When should you use tubing and fittings or flexible hose?

30 Sep.,2024

 

When should you use tubing and fittings or flexible hose?

By: David Marlowe 

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Because of the numerous advantages seamless steel tubing possesses over other tubing&#;apart from the added cost&#;seamless steel tubing is widely used in hydraulic systems. Seamless steel tubing is easier to bend than steel pipe, so it does not require the number of fittings and can be reused. High-volume applications are probably one of the only limited areas to the use of tubing.

Tubing size is measured on the outside diameter of the tube. All sizes are available in a variety of wall thicknesses. The application and use of tubing, (material, diameter and maximum pressure) will determine the wall thickness of the tubing used. Sizes range from 1&#;8 to 2 in. in fractional sizes.
Considering the application, internal pressures, weight, environmental conditions and whether you are going to use flared or flareless tubing are all considerations you must know to help you in material selection. Good quality tubing must be selected to ensure a good seal.

Tubing comes in a variety of materials, including:

  • Seamless carbon steel, which is the most commonly used. It has a tensile strength to 47,000 psi.
  • Stainless steel is used when external conditions require noncorrosive materials. It also has a tensile strength to 47,000 psi.
  • Plastic can be used in low pressure applications.
  • When selecting a material for your specific application, don&#;t focus only on the price tag. The manufacturer&#;s information is the most reliable and should be used when selecting the material based on allowable stress and working pressures.

Fittings
Tubing does not use threaded fittings. The fitting attachment is accomplished by either a component or another tube. The attachment is made by the following:

  • Flared fittings are used primarily in low to medium pressure applications.
  • SAE standard J533B covers specifications for both single and double flared (37° and 45° flare) tubing. Double flared tubing is used with thin walled tubing.
  • SAE 37° angle is the standard angle used for hydraulic system tubing.
  • SAE 45° angle is used with soft copper tubing for applications such as refrigeration, fuel lines, etc.
  • The maximum wall thickness recommended by SAE standard should be checked prior to flaring a tube.
  • Flareless Fittings, also commonly known as compression fittings, are used primarily in medium- to high-pressure applications.
  • As system pressures increase, you require a thicker wall thickness. Higher pressures also affect the ability to use a flared type fitting.
    • Pressure capacity can be calculated using the following formula:
      • Pressure (P) = 2 x S x T / D,

Where
P &#; pipe internal pressure in psi
T &#; wall thickness
D &#; O.D. tube
S &#; stress on tube material in psi
Flareless type tubing fittings are available in
two common styles.

  • Ferrule or Sleeve Type: The ferrule is used to seal against the tapered seat of the fitting and the tube. When tightening the nut a sealing pressure is felt on sealing surfaces causing the tube to deform
  • O-ring type: Sealing is obtained by the installation of an internally mounted O-ring. The O-ring type uses a split ferrule to clamp the tube.
    It is important to remember to never mix from different manufacturers and always refer to the manufacturers specifications (torque recommendations) prior to installation.
  • Welding fittings are used primarily in high pressure, vibration and fixed applications.
    Butt and sockets welds are both used to connect the fitting to the tube, so material type wall thickness and welding skills must be considered when using a welding fitting.

Flexible hose

  • As stated previously, pipe and tubing are rigid fluid conductors and therefore not suitable when there is movement of one end of the conductor while the opposite end is fixed.

  • The benefits of flexible hose over rigid pipe and tubing is that flexible hose is simple to route, withstands vibration and thermal expansion or contraction.
  • Flexible hose consists of the following:
    • Inner tube
    • Reinforcement
    • Outer protective cover

The inner tube is made of either oil resistant synthetic rubber or thermoplastic material. Reinforcement amount and type is determined by the hose&#;s pressure rating. As the requirement of reinforcement increases from a single fiber/wire braid to multiple fiber/wire braids, the hose loses its flexibility. Outer protective cover is manufactured to be oil and weather resistant. Primarily, the outer protective cover is made of a synthetic rubber or thermoplastic material. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has set standards for hydraulic hose specifications. Most manufactures of hydraulic hose meets or exceeds SAEJ513 requirements.

Final note: Because the hose meets standards it is extremely important to carefully match the end fittings to the hose selected

Application of industrial hoses in various industries

Industrial hoses are indispensable components in many industrial sectors. They are used for pumping and transporting various aggressive chemical liquids, gases, abrasives and even explosives under high, medium or low pressure. There are also hoses used in vacuum conditions.

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Such hoses are made of various materials, including rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Teflon, and other polymeric materials. Depending on the application, industrial hoses have different designs, lengths and diameters.

Advantages of using industrial hoses

Industrial sleeves have many advantages. We will list only the main ones:

  • Flexibility &#; the bending radius of the hoses allows for easy installation even in small areas with limited space and when you need to run the hose at an angle.
  • Easy installation &#; allows you to install flexible hoses quickly and without special equipment. Ukr-Flex completes medium- and low-pressure hoses with clamps, camlocks and other connections. High-pressure hose crimping can be ordered at our production facility or at your own.
  • Durability &#; made of high-quality materials, which ensures their endurance and durability. This allows owners to use them for a long period of time without the need for replacement.
  • Diversity &#; available in a variety of sizes and configurations, allowing them to be used in a variety of industries. For example, they can be used for pumping liquids or gas, transporting food, and transferring various materials such as dust, sand, coal, etc.
  • Mobility &#; easy to carry from one place to another, which ensures ease of use and transportation.

Disadvantages of using industrial hoses

In addition to their advantages, industrial sleeves have their disadvantages. Some of them are worth highlighting:

  • Wear and tear &#; over time, they are subject to wear and tear and dirt. Therefore, to maximize the service life of the hose, use the product within the service life specified by the manufacturer. Also, follow all prescriptions and instructions for use and cleaning.
  • Susceptibility to deformation &#; if the hose is stored or installed improperly, the product may become deformed, which will make it difficult to use. Therefore, it is important to choose the right length to avoid excessive tension or sagging of the sleeve.

With proper maintenance, proper use and the right hose and connection, you can prevent potential problems and keep your hose running for as long as possible. Please note that choosing the right industrial hose is an important step to ensure the continuous and efficient operation of your production or equipment.

Application of industrial hoses in various industries

Modern industrial hoses are used in various industries, from oil and gas to agriculture. We will focus on a few of them.

  • Oil and gas industry &#; high-strength and high-temperature resistant hoses are used in this industry, as oil, gas and other petroleum products are pumped through them.
  • Chemical industry &#; hoses made of chemical-resistant rubber or polyethylene inner layer are used for pumping aggressive chemicals, alkalis and acids.
  • Food production &#; a variety of food hoses made of PVC, polyurethane, various types of rubber for various food products and liquids.
  • Water supply &#; 4-inch thick-walled reinforced PVC hoses are widely used in water utilities, which hold a good vacuum.
  • Construction industry &#; hoses are used for pumping cement, concrete, plaster and other construction materials.
  • Manufacturing industry &#; used for a variety of purposes &#; for pumping liquids and gases, water supply, ventilation, material handling and processing, and for transporting products over long distances.

Thus, industrial sleeves allow industrial enterprises to perform their tasks efficiently and safely, reducing the time and cost of production picking.

Recommendations for choosing industrial hoses

When choosing an industrial hose, there are several important factors to consider that will help ensure optimal performance and safety when working with equipment. So what should you pay attention to?

  • Purpose &#; the choice of hose depends on the application, operating conditions and goals.
  • Working pressure &#; To ensure that the product can withstand fluctuations in the working environment, choose a hose with an appropriate working pressure rating.
  • Temperature range &#; each hose has a different thermal endurance, so it&#;s important to choose a hose that can operate within the desired temperature range.
  • Working environment &#; be sure to consider the chemical composition of the working environment.
  • Diameter &#; this indicator must meet the requirements for transporting a certain amount of working materials over a certain period of time.
  • Length &#; the hose should be of sufficient length to allow easy access to the working environment.
  • Level of wear and mechanical impact &#; if the hose will be subjected to significant mechanical impact or wear, choose a product that will withstand this impact and be resistant to damage.
  • Product installation location &#; depending on the location of the hose, choose a hose that has the required characteristics (resistance to UV, noise, vibrations, low temperatures, etc.).

Conclusion.

Industrial hoses are an indispensable element in many industries and manufacturing. In general, their use allows for uninterrupted transportation of various substances in complex production processes. This, in turn, contributes to more efficient and safer production.

To ensure that the hoses are used for a long time and safely, it is important to consider safety requirements and select the right hoses for the specific industry.

Also, when choosing industrial sleeves, you should consider not only their advantages but also their disadvantages. The efficiency of the enterprise depends on these indicators.

You can always buy high-quality industrial hoses from Ukr-Flex. Go to our catalog and get acquainted with the assortment.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Flexible Hose. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.