Feature

Hydraulic hose: Be safe, not sorry

While the unexpected failure of a hydraulic hose can cause construction, agricultural, forestry, and other off-highway vehicles to come to a halt, there is another major implication of this undesirable event: compromised safety. Skin burns and injection injuries from hose defects, plus whipping from a detached hose, are just some of the dangers that can result from unexpected failures.

02/04/2024 12:39:10

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Ensuring the optimal selection, assembly, and routing of this core hydraulic system component is therefore of paramount importance.

There are many indicators of hose safety. One of the most apparent is the so-called ‘safety factor’. A reputable hydraulic
hose will carry a safety factor of 4:1, as defined in EN, SAE and ISO standards. Thus, if the working pressure of the hose is specified as 200bar, the burst pressure will be 800bar.

The impulse testing of a
hydraulic hose also sets out an extremely useful way to evaluate its safety and reliability. Impulse testing subjects the hydraulic hose to repeated high- and low-pressure cycles, simulating real-life operating conditions. The upper hydraulic pressure for this test
will typically be 1.2 or 1.33 times the working pressure defined for the product.

The test is highly effective at determining the ability of the hose to withstand pressure spikes, pulsations, and pressure reversals. By comparing the impulse life
of different hydraulic hose solutions, original equipment manufacturers can deliver a significant boost to system safety.

The cost of failure
Aspects such as impulse life and the hose safety factor are critical in avoiding accidents and injuries.

Read the full article in DPA's April issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.