Questions You Should Know about Hose Fittings for Mining Machinery

Hydraulic fittings can be found in almost every industry, but not all hydraulic hose fittings can do the same job. Given the extent of their usage, it's important to choose the right kind of hydraulic fitting to suit your application, hose size and assembly.

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Whether you are a professional in the industry or just learning the ropes, you need to be able to identify the right hydraulic fitting for the job. We're here to make it easy for our readers with a complete guide to types of hydraulic hose fittings, their applications and how to use them. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

What Are Hydraulic Fittings?

Hydraulic fittings are parts used to connect hydraulic hoses to other components. Hydraulic couplings are used in a variety of machines and equipment across all major industries. They are used in manufacturing hydraulics and assembly lines, water and sewage systems, oil refineries, and construction site hydraulics, to name a few.

There are different types of hydraulic fittings; each one serves a different purpose. They also come in different sizes, materials, types of seals, and temperature and pressure tolerances. For instance, a hydraulic fitting can either allow or prevent the flow of fluid. In some cases, the fittings are dual-use and can do both. But the most important quality of a hydraulic fitting is how effective it is in creating a tight seal.

The two main types of hydraulic fittings are crimped fittings and field attachable fittings. As the name implies, field attachable fittings or reusable fittings consist of a socket and a nipple and can be installed anywhere without using a crimper.

A crimped fitting is a permanent fitting that is sealed with a crimping machine. Crimped fittings are much more secure than a field attachable fitting but do need the equipment to make the seal. While many crimping machines are larger units that stay in the workshop, there are also many portable and handheld hydraulic crimpers to bridge the gap between crimp couplings and field attachable fittings.

What Are Hydraulic Hose Fittings Made Of?

Hydraulic fittings can be made from many materials, the most common ones being  plastic, stainless steel, or brass. The type of assembly or industry application usually determines what material is suitable.

Let's take a closer look at the most common materials used in hydraulic fittings:

• Plastic Hydraulic Fittings ' these types are much more resistant to corrosion compared to their metal counterparts. However, they are physically weaker and less durable. This is why they are not preferred for hydraulic applications despite the low cost. Metal fittings are better suited for high-pressure ratings found in industrial applications.

• Steel Hydraulic Fittings ' these types of fittings are made of steel alloys which means they are far more durable than their plastic counterparts. For instance, carbon steel fittings can withstand temperatures from -53°C up to 260°C.
• Stainless Steel Fittings ' as the name suggests, these are the stainless steel variant of steel hydraulic fittings. Stainless steel fittings are utilised in situations where they would need to withstand temperatures ranging from -253°C up to 648°C. Their tough nature makes them the choice of fitting for highly corrosive environments. Fittings made from this material are generally rated up to 10,000 psi, with some special designs capable of withstanding up to 20,000 psi. The primary drawback for these is their high price, which usually prompts industries to consider alternatives for less hard-wearing applications.
• Brass Fittings ' these are not as strong or durable as their stainless steel counterparts. However, they can provide a tight seal that prevents leaks and meet SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), DIN (Deutsches Institute für Normung), and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standards, among others. Brass fittings are rated for temperatures from -53°C up to 204°C, and pressures up to 3,000 psi.
• Aluminium Fittings ' hydraulic fittings made from aluminium are less common, but do exist and are used in certain applications. They are lighter than steel but are resistant to corrosion. These qualities make them preferable in transportation hydraulics such as the automotive industry.
  

Types Of Hydraulic Fittings

Factors to consider when choosing a hydraulic fitting include deciding whether to use one that is permanent or reusable, as well as the type of port connections, fitting ends, and the sealing method.

Remember to consult with an expert or professional when deciding which type of hydraulic fitting to use. Each type has its own use case scenario that would not be suitable for others. Using the wrong fitting could lead to malfunctions, damages, or even endanger lives.

Permanent Vs Field Reusable Fittings

Permanent hydraulic fittings (also known as crimped fittings) require a crimping machine to be attached to a hose, while reusable hydraulic fittings connect to hoses using a wrench and a vice. 

Permanent hydraulic fittings are much more common than their reusable counterparts. They are easy to identify and assemble with the use of a hydraulic crimper and have a reputation for being the most reliable type of fitting. They are widespread in the fluid power industry due to their ease of use. On the other hand, reusable hydraulic fittings are not as popular because of their higher cost and time-consuming process.

With the growing popularity of portable hydraulic crimpers suitable for mobile technicians and on-site use, reusable hydraulic fittings are gradually falling out of favour.

Fitting Ends And Connector Types

The three most common fitting ends and connector types for hydraulic fittings are the O-ring, the mated angle, and the tapered thread connectors. Although these are the most popular choices, several other types are used in different and specialised applications.

Since hydraulic fittings vary in how they seal connections, it is important to consider seeking professional or technical advice to avoid leaks or other dangerous scenarios.

The primary fittings and connector types are:

• O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) ' hydraulic fittings equipped with this kind of sealing method provide a secure and reliable elastomeric seal preferred for applications with any risk of leaking fluids. They can eliminate leaks in hydraulic systems that operate at pressures that can reach up to 6,000 psi. ORFS fittings can be split into the following types:
  • Straight ORFS Fitting ' a straight screw connection with a male ORFS connection point to male PRT, G, or metric threads.
  • Elbow ORFS Fitting is an elbow screw connection with an ORFS female connection and an ORFS male connection at an angle.
  • Tee ORFS Fitting ' this is a T-shaped screw connection with three connection ports. One is a female ORFS connection port, with two other male ORFS connection ports.
  • Cross ORFS Fitting ' this is equipped with four male ORFS connection ports and is useful for distribution or combining.
• DIN Or BSP ' these stand for 'Deutsches Institut für Normung' and 'British Standard Pipe' and are a type of hydraulic fitting commonly used across Europe.

• DIN hydraulic fittings are interchangeable with different brands of fittings. They are used in industrial, construction, and oil applications and industries.
• BSP hydraulic fittings have screw threads that conform to BSP standards. These fittings are used primarily for interconnecting pipes and sealing, which is achieved by interlocking the external (male) with the internal (female) thread. These fittings are commonly found in plumbing industries and are widely accepted worldwide except for North America due to the American National Pipe Tapered Thread (NPT) standard.
• Mated Angle ' hydraulic fittings with an angle seat equipped with either straight or parallel threads for sealing. When the male and female counterparts are threaded together, the threads don't actually form the seal. Instead, the fitting mechanically creates a seal by bringing the mating angle seats together, making the seal.
• Tapered Threads ' this type of hydraulic fitting has a male and female thread. Male fittings have their threads on the outside, while female fittings have theirs on the inside. The tapered thread deforms when the male and female fittings are threaded together. This consequently applies pressure on the couplings, which create the seal. Unfortunately, these fittings are prone to shredding and contaminate sensitive areas, which often causes them to be prohibited for use in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. In addition, the lubricity of these fittings has also been known to cause over-torquing.

What Does JIC Mean In Hydraulic Fittings?

JIC stands for Joint Industry Council, defined by SAE J514 ' compression fittings that have a 37-degree flare seating surface and parallel threads. These fittings are usually manufactured using nickel alloys, brass, carbon, and stainless steel.

JIC hydraulic fittings and connections are usually used in fluid power systems. Both the male and female fittings have 37-degree seats, whose seals are made by creating a contact between the flare of the male component and the coned seat of the female component. Connections of this type are considered mechanical.

Advantages of JIC Hydraulic Fittings include:

• Have a wide range of fittings to cater to all industries
• Are created with SAE regulations and fittings in mind, making them highly compatible and versatile
• Work perfectly in high-temperature applications
• Are highly durable. They can be disconnected and reconnected constantly without  damaging the fitting.

However, JIC fittings also come with their fair share of disadvantages:

• These fittings have a lower pressure rating compared to other types. This makes them unsuitable for applications with high vibrations
• Their application is limited only to hydraulic fluid and non-critical applications due to the metal-to-metal design.
• They are very susceptible to cracking resulting from over-tightening.

How To Identify Hydraulic Hose Fittings

To properly identify the hydraulic hose fitting for the application, determine the type of fitting, match the port connection with that of the hose, and determine the type of seal and fitting design and size of the thread.

1. Determine the type of fitting ' check to see if the fitting is crimped or reusable. Newer equipment and connections are usually crimped.
2. Match the port connection with that of the hose ' another important part is to make sure that the port connection matches the one on the hydraulic hose. Refer to the table below.

3. Determine the type of seal ' referring to the physical dimensions and technical characteristics, identify whether it is using an O-Ring, a Mated Angle, or a Tapered Thread. Mated Angles are based on straight and parallel thread types, in which the male and female units will form the seal. Tapered Threads will have the threads on the outside if it is a male unit and on the inside if it is female. Lastly, O-Rings (ORFS) will already include the seal.
4. Determine the fitting design and size of the thread ' refer to the list below for the most common and widely used hydraulic fittings.

• NPT/NPTF ' this is the most commonly used type of thread in North America and is recognisable by its tapered inner diameter and outer diameter. This creates a self-sealing fitting.
• BSPT (JIS-PT) ' also known as the British Thread Type, is standard fittings adopted internationally for making connections and sealing pipe ends.
• Metric Taper ' this is the most commonly used thread type in Europe and is known for its precise cylindrical inner and outer diameters.
• SAE Straight Thread ' a thread type known for its reliability and reusability-has excellent sealing due to its 90-durometer O-rings.
• ISO ' this is equipped with a straight thread O-ring port, useful for diagnostic port applications.
• JIS-B ' this thread type is primarily used as a hose adapter for equipment manufactured in Japan or Korea. These usually come with BSP threads.
• DIN Metric ' Since this thread type uses the German Industrial Standard, they are popular throughout Germany and the majority of Europe.
• BSPP (JIS-PF) ' These are BSPP connectors that follow the standard British thread dimensions.
• 4-Bolt Flange ' these come in a variety of types, catering to either standard or heavy-duty applications.

How Do You Choose the End Fittings For a Hydraulic Hose?

The criteria for choosing the right end fittings for hydraulic hoses are size, material, temperature, pressure, application, and assembly. The proper assessment of these criteria is critical to ensure the safety and reliability of the connections. Each of the factors mentioned above are detailed below:

1. Size ' when it comes to the size, the important measurements to consider are the internal and external diameters of the hydraulic fittings. The diameters have to be compatible with that of the hydraulic hose. Fittings over or under-sized won't be sealed properly and cause the connection to fail or leak.
2. Material ' different materials have different properties, which affect and determine the compatibility with the fluid. As such, making sure that the fitting is compatible with both the hydraulic fluid and the working environment is critical. Determine both and choose between brass, aluminium, steel, or stainless steel. The most widely-used sealing materials are O-rings made from NBR (Nitrile).
3. Temperature ' aside from ensuring that the different materials that make up hydraulic fittings are resistant to the operating temperatures, the type of fittings should also be considered.
4. Pressure ' the amount of pressure the hydraulic fitting is subjected to differ across varying industries and applications. Make sure that the fittings are rated for the pressure range required. Operating beyond the rated pressure may cause leaks and even danger to people in the working environment.
5. Application ' depending on the industry or application, the fittings could be used for either mixing or distributing. As such, hydraulic fittings such as the T-shape and the cross-shape come into consideration.

6. Assembly ' hydraulic systems that require frequent connections and disconnections of the hose or tube should consider quick-connect fittings. For instance, hydraulic compression fittings can also remove the need to weld or solder the fitting. It uses a compression nut that tightens against the ferrule, creating a tight seal.
7. Permanence ' Needing a permanent fitting or one that can be removed and changed frequently will affect the fitting style you choose. If this fitting is going to be changed often, a field attachable fitting will work just fine, but if you need something permanent and strong, using a crimping machine to crimp your fitting permanently is the perfect option.

Aside from this criteria, the hydraulic fluids used in the industry should also determine what type of coupling is best. Not all fittings are compatible with all hydraulic fluids. The primary hydraulic fluid types are petroleum-based, water-based or synthetic-based fluids.

How To Install Hydraulic Hose Fittings

Proper hydraulic hose fittings require selecting the right fitting, knowing the insertion depth, and using a hydraulic crimper.

1. Ensure that you have the right type and size of length for the hydraulic hose required for the application. You can opt to use hose cutters to cut it to the correct length with clean ends. This will reduce the risk of assembly failures or contamination.
2. Identify the correct hydraulic hose fitting by considering the size, temperature, pressure, style, material, and orientation. The type of hydraulic fluid used in operation should also be accounted for.
3. Determine the fitting's depth of insertion, and place a mark on the hydraulic hose. If necessary, apply lubricant and insert the hose into the fitting using the mark as a guide.
4. Using a crimper, adjust to the fitting's diameter ' refer to the relevant crimp chart for specific instructions. The end of the hose should be placed within the crimping machine for crimping.
5. After verifying that the crimper is set to the suitable diameter, clean the hose assembly. This will prevent any contamination.

How To Seal Hydraulic Fittings

Hydraulic fittings are sealed either through O-rings, thread sealants, or self-sealing like SAE flanged fittings. They do not need to be manually sealed.

Do You Use Teflon Tape On Hydraulic Fittings?

Teflon tapes should not be used on hydraulic fittings since a seal is already created through an O-ring,metal face seal or threads. Although leaks can be caused by normal wear and tear due to operations and changes in temperatures and pressure, leaks are usually a sign of incorrect use or connection of hydraulic fittings. 

Should your hydraulic connections show any form of leak or damage, try to suspend the flow of any liquid or material through the hose for inspection and immediately arrange hydraulics inspection and repairs.

Remember that choosing the right hydraulic fitting for the operational environment is critical to a safe work environment.

Related Questions

How Do You Connect Two Hydraulic Hoses Together?

Before connecting hydraulic hoses, make sure you wear protective clothing and allow pressure out of the hydraulic system first. You could be connecting hydraulic hoses due to damage on the previous one, or you could just be connecting hoses of a new hydraulic system. If so, follow the step by step guide below.

We find fittings to be one of the most practical hose accessories. They can help maximize a hose's function or even add to it. But we know that there are a plethora of hose fittings in the market, which most likely confused you.

That's why we created this comprehensive guide. We'll define hose fittings in detail, as well as go over some of their common types and uses. This way, you'll have a good understanding of how this piece can help you in various contexts.

With nearly five decades of industry experience in auto detailing equipment and supplies, MTM Hydro Parts powered by Veloci now offers an extensive, high-quality selection of hose fittings; be sure to check it out!

What Is a Hose Fitting?

Hose fittings, connectors, adaptors, and couplings are all different names for the same thing. They're basically small components designed to connect hoses together or to other equipment. 

You'll find that hose couplings are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each of which serves a different purpose. That's why they're used in diverse settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial. 

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hose Fittings for Mining Machinery.

When shopping for a hose connector, you'll hear the terms Male and Female. That's because we manufacture them in two genders, with each one referring to the thread position on the fitting. 

Male fittings typically have pin-shaped protrusions with external threads. These external threads allow them to be plugged into female fittings or other tools with corresponding internal threads. In other words, male fittings have threads on the outside.

Conversely, female fittings are wider and feature internal threads that allow them to encircle or accept the male fittings. These internal threads are on the inside of the fitting, providing a threaded cavity for the male fitting to screw into.

In addition, there are quick connect fittings, which simplify the connection process. They consist of two main components: the "plug" and the "coupler" (which can also be referred to as sockets). 

The plug is typically a male fitting with external threads, and the coupler is a female fitting with corresponding internal threads. When you connect these quick connect fittings, you simply insert the plug into the coupler and secure them together by turning the plug, creating a fast and secure connection.

What Are the Main Hose Fitting Types?

Thanks to the remarkable versatility of these parts, hose connectors come in several types. However, there are three main ones that you should know about:

1. Water Fittings

• Low-pressure water fittings

Starting off with the most basic variety, which you most likely have lying around in your garden, the water hose fitting. We primarily construct this type to connect hoses transporting water together or to other components. 

These fittings are quite popular in the domestic scene as they're widely used in garden hoses or for watering plants.

Remember that garden hose fittings will certainly come into contact with water. So, always opt for ones made of rust-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and brass.

Speaking of, don't forget to check out our premium, rust- and chemical-resistant Stainless Steel Garden Hose QC Kit. It features hose fittings and plugs for various accessories, including sprinklers, watering wands, and more'all for a fairly low cost! 

• High-pressure water fittings

High-pressure water fittings are specifically designed to handle water systems that operate at elevated pressure levels, such as those used in industrial, commercial, and certain residential applications. These fittings are engineered to withstand the increased force and stress that high-pressure water systems generate.

High-pressure water fittings often use threaded connections, similar to low-pressure fittings. However, they need to have precise threading and a secure seal to prevent leaks under high pressure. NPT (National Pipe Thread) and BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads are commonly used for this purpose. 

All Veloci fittings are National Pipe Thread (NPT) which means they have a tapered male or female thread (depending upon the model). These fittings are versatile and find application in various settings, such as cleaning patios, power washing driveways, removing tough stains from concrete surfaces, preparing surfaces for painting, and even in industrial applications like cleaning heavy machinery. 

2. Pneumatic Fittings

To begin, we'll give you a brief explanation of what a pneumatic system is. Pneumatic systems involve any equipment or machinery that operates on the force of compressed air or pressurized gas. 

If this definition doesn't ring a bell, think of air compressors or dental drills; they're examples of popular devices using this system.

Hose fittings are usually installed in pneumatic equipment for many purposes, like joining two hoses or controlling the air direction. 

Since this is a critical role, especially in industrial applications, these connectors are chemically resistant and have exceptionally tight seals to prevent leakage. 

3. Hydraulic Fittings

In most hydraulic systems, there are hydraulic high-pressure hoses that act as liaisons within their circuits. They help in securely transporting fluids between major hydraulic parts (pumps, motors, etc.). 

By fluids, we're not just referring to water; they could be chemicals, petroleum oil, minerals, or else. This is why these hoses are quite common on engineering and mining sites. 

You can see how, under these conditions, the hydraulic hose fittings could be exposed to harsh and sometimes corrosive substances. 

So, to ensure smooth and safe fluid circulation, we strongly advise you to use hydraulic fittings that can withstand varying temperatures and high levels of pressure. They should also be resistant to rust and chemicals.  

Pressure washer hoses and hydraulic hoses share some similarities due to their common function of transporting fluids under high pressure. Both are constructed to withstand the significant pressure levels generated by their respective systems.

Pressure washer hoses are designed to carry pressurized water from the pump to the spray gun or nozzle. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the water pressure throughout the cleaning process.

What Are the Most Common Hose Fitting Functions?

To understand how you can benefit from hose adapters, you'll need to learn about their functions. We've listed five of the most important ones below:

Safety 

When dealing with high-pressure systems, such as hydraulic systems, safety is paramount. It's crucial to always use connectors that are properly rated per manufacturer specifications to ensure the system's integrity and avoid potential disasters. 

Extending Length or Connecting

You don't have to throw hoses away just because their length is impractical. Using fittings, such as union connectors, can help you link hoses together to extend their length.

You can also connect hoses to other structures like taps and sprinklers via adapters like couplings. 

Diverting or Combining Flow

When wanting to divide or divert flow through different hoses, you can always opt for fittings like tee and wye. You can also use both of these connectors if you want to combine flow from various sources.

Reducing Size

One of the special fittings that not many people are aware of is the reducer. It has two ends with different diameters. This comes in handy when you want to join a narrow hose with a bigger one or a structure with a wider opening. 

Controlling Flow

Whether it's to control the water coming out of your low or high-pressure hose or fluids from a hydraulic pump, managing the exiting pressure is necessary in many cases. This is where valve components come in handy. 

Valve fittings simply connect the hose to the source of the supply and give you complete control over the outflow. 

Final Word

Now that you know the basic hose fitting types and functions, you can easily choose the variety that best suits your requirements. Just don't forget to measure the diameter of your hose first, as that will determine the adaptor size you'll need.

We can't emphasize how important it is that you select a reliable fitting. Getting low-quality ones will give you a hard time. They may cause leakage, erode internally, or, worse yet, explode under pressure.

Are you interested in learning more about Hydraulic Hose Fitting for Metallurgical and Petroleum Equipment? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!