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 […]
Hydraulic
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A review of hydraulic fittings and flanges
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Improper selection or improper use of hoses, tubing, fittings, and assemblies can result in machine failures, leaks, personal injury, or even property damage if the failure is catastrophic. Understanding your plumbing standard chosen for your hydraulic system, and following the generally accepted installation standards reduces the chance of failure and […]
How can metric fittings provide hydraulic system leak protection?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We use metric fittings to connect and seal hydraulic valves, pumps or actuators to their respective plumbing in a metric-based circuit. They prevent leaks in hydraulic systems by providing a leak-free seal at the component’s fluid port. There are several types of metric fittings, including compression fittings, flare fittings, bite-type […]
What are the different standards for metric hydraulic fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Several standards for metric hydraulic fittings exist, including DIN 2353, ISO 8434-1, ISO 6149-1, and BS EN ISO 12151-2. Each of these standards has its unique features and specifications, which are essential to know. They ensure that the fittings used in hydraulic systems meet the required standards and are compatible […]
How do you install metric fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are no secrets here, but installing metric hydraulic fittings depends on the type of fitting being used. You will need several tools to install them. Generally, you will need various wrenches, a hose cutter (if you’re making metric hose assemblies), a deburring tool, and, in some cases, thread sealant. […]
When should you use permanent hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings (also called hose ends) are crimped or threaded onto either end of a hydraulic hose assembly and provide the technician with an interface to connect the system’s conduits. Hose end fittings come in two primary styles; field-serviceable screw-on and permanent crimped-on. This article discusses when you should use […]
