
06 Mar All About Hydraulic and Industrial Hoses
When it comes to connecting systems for different applications, the choice of hydraulic and industrial hoses is an important decision that directly impacts how your machinery or equipment performs.
At I. B. Moore, our talented team members are pros at explaining the similarities and differences between all the industrial hose assemblies, tubes, and fittings we distribute.
For those looking into a quality source for hydraulic hose and industrial hose systems for their production, we offer a primer on hoses. Interested in learning more? Reach out to our team and we’ll offer valuable insights to help you choose suitable hoses for your specific commercial or industrial applications.
What are Industrial Hoses?
When we say “industrial hose,” we’re referring to a broad variety of hoses categories that contains hydraulic hoses. It also includes hoses made without hydraulics in mind.
For industrial use, we distribute hoses made from materials such as rubber, urethanes, Teflon, metal, or composite materials. These flexible or rigid tubes can transfer fluids, solids, and gases. Here are some of the more common types of industrial hoses:
- Ventilation hoses: These handle pollutants like fumes, smoke, gas, and air. You’ll see them used in agricultural, chemical, and manufacturing applications where hazardous fumes and gases are present.
- Chemical fume extraction hoses: These hoses are highly chemical-resistant and can ventilate fumes from harsh process chemicals.
- Dust collection hoses: Dust collection hoses are designed for collecting fine materials and particles like woodchips and dust.
- High-temperature hoses: These hoses are used in systems with high operating temperatures.
- Light material handling hoses: The most common use for material handling hoses is transporting dry goods and powders.
Industrial Hose Materials
Proper material selection is vital when you need to ensure that an industrial hose will do its job. Here are a few examples:
- Industrial PVC Hose: Well-suited for heavy-duty applications, PVC is durable, resists erosion and corrosion, and is watertight. It can handle certain gases, waste, food, and chemicals but cannot withstand high pressures.
- Silicone Industrial Hose: Virtually nonstick, odorless, and colorless, silicone hoses are used in power generation, food, and medical applications. They are insulating, weatherproof, and resistant to tearing, infrared radiation, and UV rays; silicone hoses withstand low and high temperatures.
- Composite Industrial Hose: Made from different layers of materials, industrial hoses resist chemicals and bend easily. These tubes are manufactured with fabrics, thermoplastics, and spiraled metal wires throughout.
- Industrial Metal Hose: These hoses offer exceptional durability and are made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or bronze. They’re not as flexible as other materials but can withstand fire, cryogenic temperatures, high pressure, and extreme heat.
Other industrial hose materials include rubber, urethane, and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon®.
What Are Hydraulic Hoses?
Hydraulic hoses are specially designed tubes that transport oil, water, or other fluid under high pressure. They form a crucial link in many systems which use the power of pressurized fluids to perform mechanical work.
Hydraulic hoses are critical in various industries, serving as essential components in hydraulic systems that power machinery and equipment. They’re necessary for transferring hydraulic fluid for smooth power transmission within these systems. You’ll see them in heavy machinery, automobiles, aircraft, and other industrial applications.
Hydraulic Hoses From the Inside Out
Hydraulic hoses are engineered to withstand demanding conditions. They have multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose.
- The innermost layer, or tube, contains and conveys the hydraulic fluid. It is typically made of synthetic rubber, which provides flexibility and resistance to the hydraulic fluid’s corrosive properties.
- Surrounding the tube is a reinforcement layer that strengthens the hose and prevents it from bursting under high pressure. That layer is generally made from braided steel wire or textile fabrics. The extent of the reinforcement layers depends on the hose’s intended application and the pressure level it needs to handle.
- The outer layer, or cover, serves as a protective shield, guarding against abrasion, environmental factors, and other damage. That part is made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, or a blend of materials designed to resist wear and tear.
Types of Hydraulic Hoses
Hydraulic hoses come in various sizes, pressure ratings, and types for different applications. High-pressure hydraulic hoses are best for heavy-duty machinery, while low-pressure hoses may be suitable for less demanding systems.
- Low-Pressure Hydraulic Hoses: Commonly used for vacuum applications, return lines, and anti-static lines, these hoses can include braided textile fibers or steel wires for strength.
- Spiral Steel Wire Hoses: These hoses stand up to higher-than-normal pressure and flexing. They’re designed for machinery used in heavy duty industrial tasks like logging, mining, and agriculture.
- Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hoses: Well-suited for low temperatures and medium pressure, the inner tubing material in thermoplastic hydraulic hoses is typically made from polymer material.
- SAE Standard Hoses: These are the most common kinds of hydraulic hoses, with different types of inner tubing layers.
Select the Best Hydraulic and Industrial Hoses for Your Applications
I.B. Moore Company serves businesses and industries such as food service, material handling, power, chemical, vehicle manufacturers, electronics, and paper-handling equipment.
Contact our team in Lexington, KY, for information on hydraulic and industrial hoses and learn how we can support your business across the USA with our nationwide delivery, service, and support.