5 causes of hydraulic hose failure
Posted on: 12 July 2016
Where inflexible pipes and tubes cannot do the job, hydraulic hoses come in as the best fluid transfer solution. Their unique construction designs enable them to withstand extreme temperature and pressure conditions, thus making them convenient for use in transporting fuels in factories. Have you ever had a problem with any of your hoses and wondered how something so well engineered could end up failing? Well, below are some causes of hydraulic hose failure. Knowing these causes would help you take the necessary measures to prevent such an occurrence from taking place.
Hydraulic surges
These are pressure surges that are created by sudden fluctuations in the velocity of a fluid. They usually occur when the hose is subjected to severe pulsing applications that exceed its maximum operating pressures over a long period of time. To avoid this, you should use hoses that have a higher maximum operating pressure or simply use a spiral reinforced hose. This is a hose containing additional layers with extra buffers made of textile or wire braid that make it suitable for withstanding very high pressure.
Curving below bend radius
This is the minimum radius a hose or pipe can be bent without getting damaged. Sometimes, hoses tend to be curved below their bend radius, causing weakness at bent points and ultimately damaging them over time. In addition, bending hoses also lowers their safe operating pressure and shortens their lifespan. Therefore, avoid warping your hoses as much as possible.
Fitting failures
At times, one failed fitting can cause the entire hose to fail. For instance, a worn out O-ring can cause the hose to drip some fluid along connections. Therefore, it is important to consider the chemical and physical resistance of fittings in hoses. Some of them may be reactive to the fluid being transported, could corrode over time or even contaminate the fluid itself.
Using incompatible material
This can occur due to negligence or failure of consulting a compatibility chart during the hose installation. The tubing material could be reactive to the fluid being transported or could weaken under high temperatures and pressure. In rare cases, incompatibility can also occur when the fluid is exchanged for something else that reacts with the hose material. So, before you change your solvents or gases, check whether they are compatible with the tubing.
Fitting wrong ends
If your hose is tightly fitted at the end but is still leaking, then you have probably used the wrong couplings. You should know when to use permanently attached couplings and when to use field attached ones. For instance, the former would be a good choice for rubber and thermoplastic hoses, whereas the latter is better for articulated hoses.
For more information on hydraulic hoses, talk to a professional.
Share