How to Pick the Right Hose

Deciding which hose is right for your system can depend on a number of things, including: diameter, temperature, environment, and compatibility with other parts of your system. So, read this article about choosing the right hose for the right job.

Why you Need to Select the Right Hose

Choosing the right hose and fittings for the job is essential for safety and efficiency. Thus, there are two major factors to consider when purchasing or replacing hoses:

  1. Choosing the right hose for the application
  2. Correctly fitting the hose

Tubes have a tripartite structure. Suitability for the intended industrial application determines the materials used in each of these three sections during tube manufacture.

  • The inner tube—which comes in contact with the transported fluid
  • A reinforced middle layer—made out of wire or yarn
  • Protective outer layer—needs to be able to withstand environmental factors

Ensure your hose complies with the SAE and ISO standards.

Choosing the Right Hose: Factors to Consider

Temperature

Firstly, consider both fluid and ambient temperature. A hose must withstand exposure to the minimum and maximum temperatures it is likely to encounter in the application environment. Varying temperatures are one of the main reasons for hose failure—ensure that the hose can tolerate low and high temperatures.

Pressure

The maximum working pressure limit is the most important thing to take into account. Pressure spikes will shorten the life of a hose, and spikes must not exceed the hose’s working pressure.

Diameter

This must be large enough to accommodate the fluid/air going through it and minimise pressure; but not too large that it does not fit properly.

Inside Diameter (ID)

This is the most important factor in hose sizing because the inner tube is in direct contact with the transported fluid. So a correct fit and fabrication from suitable materials is crucial.

Outside Diameter (OD)

The outer tube should fit perfectly with the other end. Pay particular attention to OD if routing hose though bulkheads or using routing clamps

Length

The hose must not be too short, otherwise it may come off the fittings. Neither must it be too long, as this will make it prone to twisting and kinking.

Environmental Factors

Consideration of external conditions will determine the type of hose used. For example, open air environments require hose capable of tolerating outside temperatures. Never place hose next to a heat source. Other environmental factors include: abrasion, salt water, air pollution and ultraviolet light.

Material Conveyed

Take care to use a compatible hose for the conveyed material. In brief, specialised or dangerous chemicals or oils need specific hose types and fittings to ensure their safety.

Couplings

Above all, use the correct hose couplings. Couplings must be able to withstand the maximum pressure of the system.

Compatibility

Always remember that when replacing a hose it should be the same type as the one used before. In particular, threads should be compatible with hoses and other system components. Especially, do not mix different brands and specifications as they may not be compatible.

When hydraulic hose needs replacing, the “dash” number measuring system identifies hose size and couplings.

Important Considerations

Check sizes. If you are buying hose from other countries measurements may be different.