Hydraulic tubes are seamless steel precision pipes, specially manufacured for hydraulics. The tubes have standard sizes for different pressure ranges and the standard diameters go up to some 100 mm. The tubes are supplied in length of 6 m, cleaned, oiled and plugged. The tubes are interconnected by different types of flanges (especially for the larger sizes and pressures), welding cones/nipples (with o-ring seal), several types of flare connection and by cut-rings. In case the sizes are larger, Hydraulic pipes are used.Direct welding of 2 tubes together is not acceptable because one cannot check the inside surface.
Hydraulic pipe is used in case standard hydraulic tybes are not available. In general these pipes are used for low pressure. They can be connected by threat connections, but mostly by welding. Because of the larger diameters, in general the pipe can be inspected internally after welding. Steel suppliers carry black pipe, which is non-galvanized and suitable for welding.
Hydraulic hose is graded by pressure, temperature, and fluid compatibility. Hoses are used when pipes or tubes can not be used. Usually to provide flexibility for machine operation or maintenance. The hose is built up with rubber and steel layers. A rubber interior is surrounded by multiple layers of woven wire and rubber. The exterior is designed for abrasion resistance. The bend radius of hydraulic hose is carefully designed into the machine, since hose failures can be deadly, and violating the hose's minimum bend radius will cause failure. Hydraulic hoses generally have steel fittings swaged on the ends. The weakest part of the high pressure hose is the connection of the hose to the fitting. Another disadvantage of hoses is the shorter life of rubber which requires periodic replacement on the order of every 5- 7 years.
Tubes and pipes for hydraulic applications are internally oiled before the system is commissioned. In general the steel piping is painted outside. In case flare- and other couplings are used, under the nut, there are spots where the paint is removed; here the rust process will start. For this reason, for Marine and Offshore use, more and more piping (especially outside and especially small size) is made from stainless steel.
Please contact Mark Heffernan for a full list of stainless steel tube fittings or download our product listing here. |
