Top Nine factors that contribute to early failure of Hydraulic Hoses & Hydraulic Hose fittings.

Flexible hoses used in hydraulic systems will not last forever,  since they have a finite working life.

So how do you extend  the life of a hose ?

A variety of factors may affect the actual life of a hydraulic hose and we are going to list here the top nine  factors that affect the hose life.  Deliberating on these at the time of installation or replacement,  could result in maximising the service life of a hose.  Hose specialists from Inflex Hydraulics can help you with professional and knowledgeable guidance in analysing, selecting and installation of hydraulic hoses.

Nine reasons for hose failure

1. Routing–57%  or more premature hose failures are a result of abrasion due to faulty routing of hoses.  To ensure a long hose life, use the right clamps at the optimum places adn route the hoses through pivot points using protective sleeves where necessary to protect against friction.
2. Operating pressure-The rated maximum operating pressure of the hydraulic hose should ideally be higher than the systems operating pressure.  This will ensure continuous and safe operation of the hydraulic hoses throughout its life.
3. Pressure surges–Almost all hydraulic systems are prone to pressure surges  and exposing your hydraulic hoses to surge pressures above the rated maximum operating pressure will adversely affect hose life.  Choose hoses taking this into account, with ratings higher than the expected surge pressures. Hydraulic systems that are proven to experience severe surge pressure must have spiral reinforced hoses designed to withstand frequent surges.  Most hoses are designed to take care of pressure surges and have operating pressures of about 25% of the minimum burst pressure for that particular hose.
4. Operating temperatures–The temperature ratings of hose refer to the maximum temperature of the fluids being carried by the hose.  High heat of the fluids will have negative effects on the hose life due to the degradation of the inner hose material due to high temperature.  Though rare, low temperatures could also affect the life of a hose especially in extreme cold weather. Also, using hoses at maximum pressure ratings concurrently with high temperature will accelerate deterioration of the inner and outer layers of the hose, reducing the hose life considerably, and should be avoided.
5. Ambient temperatures–Extreme atmospheric temperatures both hot and cold conditions affect the outer layer of the hose and the reinforcement materials if any. Hence ambient temperatures vis-a-vis fluid temperature must be factored into the selection of the right hose.  If in doubt, ask for a recommendation from the manufacturer.
6. Bend radius–Reducing the bend radius below the recommended minimum bend radius, reduces the hose life considerably.  Specified minimum bend radius is based on the rated operating pressure and safe operating pressure reduces when bend radius is below the recommended value.  Avoid kinking or flattening of hydraulic hoses.
7. Chemical resistance–The chemical resistance of the hose cover, end fittings, o-rings, and inner tube should all be taken into consideration.  Most hoses and covers are manufactured to resist fuels, oils, and solvents, however a good look at the charts displaying this information found in manufacturers handbooks will give you all the information you seek.
8. Vacuum service–Most double wire braid or spiral wire reinforced hoses are not rated for vacuum  service equipment.  Vacuum data missing in a catalog usually means that the hose is not recommended for this type of service.  Moreover, the pump inlet lines of hydraulic systems are frequently subjected to negative pressure due to vacuum and special hoses with steel coil in the reinforcement lining are used to avoid collapse of the hose and disruption in fluid flow in vacuum environments.
9. Fittings–End fittings and connectors could be crimped, swaged or reusable types and the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.  Additionally, selecting elbows and jump size components used strategically to increase the life of the hose must be considered carefully.

Finally, hose assemblies should be regularly inspected for abrasion, corrosion, kinking, leakages and other signs of wear and tear.  Worn out or damaged hoses must be replaced immediately.

To summarise,

• The useful life of a hydraulic hose ss cut short by factors that can be managed.
• A suprising but leading cause of hose failure is poor routing.
• Avoid operating hoses at their temperature and pressure limits.

 

-Hydraulic Hose fittings Dubai.

 

For more on Hydraulic Hoses upkeep try this Wiki article, click here.

 

 

For professional consultation and quality hydraulic hose assembly services, contact Inflex Hydraulics here.