High Pressure Hydraulic Hose Failure: Prevention And Protection Solutions

Hydraulic lines will eventually fail and need to be replaced. One way in which a hydraulic line can become damaged is through a high pressure hose assembly failure. Fortunately, these failures are rare. However, when they do occur, they can damage equipment and can injure or kill operators. The good news is that the high pressure hose assembly failure is usually preventable.

Make Sure The Fittings Are Secured Properly

Most often, the high pressure hose assembly failure is caused by the use of fittings and hoses that are not designed specifically to be used together. This causes the fitting to blow off and causes the hydraulic hose to become detached, spraying hot oil on anything nearby.

Ensure That The Hose Is Operating Under The Right Working Conditions

The hose may burst if it is placed under improper working conditions. For example, the hose might be bent too tight and might be twisting too much. The hose may be exposed to UV radiation without adequate protection and slowly degrade. The hose might be used at a higher pressure than what is recommended. The hose may be used past its expected working life. Also, the hose might be pinched or crushed by equipment, which could lead to the hose becoming damaged. Because of the hazards that these improper working conditions can present, it is important that you inspect your hydraulic line regularly to make sure that it is not placed under conditions that could lead to a catastrophic failure.

Protect Against Corrosion

Hydraulic hoses need to be protected from the level of corrosion that they are expected to experience. Then, the hoses need to be made from materials that are able to resist these external stresses. Also, the hoses need to be inspected periodically to make sure that they are not experiencing wear as a result of corrosion and the tubes need to be replaced before they fail.

Have Protection Systems In Place

While it is best to prevent a hose failure, there are also protections you can put in place to prevent the hose from causing damage in the event that it does detach. One option is to use a hose whip restraint system. This is designed to restrain movement when the hose becomes detached, preventing the hose from spraying hydraulic fluid in a manner that could cause damage or injuries. Another approach is to cover the hose with a containment sleeve that will contain the effects of the burst hydraulic line so that hydraulic fluids are not sprayed more outwardly. Contact a supplier, like Cam Co, for more help.