Definition of Hydraulic Connector
Hydraulic connectors are different hydraulic components (pumps, transfer lines, reversing valves, shut-off valves, Hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, and some auxiliary components, such as liquid level gauges, thermometers, pressure gauges, etc.) are connected to form a closed loop hydraulic system, which is a fitting for connecting. Most fittings have a male and female component that joins to form a connection. These connections help contain and direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in the conductor while preventing leaks and maintaining pressure.
Advantages of Hydraulic Connectors
Hydraulic connector may incorporate a number of features that provide additional functions necessary for certain applications.
- Connect-under-pressure fittings are designed to allow installation or connection of the fitting while the system is under pressure.
- Expansion joints and couplings connect sections of the tube and provide an allowance for movement due to service load, shock, or thermal cycles.
- Flexible fittings have the ability to move without being damaged.
- Lined fittings are manufactured with an integral lining. The linings are often made from engineered polymers for use with process materials or in applications such as food processing where media cleanliness is important.
- Pre-insulated fittings consist of insulating materials or jacket constructions designed to insulate the vessel and media from outside temperatures.
- The swivel feature allows one or more fitting ends to rotate or swivel.
What Are the Types of Hydraulic Connectors
● Tapered Threads
● Metal seal connectors
● Soft seal connectors
Tapered Threads
Tapered pipe threads were one of the first ways to connect pipes together.
They involve cutting the pipe thread in a tapered manner, so that the diameter of the pipe changes over the length of the fitting.
These kinds of connectors require some form of sealant, either a tape sealant, which can block the pipes, or a chemical sealant, which is preferred.
Tapered pipe threads can also be difficult to orient correctly, leading to poor sealing and leakage.
Tapered threads can also cause damage to other components, including deformation of aluminium and cracking of cast iron, due to the pressure of the steel pipe thread within the component.
They also can’t be connected to hydraulic tubes without soldering or welding of the tube to the part.
Metal Seal Connectors
Metal seal connectors were developed to address some of the limitations of the tapered pipe threads.
A metal seal connector is basically a tapered pipe thread with the addition of a 30 degree machined face, to form a seal.
This feature is generally only in hydraulic systems, because of the high pressures that need to be dealt with.
The addition of the “chamfer” on the face of the thread split the holding and sealing features of the connector.
The thread does the holding and the machined face does the sealing.
This modification also makes the connector easier to orient, better sealing, and eliminates the need for a sealant.
However, metal seal connectors still can’t accept hydraulic tube unless the tube is soldered or welded to it, and they can also have issues with vibration.
The JIC connector is a further development. It has a 37º metal seal and can accept hydraulic hose and tube. BSP Thread, BSPT, BSPP and NPT are common types of threads used in metal seal connectors.
Soft Seal Connectors
Soft seal connectors are the most recent development in the evolution of hydraulic connectors.
They make use of an elastomeric seal – natural or synthetic – to prevent leakage.
The soft seal also helps connectors resist the effects of vibration, as well as the high-pressures used in many hydraulic systems today.
The seal in a soft seal connector usually takes the form of an O-ring.
Another advantage of soft seal connectors is their rapid assembly, which can be important in high-volume production environments.
The main limitation of soft seal connectors comes from the fact that performance of the o-ring can be affected by temperature and the system fluids, if they’re not compatible with the elastic substance.
Main Uses of Hydraulic Connectors
Hydraulic connectors are used for piping and tubing with hydraulic hoses in the following applications:
- Factory applications like assembly lines, presses, robotics, hydraulic power units
- Construction and mining equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Plumbing applications
- Oil and gas industry
View Our Online Selection of Hydraulic Connectors!
Recommendations for Selecting Hydraulic Connectors
XCD Machinery is one of the largest hydraulic connector manufacturers in China. We can manufacture your hydraulic couplings in a variety of sizes to your exact design specifications and any grade you require. We strictly follow the ISO9001 management system to ensure that the products meet international standards.
XCD Machinery hydraulic connector products are comparable to international brands, exchangeable, and interchangeable with international brands. If you need our products, please request a quote today or contact XCD Machinery for more information.
