HIGHLY RECCOMENDED Hydraulic hose assemblies must always be inspected and pressure tested against leakage and malfunction before installation
Technical solutions provider BMG urges that care be taken when selecting, installing and maintaining high-quality components in any hydraulic system because hose assemblies can be highly dangerous if misapplied and inadequate attention is given to maintenance of the hose and related equipment.
“When selecting a hose, it is important that the working pressure of the hose is higher than the maximum operating pressure of the system. Fluid temperature, either when in motion or the equipment is at a halt, should not exceed the maximum working temperature recommended for each hose,” says BMG national product manager Joanne Tarr, adding that it is also crucial to consider the surrounding temperature, especially from heat sources in the proximity of the hose assembly.
BMG recommends that, before installation, hydraulic hose assemblies always be inspected and pressure tested against leakage and malfunction.
Additionally, premature failure of the hose assembly can occur if installations do not comply with the adequate geometry of the hose assembly, or the applications of the system exceed hose specifications.
Tarr points out that high- velocity and high-temperature projections of hydraulic fluid should be prevented, especially in mines where temperatures are already 28 ºC on average underground.
Fluid compatibility with the hose and coupling should also be verified. “Fluids can chemically attack the hose, which results in contamination and obstruction in the hydraulic system and leads to the damage of the hose and system.
Further, BMG states that environmental compatibility demands consideration of factors that include temperature, fire hazards, ultraviolet light, ozone, chemicals and electrical charges.
“Accelerated external abrasion, as a result of contact in motion or exposure to projected particles, reduces hose life and leads to early failure of the hydraulic system.”
BMG stocks specialised abrasion-resistant rubber compounds, or recommends protection through adequate sleeves in these cases.
“Additionally, couplings are an important component of hydraulic hose assemblies. Compatibility of sealing and the correct attachment of couplings to the system’s ports is critical for efficient operation, enhanced safety and extended service life,” notes Tarr.
BMG’s hydraulic hose and fittings catalogue includes a fluid compatibility and resistance reference chart, technical information on the company’s range of hoses, fittings and adapters, as well as critical information on correct product selection, installation and safety guidelines.
Other products available from BMG’s fluid technology division include Eaton Winner braided hydraulic hose and fittings. These hydraulic hoses and fittings ensure safe and reliable conveying of petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids at high pressure, even in the most demanding environments.
Additionally, the company offers valves, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, pumps and reservoir accessories.
The company’s fluid technology services encompass project engineering and consulting, cylinder design and manufacture, hydraulic training, repair and testing and on-site container services.