By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Push-to-connect fittings are a staple in pneumatic systems worldwide. Earlier pneumatic compression fittings using nuts and sleeves were more complicated and fussy, with no standard between manufacturers to allow interchangeability. If you needed to replace a sleeve, for example, you were often limited to a few manufacturers offering the same […]
Fittings
When should you use welded or bolted flange connection systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are three ways to plumb a hydraulic system — rigid systems, flexible systems or a combination of the two. Rigid systems include pipe and various forms of tube, while flexible systems are assembled using only hydraulic hose. Most machines today are created using a combination of fixed plumbing, where […]
How to ensure proper hydraulic fitting assembly
Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]
NITRA nickel-plated brass PTC fittings from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees, union straight fittings, union […]
When to use (or not use) BSPT fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’re not terribly familiar with hydraulic fittings, you may think BSPT is a typo. Is it supposed to be BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) or perhaps NPT (National Pipe Thread)? No, it’s not a typo – we’re actually talking about British Standard Pipe Taper, which is the version of […]
Brennan announces strategic expansion to Mexico with new distribution facility
Brennan Industries Inc. announces a strategic expansion to Mexico with the opening of a new distribution facility. Dave Carr, president and CEO of Brennan, conveyed the significance of establishing a local presence in Mexico as aligning with customer operations. “As our customers expand their production facilities into different parts of the world, the demand for […]
Are field-attachable fittings truly reusable?
Hydraulic hose fittings are essential components in countless stationary and mobile machines. The parts are critical links in fluid-power systems, designed to ensure safe and reliable operations and prevent equipment shutdowns, catastrophic failures and danger to nearby personnel. And in the hydraulics world, there are generally two types of hose fittings — permanent and reusable […]
What is the proper torque for hose assemblies?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When installing hydraulic hose assemblies, if tight is good, then tighter is better, right? To be sure a hydraulic hose never accidentally loosens during operation, should we get the biggest pry bar we can find to help lock that hose fitting in for good? Not precisely — torquing your hose […]
The impact of hydraulic fittings and flanges on industry advancements and innovations
By Joe Carr, product manager, specialty fittings, Brennan Industries, Inc. In the pursuit of industrial progress, companies are seeking innovation that extends to inconspicuous components like hydraulic fittings and flanges. Operating discreetly in the background, these parts take a crucial role in propelling industries forward. Hydraulic components are essential to machinery, directing high-pressure fluid flows […]
When should you use reusable hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings, also known as hose ends, are critical components of hydraulic systems as they connect hoses to the system’s various fluid ports at the pumps, valves and actuators. There are two primary styles for hose end fittings: permanent crimped-on and field-serviceable screw-on, also known as reusable hose ends. This […]