Hydraulic hoses are key components of any and all hydraulic systems. As the delivery method for hydraulic fluid, the right hydraulic hoses for the job are essential for the safe and effective use of hydraulic systems in any application.
Getting the right hydraulic hose for the job involves understanding a bit about hydraulic hose standards. This concise article will explain everything you need to know.
What are Hydraulic Hose Standards?
Hydraulic hose standards are a range of different national and international standards which cover hydraulic hose assembly, hydraulic hose crimping, hydraulic hose testing and hydraulic hose performance including dimensions, strength and flexibility of hydraulic hoses. These standards ensure that manufacturers of hoses meet safety and performance requirements.
The main 3 that are most relevant at this time in the UK are:
EN
This is the European standard. It is not commonly used in the UK now but useful to be aware of.
SAE
The Society of Automotive Engineers. Up until recently, this was the common standard in the UK. However, as manufacturing and purchasing become ever more international it is sometimes replaced by the ISO.
ISO
The International Standards Organisation. These standards that are increasingly replacing the SAE standards in hydraulics.
What Materials Make a Good Hydraulic Hose?
Hydraulic hoses are made up of three parts each requiring a different material.
Tube
The inner tube of a hydraulic hose is either made up of synthetic rubber or thermoplastic. It has to be able to withstand the corrosive effects of the environment and the hydraulic fluid itself which when petroleum-based hydraulic fluid is used is substantial. It also has to be able to cope with extremes of heat and pressure.
Reinforcement
The additional strength to withstand pressure required for a hydraulic hose comes in the form of either woven fabric if the pressure usage is low or in woven steel or layered wire wrapping for higher-pressure applications.
Protective Layer
The outer protective layer is the first line of defence against sunlight, abrasion, and from extremes of temperature. They are generally made of woven fabric or synthetic rubber.
SAE Hydraulic Standards You Should Know
SAE 100R1
- For petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids
- Temperatures from 140° to 100° C.
- Type A: synthetic rubber, a single wire braid reinforcement, and synthetic rubber cover.
- Type AT: as above but includes a cover.
SAE 100R2
- As 100R1 except with steel-wire reinforcement
- Type A has two wire braids.
- Type B has one braid and two spiral plies.
- Type AT is the same as Type A, but includes a cover.
- Type BT is the same as Type B but includes a cover.
SAE 100R3
- As 100R1 and 100R2 except reinforcement is made of two textile braids.
SAE 100R4
- For low-pressure and vacuum applications.
- For petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures between 140° and 100° C.
- Consists of synthetic rubber, single or multiple woven or braided textiles and wire spiral and synthetic rubber cover.
SAE 100R5
- For petroleum and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures between 140° and 100° C.
- Synthetic rubber, two textile braids with a high-tensile-strength steel-wire braid in between.
- Braids are impregnated with an oil and mildew resistant synthetic rubber compound.
SAE 100R6
- For petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures between 140° to 100° C.
- Synthetic rubber, textile braid reinforcement, synthetic rubber cover.
SAE 100R7
- A thermoplastic hose.
- For petroleum and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperature range from 140° to 93° C.
- Thermoplastic inner tube, synthetic-fibre reinforcement, thermoplastic cover.
- Nonconductive version has an orange cover.
SAE 100R8
- A high-pressure thermoplastic hose.
- For synthetic, petroleum and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures from140° to 93° C.
- Thermoplastic inner tube, synthetic-fibre reinforcement, thermoplastic cover.
- Non conductive version has an orange cover.
SAE 100R9
- For petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures from 140° to 100° C.
- Type A: synthetic rubber, four wire spirals going in alternating directions, synthetic rubber cover. May include a material braid to join the synthetic rubber to the wire.
- Type AT same as Type A but with a cover.
SAE 100R10
- Type A: As type A above but using heavy wire.
- Type AT: As AT above.
SAE 100R11
- As above but with six heavy wire spirals going in alternating directions.
SAE 100R12
- Same as 100R9 except suitable for temperatures between 140° to 121° C.
SAE 100R13
- As with 100R12 but with multiple heavy wire spirals going in alternating directions.
- May include material braid to join synthetic rubber to the wire.
SAE 100R14
- For petroleum-, synthetic-, and water-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperatures between 154° and 204° C.
- Type A: polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) reinforced with a 303XX stainless steel braid.
- Type B: same as Type A, but to avoid electrostatic charge has a conductive inner layer.
SAE 100R15
- For petroleum-based hydraulic fluids.
- Temperature range between 140° and 121° C.
- Synthetic rubber, multiple heavy wire spirals going in alternating directions, rubber cover.
- May have a material braid to attach the synthetic rubber to the wire.
SAE 100R16
- For petroleum- and water-based hydraulic fluids
- Temperatures between 140° and 100° C.
- Synthetic rubber, one or two braids of steel wire, synthetic rubber cover.
- May have a material braid to attach the synthetic rubber to the wire.
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