STAMPED Series — Part 5
Proper hose selection is critical in order to realize a safe hydraulic system. The first step in having a safe hydraulic system is selecting the proper components that meet the needs of each individual system. Compromises in hose selection may create situations of danger, as well as affect the performance and durability of the system. The choice may work for the short run, but may not be a good long-term decision. This guide uses the STAMPED process. STAMPED is an acronym for the 7 major information areas required to provide a quality hose assembly. In this post, we’ll be reviewing P for Pressure.
Pressure: Pressure to which the assembly will be exposed
The most important step in the hose selection process is knowing system pressure, including pressure spikes.
- Maximum Operating Pressure: This is the maximum pressure that the system should be exposed to in normal operating conditions. This pressure should be dictated by the relief setting of the system. Both the hose and hose end should not be rated to a pressure less than the maximum operating pressure of the system.
- Pressure Spikes: When a hydraulic system is subjected to a large load in a short period of time, the system pressure can overshoot the relief setting and exceed the maximum operating pressure. Frequent pressure spikes can reduce the life of hydraulic hose assemblies.
Hose assembly working pressures must be equal to or greater than the system pressure. Pressure spikes greater than the maximum working pressure will shorten hose life and must be taken into consideration.
Any time a hose assembly is to be exposed to external pressures, which may exceed the internal hose pressures, be sure to consult the hose manufacturer for recommendations.
Maximum assembly working pressures will decrease as temperatures increase.
The above is an excerpt from NAHAD’s Hose Safety Institute HANDBOOK, which provides performance standards for hose assembly specification, design, handling and management.
For a general overview on STAMPED, check out this post: What does STAMPED stand for?
Hose Safety Institute
http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NAHAD/pt/sp/memservices_hsi
Tobias Armstrong says
I had no idea that the right hoses could make such a difference in a hydraulic system. I’ve always assumed the connections are the most important, because those are what I’ve had the most experience working with. But I guess it makes sense that a bad hose could spell a lot of problems for you if it breaks. Thanks for giving me something to think about.