Hydraulic Fittings Review In The American Market
To connect your hydraulic hose to tubes, pipes, cylinders, or other components, you need hydraulic fittings. The hydraulic fitting type you use determines the flow and movement of the fluid. As a result, it’s an overly important part of a hydraulic system.
Hydraulic fittings must be made from a material that is both durable and resistant to corrosion. These are essential for safely managing the high pressures generated by hydraulic systems and protecting the vessel from rust and corrosion caused by the hydraulic fluid.
Depending on your project, you can choose from the many different kinds of hydraulic fittings. Here is an overview of the different thread standards of hydraulic fittings in the American market.
The Most Common Hydraulic Fittings Thread Standards in the American Market
NPTF, O-ring face seal, NPSM, and JIC Flare connectors are the most common hydraulic fittings in the American market. Each has its strengths and most suitable applications.
National Pipe Tapered Fuel (NPTF)
Although the National Fluid Power Association does not endorse it, National Pipe Taper is still commonly used for hydraulic purposes (NFPA) in the United States. It features a tapered thread, and the seal is created when the threads are compressed.
Since the threads are mechanically bent during the first installation, no thread sealant or tape is necessary. However, thread sealant or tape is ideal for subsequent installs.
NPTF fittings are interchangeable with similar products and components from other manufacturers, including Parker, Weatherhead, Gates, and Aeroquip.
O-ring Face Seal (ORFS)
O-ring face seal (ORFS) fittings are among the best options for securing hydraulic and tube connections. The elastomeric seal provided by properly engineered ORFS connectors makes them a solid and viable option for creating a leak-free joint.
These fittings feature an O-ring at the fitting’s face and are made to the SAE J1453 standard. When employed correctly, ORFS fittings are a perfect replacement for standard SAE 37° flared tube fittings without worrying about hydraulic leakage.
You can prevent leaks at operating pressures of up to 5,500 PSI by using O-ring face seal fittings.
National Pipe Straight Mechanical (NPSM)
The National Pipe Straight Mechanical (NPSM) features female swivel fittings, intended to lessen the strain placed on hoses. They do this by preventing them from twisting during assembly or when in use.
The female pipe swivel on an NPSM fitting is installed on a chamfered seat at 30 degrees from the bottom of the swivel nut. While most NPSM hydraulic fittings have the 30-degree chamfer, you’ll also find a wide range of sizes and designs in both male and female swivel adapters for different hose fitting needs.
Joint Industries Council (JIC) Flare
JIC fittings have become the standard for connecting hydraulic fluid within the North American market. In particular, female JIC swivel fittings are the most popular end connection for hydraulic hose assemblies.
While JIC fittings are typically used to join the tubing in a hydraulic system, they are also widely used on the hose as an end adaptor. To create a seal, a JIC fitting must come into direct contact with the inside diameter of the flared tubing and the completed surface of the fitting nose.
What Are the Different Types of Hydraulic Hose Fittings?
The different types of hydraulic hose fittings you’ll find in the market include:
Bite-type fittings
Compressive bite-type fittings feature a pointed ferrule that, when compressed, “bites” the vessel to create a seal. Even though they require no special tools for assembly, bite-type fittings can withstand more pressure when compared to standard compressive fittings.
Standard compressive fittings
These fittings feature a compression seal on the vessel, formed by a metal gasket, ring, or ferrule. Compression occurs by placing a nut onto a fitting over the piping and ferrule to tighten the fitting and secure the compressed vessel. Standard compression fittings are easy to install in the field because they don’t require special tools.
Crimp fittings
Due to their reliability, crimp fittings are an excellent choice for damp underfloor heating systems. Each connection is crimped and sealed against the inner tubing by hundreds of pounds of pressure. Connecting these fittings typically requires the use of crimping tools or machinery.
Flare Fittings
A flare fitting is a threaded nut and sleeve combination used to create a pressure-resistant, leak-proof seal between tubings with a flared end. Flare fittings are superior to compression fittings in terms of pressure capacity and operating parameter flexibility. Special flaring equipment is necessary for installation.
Threaded fittings
Threaded fittings feature screw threads or indented grooves designed to receive threaded connections. Straight threads are common and make for a quick connection, although they don’t seal very well.Tapered threads, on the other hand, are more dependable. They form a dry fit, meaning a seal is made without using an additional sealant. These fittings are especially helpful in situations when using a sealant can cause contamination or corrosion.
Push-to-connect fittings
Push-to-connect fittings are among the simplest fittings to install. They’re also easy to use. The pipe is secured by a mechanism within the fitting that uses pressure from the plumbing system. Soldering, crimping, or gluing are not required for assembly.
How Do I Know What Type of Hydraulic Fittings I Need?
Finding the right hydraulic hose fitting for your hydraulic system requires knowing the fitting type, matching the port connection with the hose, and figuring out the seal type, design, and thread size needed.
You should first determine whether the fitting is reusable or crimped. Note that modern hydraulic fittings typically use a crimped connection. Furthermore, check whether a Mated Angle, an O-Ring, or a Tapered Thread is required by referring to the seal’s physical measurements and technical qualities.
Parallel and straight thread types provide the basis for Mated Angles, with the male and female units forming the seal. If the component is male, the threads will be outside of the unit. If it is female, they will be in the interior. O-Rings (ORFS), on the other hand, will come sealed.
Finally, check to ensure the port connection is compatible with the hydraulic hose.
Conclusion
The hydraulic fittings in the American market are different from what you get in Europe and other regions.
O-ring face seals, NPSM, NPTF, and JIC flare fittings are the most common ones, and you can easily get one to match your hydraulic system. For your quality American hose fittings, contact us at Sinopulse Group today!