All About Hydraulic & Industrial Hoses

All About Hydraulic and Industrial Hoses

When it comes to connecting systems for different applications, the choice of hydraulic and industrial hoses is an important decision that directly impacts how your machinery or equipment performs.

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At I. B. Moore, our talented team members are pros at explaining the similarities and differences between all the industrial hose assemblies, tubes, and fittings we distribute.

For those looking into a quality source for hydraulic hose and industrial hose systems for their production, we offer a primer on hoses. Interested in learning more? Reach out to our team and we&#;ll offer valuable insights to help you choose suitable hoses for your specific commercial or industrial applications.

What are Industrial Hoses?

When we say &#;industrial hose,&#; we&#;re referring to a broad variety of hoses categories that contains hydraulic hoses. It also includes hoses made without hydraulics in mind.

For industrial use, we distribute hoses made from materials such as rubber, urethanes, Teflon, metal, or composite materials. These flexible or rigid tubes can transfer fluids, solids, and gases. Here are some of the more common types of industrial hoses:

• Ventilation hoses: These handle pollutants like fumes, smoke, gas, and air. You&#;ll see them used in agricultural, chemical, and manufacturing applications where hazardous fumes and gases are present.
• Chemical fume extraction hoses: These hoses are highly chemical-resistant and can ventilate fumes from harsh process chemicals.
• Dust collection hoses: Dust collection hoses are designed for collecting fine materials and particles like woodchips and dust.
• High-temperature hoses: These hoses are used in systems with high operating temperatures.
• Light material handling hoses: The most common use for material handling hoses is transporting dry goods and powders.

Industrial Hose Materials

Proper material selection is vital when you need to ensure that an industrial hose will do its job. Here are a few examples:

• Industrial PVC Hose: Well-suited for heavy-duty applications, PVC is durable, resists erosion and corrosion, and is watertight. It can handle certain gases, waste, food, and chemicals but cannot withstand high pressures.
• Silicone Industrial Hose: Virtually nonstick, odorless, and colorless, silicone hoses are used in power generation, food, and medical applications. They are insulating, weatherproof, and resistant to tearing, infrared radiation, and UV rays; silicone hoses withstand low and high temperatures.
• Composite Industrial Hose: Made from different layers of materials, industrial hoses resist chemicals and bend easily. These tubes are manufactured with fabrics, thermoplastics, and spiraled metal wires throughout.
• Industrial Metal Hose: These hoses offer exceptional durability and are made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or bronze. They&#;re not as flexible as other materials but can withstand fire, cryogenic temperatures, high pressure, and extreme heat.

Other industrial hose materials include rubber, urethane, and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon®.

What Are Hydraulic Hoses?

Hydraulic hoses are specially designed tubes that transport oil, water, or other fluid under high pressure. They form a crucial link in many systems which use the power of pressurized fluids to perform mechanical work.

Hydraulic hoses are critical in various industries, serving as essential components in hydraulic systems that power machinery and equipment. They&#;re necessary for transferring hydraulic fluid for smooth power transmission within these systems. You&#;ll see them in heavy machinery, automobiles, aircraft, and other industrial applications.

Hydraulic Hoses From the Inside Out

Hydraulic hoses are engineered to withstand demanding conditions. They have multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose.

• The innermost layer, or tube, contains and conveys the hydraulic fluid. It is typically made of synthetic rubber, which provides flexibility and resistance to the hydraulic fluid&#;s corrosive properties.
• Surrounding the tube is a reinforcement layer that strengthens the hose and prevents it from bursting under high pressure. That layer is generally made from braided steel wire or textile fabrics. The extent of the reinforcement layers depends on the hose&#;s intended application and the pressure level it needs to handle.
• The outer layer, or cover, serves as a protective shield, guarding against abrasion, environmental factors, and other damage. That part is made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, or a blend of materials designed to resist wear and tear.

Types of Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses come in various sizes, pressure ratings, and types for different applications. High-pressure hydraulic hoses are best for heavy-duty machinery, while low-pressure hoses may be suitable for less demanding systems.

• Low-Pressure Hydraulic Hoses: Commonly used for vacuum applications, return lines, and anti-static lines, these hoses can include braided textile fibers or steel wires for strength.
• Spiral Steel Wire Hoses: These hoses stand up to higher-than-normal pressure and flexing. They&#;re designed for machinery used in heavy duty industrial tasks like logging, mining, and agriculture.
• Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hoses: Well-suited for low temperatures and medium pressure, the inner tubing material in thermoplastic hydraulic hoses is typically made from polymer material.
• SAE Standard Hoses: These are the most common kinds of hydraulic hoses, with different types of inner tubing layers.

Select the Best Hydraulic and Industrial Hoses for Your Applications

I.B. Moore Company serves businesses and industries such as food service, material handling, power, chemical, vehicle manufacturers, electronics, and paper-handling equipment.

Contact our team in Lexington, KY, for information on hydraulic and industrial hoses and learn how we can support your business across the USA with our nationwide delivery, service, and support.

Hose failure is expensive.  

A failed hose line can halt operations, resulting in lost productivity, wasted material and the potential for costly environmental fines. Not only that but failed hose assemblies can cause injury, illness or death to employees and other passersby.  

Why do hoses typically fail? The top reasons why both industrial and hydraulic hose assemblies fail include:  

1. Improper Assembly and Fittings 
2. Improper Routing  
3. Tube Erosion 
4. Pressure Surges 
5. Fluid Incompatibility 
6. Inadequate Minimum Bend Radius 
7. Inadequate Insertion Depth 
8. Abrasion 
9. Chemical Exposure 
10. Dry Air 

Aside from normal wear and tear, failed hose assemblies are usually due to a simple error at the time of installation. With proper operator training, you can reduce the chances of unexpected failure, saving time and money. Operators should be able to: 

• Understand and identify different types of hoses (industrial and hydraulic).  
• Understand the uses and limitations of each hose type.  
• Choose the right hoses and fittings for each application.  
• Spot signs of wear and tear and know when to replace components.  

But first, operators must understand what makes a hose assembly complete.  

Call customer service at 314-638- OPTION 4 or toll-free 800-783- and speak to a knowledgeable representative today!

What Components Make Up a Full Hose Assembly?  

While there may be some similarities, hydraulic hoses have different conveyance requirements, working conditions and applications than industrial hoses and, as a result, may look and function a little different. If you use the wrong hose with the wrong application, the results can be devastating.  

Let&#;s explore the components of each assembly.  

Hydraulic Hose Assembly 

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• Inner Tube: The inner tube is responsible for carrying hydraulic fluid through the line. Typically, it is made of synthetic rubber or thermoplastic materials that can withstand the high-pressure commonly associated with applications requiring hydraulic fluids. 
• Reinforcement Layer: The reinforcement layer provides structural integrity and strength to the hydraulic hose assembly. It is usually made of multiple layers of braided or spiral-wound steel wire or synthetic fibers such as aramid or polyester. The reinforcement layer prevents the hose from bursting under high-pressure conditions.
• Outer Cover: The outer cover protects the inner tube and reinforcement layers from environmental factors such as abrasion, chemicals and UV radiation. It is constructed from synthetic rubber or thermoplastic materials and may have additional protective layers like textile braid or wire mesh. 
• Fittings: Fittings are the end connections of the hydraulic hose assembly, enabling it to be attached to other components of the hydraulic system. They provide a secure and leak-free connection. Common types of fittings include crimped fittings, reusable fittings or quick disconnect couplings. 

Related: Superior&#;s Simple Guide to Understanding Hydraulic Hose and Fitting Assembly 

Industrial Hose Assembly 

• Inner Tube: Similar to hydraulic hose assemblies, industrial hose assemblies also have an inner tube that carries fluid such as water, air, chemicals and abrasive materials. The inner tube material depends on the specific application and the type of fluid being conveyed. It can be made of materials like natural or synthetic rubber, PVC, polyethylene or Teflon. 
• Reinforcement Layer: The reinforcement layer in an industrial hose assembly provides strength and flexibility to the hose. It can consist of various materials such as textile fibers, wire helix or synthetic yarns. The reinforcement layer ensures the hose can withstand pressure and maintain its shape during use. 
• Outer Cover: The outer cover of an industrial hose assembly serves the same purpose as in a hydraulic hose assembly, protecting the inner layers from abrasion, chemicals and other external factors. It is typically made of synthetic rubber or thermoplastic materials. 
• Couplings: Industrial hose assemblies use couplings as end connections to join the hose with other equipment or systems. These couplings may include clamps, quick-connect fittings, cam and groove fittings, or specialized fittings depending on the application requirements. 

Related: Hydraulic Hose Assembly Routing Guidelines to Extend Service Life 

All hose assemblies are comprised of four similar elements.  

1. Inner Tube 
2. Reinforcement Layer 
3. Outer Cover 
4. End Connections (fittings and couplings) 

Source: Hose Assembly Tips 

Additionally, there are fitting components usually made of metal such as steel, carbon steel or brass. Fittings are typically comprised of a socket and stem. A socket is the part of the fitting that goes over the outer cover. The stem is part of the fitting that goes into the inner diameter of the inner hose.  

Choosing Appropriate Hose Materials by Application 

We see there are some subtle and not-so-subtle differences between hydraulic and industrial hose components. But it doesn&#;t end there. The material your hose is constructed from can have a major impact on the performance and safety of your assembly.  

Commonly used tubing and hose material includes:  

• PVC is a low-cost and flexible option that offers chemical and corrosion resistance for use in industrial applications.   
• Polyurethane is a popular choice for high-pressure industrial applications and is more resistant to harsh working conditions than PVC.  
• Nylon (high-pressure) and polyethylene (low-pressure) are less flexible than PVC and polyurethane but ideal for industrial applications (for example: straight piping around plants and machinery.)  
• Polypropylene has strength, flexibility, kink resistance and some chemical resistance with a working pressure of 150 psi for industrial or pneumatic use.  
• PTFE (Teflon) or fluoropolymer offers strength, kink resistance and some chemical resistance and can also be used around static electricity but it is not as flexible as other materials. 
• Metal core allows the hose to flex and bend without breaking. 
• Thermoplastic hose is ideal for hydraulic pressure impulses and can withstand pressure spikes. 
• Nitrile rubber is a common hydraulic hose material and may have a textile braid for low-pressure applications or a high-tensile strength steel wire braid for higher pressures.  
• Thermoplastic polyurethane is constructed of a nylon tube and synthetic fiber reinforcement and can be used in high-pressure hydraulic applications where wire reinforcements aren&#;t necessary.  

Note from Power & Motion: When choosing hoses, it is mandatory to consult a compatibility chart to check that the tube compound is compatible with the fluid used in the system. Elevated temperature, fluid contamination, and concentration will affect the chemical compatibility of the tube and fluid. Most hydraulic hoses are compatible with petroleum-based oils. Note that new readily biodegradable or green fluids may present a problem for some hoses. 

Top Ways to Protect Hoses and Extend their Service Lives 

In addition to choosing the proper components that make up your hose assembly, there are additional ways to protect against abrasion, heat, corrosion and other environmental factors. To protect your hose assembly, consider adding the following:  

Fire sleeves can protect hoses, cables and wires where high heat, flame and molten metal may be present such as in steel plants, welding shops or other extreme environments.   

Spring and spiral guards protect hoses against abrasion and keep hoses free of kinks that may occur as the hose flexes. Spring and spiral guards are available in metal (used in high-pressure or steel-reinforced hoses) or plastic options to protect hoses and wiring from harsh environments.   

Protective sleeves and covers protect the inner layers of your hose. Choose protective sleeves and covers that can withstand the conditions of your worksite or plant and meet manufacturer recommendations for pressure, chemical compatibility and other ratings.    

Hose protection wrap can detect fluid leaks from failed hoses quickly for rapid repair response, less cleanup and downtime and improved worker safety.    

Abrasion Sleeves protect hoses from degradation from friction that occurs over time. Usually made from lightweight urethane, abrasion sleeves allow hoses to move freely and protect against damage resulting from rubbing against themselves and other system components.   

For more ideas on extending the service life of your hoses, read How to Protect Hydraulic Hoses for Longer Service Life. 

Having Hose Assembly Difficulty?  

Even if you have assembled hose lines for years, you can still run across challenges, especially when working with new applications or brands. If a new assembly has you at a loss, it may be a compatibility issue.  

As lines evolve or you change suppliers, you may find that hoses and fittings aren&#;t matching up. That&#;s why we always recommend using the same brand manufacturer for both hoses and their fittings. Just like hoses, fittings have to meet certain specifications for safe and reliable operation. When you mix and match brands, you run the risk of hose assembly failure.  

Related: Premature Hydraulic Hose Failure Costs and Prevention Tips 

Superior Industrial Supply knows how important it is to have access to the right hydraulic and industrial hoses and fittings your operations demands. It&#;s why we specialize in hose assembly and repairs, as well as industrial and MRO supply and fastener selection.  

We carry everything you need for your hose assemblies from top-rated brands like Danfoss Power Solutions. Give us a call at 314-638- OPTION 4 or 800-783- and let us know how we can help you find the products, services and advice you need. 

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