Choking Your System

The diameter of the internal ring of the hose of a hydraulic is vital to ensure the proper the flow of fluid in hydraulic.

• ID is too small: If the hose's ID isn't large enough to support the flow rate that is required this can result in excess fluid velocity. This causes:

  • Higher Heat Generation Increased friction due to increased flow produces heat which can degrade hydraulic fluid more quickly and could cause damage to seals in valves and pumps.

  • Pressure Drops The significant drop in pressure across the hose means that your pump will have to be more efficient to maintain pressure which can cause wear and wear and tear.

  • Cavitation The high velocity of fluid in tight areas may cause cavitation, the phenomenon in which tiny air bubbles are formed and then break which causes erosion and pitting damage to the pump impellers as well as internal valves.

  • Lower efficiency: The entire system is slow and inefficient.

• ID is Too Big: While less common and less common, an ID that's too big can cause slow flow and cause slow system response, but there is less chance of direct harm to components than smaller IDs.

3. Material Incompatibility AKA The Silent Killer

Hydraulic fluid is a complicated chemical. Hoses are manufactured using certain inside tube material (e.g. thermoplastic, synthetic rubber) made to be compatible with specific fluids.

• Fluid Degradation The incompatible material for hoses may release chemicals into the hydraulic fluid, which can degrade its properties. The contaminated fluid could cause wear, corrosion and premature failure of seals as well as precision components inside valves and pumps.

• Hose Degradation The fluid could damage the inner tube of the hose and cause it to expand crack, break, or dislaminate. This is not just weakening the hose but discharge particles to the. These particles can become abrasive that scratch the bores of pumps and valve spools, causing internal leakage and decreased performance.

4. Temperature Limitations The Heating is On

Operating temperature is a crucial element for the hose as well as the fluid.

• Exceeding Limits on Hose Temperature: If the hydraulic fluid's temperature continuously exceeds the maximum temperature of the hose the material of the hose is likely to degrade quickly which can lead to hardening cracking, eventually failure. This is also a contributing factor to the degradation of the fluid.

• Impact on Fluids: As mentioned, the hose that is limiting flow or isn't compatible could cause overheating of the fluid. The fluid that is overheated loses its viscosity and lubricating qualities which can cause wear to valves and pumps.

The Solution is to follow the S.T.A.M.P.E.D. Method

To avoid costly errors ensure that you choose your hydraulic hose with an S.T.A.M.P.E.D. acronym:

• Size (ID and length)

• Temperature (ambient and fluid)

• Anpplication (type of device and setting)

• Medium (type of hydraulic fluid)

• Pressure (system working pressure and surges)

• Ends (type of fittings needed)

• Delivery (volume and timing)

Don't be fooled by the simple hydraulic hose. It's an essential element in the chain of your system. An error in selection could lead to costly repairs, lengthy downtime and even a safety hazard. Always check the specifications of the manufacturer and when in doubt trust the knowledge of hydraulic experts. A little effort in choosing the correct hose could save you thousands of dollars in the event of damage to your valve and pump later on.