The hydraulic pipe is called a hydraulic pipe because it is a pipe for transmitting hydraulic pressure. It has a hard pipe and a hose. The hard pipe is mainly a seamless steel pipe, and the hose is used. The steel mesh of the layer and the rubber are bent together to form a pipe.
In hydraulic systems, hydraulic hoses are the pipes connecting pumps, valves, and actuators. Choosing the right hoses can improve equipment operating efficiency and reduce maintenance costs and downtime risks. However, some people may be confused about whether to choose a hydraulic hose or a hydraulic pipe/tube. Although both are pipes for transporting hydraulic fluids, they differ in materials, performance, installation methods, and applications.
In this article, we will compare hydraulic hoses and pipes from multiple perspectives, including what they are, their advantages, and how to choose them, to help you make the most suitable choice.
What is hydraulic hose
Hydraulic hoses are key components that handle liquid pressure and flow, making them integral to the performance of systems like brakes, steering, transmission, and more.
Standard Hydraulic Hose Construction:
- Inner Tube: This is like the hose’s inside. It’s made of materials like rubber or plastic, so it can bend and work with the oil inside.
- Reinforcing Center Layer: This layer makes the hose strong. It’s like the hose’s muscles, helping it handle the high pressure in a hydraulic system.
- Protective Outer Layer: This layer is like the hose’s skin. It protects the hose from things like dirt, bad weather, and rough stuff that could damage it.
Advantage
Compared to hydraulic steel pipes, hydraulic hoses are better suited for use in dynamic working environments. Hydraulic hoses also possess excellent elasticity, allowing them to withstand the impact of instantaneous pressure generated during equipment operation. Reputable hydraulic hose manufacturers simulate this environment through pulse testing. Therefore, in hydraulic systems, hoses reduce damage from impacts, maintain system stability, and minimize hose leaks or loosening of hydraulic fittings. This is crucial for heavy-duty engineering equipment.
Furthermore, hydraulic hoses offer shock absorption and cushioning. When heavy equipment vibrates or shifts, hoses can transfer and absorb this energy, protecting hydraulic components such as pumps, valves, and cylinders from impact. This can significantly extend the lifespan of the hydraulic system and reduce maintenance costs.
Flexibility is another advantage of hydraulic hoses. When installing piping in confined spaces and needing to navigate around obstacles, flexible hydraulic hoses are ideal. They can bend flexibly in tight spaces and move with equipment, preventing damage and leaks. Expensive custom bends are no longer needed, reducing on-site installation time.
Hydraulic hoses are easy to install and maintain. Using hydraulic fittings and adapters, they are connected via threads or crimping, requiring only simple tools for easy installation without welding, bending, or prefabrication.
They are convenient for emergency repairs or quickly restoring production. However, it is important to note that hoses should be used or replaced according to their service life to ensure system safety and reliability.
disadvantage
Hydraulic hoses are generally made of rubber, thermoplastic materials, and braided layers, all of which are susceptible to aging. Hydraulic hoses have a limited lifespan, typically 2-3 years; exceeding this lifespan poses safety risks. Steel hydraulic pipes, on the other hand, can last for many years, even over 10 years. The relatively short lifespan of steel hoses increases long-term maintenance costs.
The outer cover of rubber hydraulic hoses is susceptible to damage from UV rays, high and low temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion. For example, hydraulic hoses installed on outdoor construction machinery are exposed to sunlight for extended periods, causing the hose sheath to crack; hoses near high temperatures are also prone to softening. Therefore, hoses require additional protection under harsh conditions.
While high-pressure hoses can withstand very high working pressures, up to 6000 psi, steel hoses offer greater reliability in extremely high-pressure or long-term high-pressure stability applications. Hose is prone to leakage and bursting under prolonged high and pulsating pressure. Professional hydraulic hose manufacturers conduct pulse tests on their hoses to ensure a longer service life.
A ruptured or leaking hose can cause equipment downtime and potentially compromise safety. In contrast, steel hydraulic pipes tend to leak gradually, making them easier to detect in advance.
Hose must maintain a proper bending radius, avoid twisting, and not exceed their design length. Improper installation or excessive stress during operation can damage the hose, leading to leaks and equipment downtime.
what is hydraulic tube
Hydraulic pipes/tubes are typically made of metal. These pipes offer advantages such as high strength, high pressure resistance, and high temperature resistance. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and their alloys. When choosing a hydraulic pipe, you need to consider your specific operating conditions and budget requirements.
Hydraulic pipe standard
The standard of hydraulic hard pipe: the seamless steel pipe for fluids should conform to the national GB8163-99 standard, while the high-pressure seamless steel pipe for fertilizer equipment needs to adopt the GB6479-1999 standard. For the hydraulic pipe special for oil drill collar, it needs to adopt YB691- 70 standards. For hydraulic hoses, it is mainly divided into three types of implementation standards, first of all, DIN, SAE, ISO and GB/T standards commonly used in trade, followed by DIN EN 853 for braided hydraulic hoses. SAE J517, GB/T 3683-2011, ISO1436 and other types. Finally, there are DIN EN 856, SAE J517 and other types of hydraulic hoses.
Advantage
Hydraulic pipes are made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel, possessing extremely high strength and hardness, capable of withstanding continuous high pressure. These hydraulic pipes are commonly used in high-pressure pump stations, stationary hydraulic systems, and industrial production lines. These metal hydraulic pipes are more reliable than hydraulic hoses and will not suddenly burst or leak.
Metal hydraulic pipes maintain their performance in high-temperature environments, unlike rubber hoses which soften and deform with increased temperature. Therefore, in applications near engines, furnaces, or other high-temperature equipment, rigid pipes provide more stable transmission and extend system life.
Unlike hoses that require periodic replacement, rigid hydraulic pipes, if properly installed and surface-treated, can withstand corrosion for many years, even more than a decade. This type of hydraulic pipe is less prone to aging. The maintenance frequency and material replacement costs of hydraulic pipes are lower than those of hydraulic hoses.
Hydraulic pipes are connected using welding, flanges, or high-reliability metal fittings. Such connections are less prone to expansion or rupture under high pressure. For environments requiring higher safety, metal hydraulic pipes are more suitable.
Metal hydraulic pipes are more wear-resistant, can withstand higher impact forces, and offer higher reliability.
disadvantage
However, the initial purchase cost of metal hydraulic pipes is higher than that of hydraulic hoses.
Furthermore, metal hydraulic pipes require bending and welding according to drawings, making it difficult to change the installation route once manufactured, resulting in lower flexibility.
How to choose
Installation
In hydraulic systems, the installation environment influences the selection of hoses and hydraulic pipes. If the hydraulic components of the equipment require frequent movement, hydraulic hoses are preferred. For example, you'll find hydraulic hoses on loader booms, hydraulic cylinder connections, robot joints, or moving equipment. Hydraulic hoses offer excellent flexibility, allowing them to bend during hydraulic operation without damage, protecting critical components such as pumps, valves, and cylinders. Using rigid pipes in these applications can easily lead to fatigue cracks due to repeated movement, increasing downtime risks and maintenance costs.
Hydraulic hoses are also used in high-vibration environments such as excavator chassis and hydraulic vibration tables. Hydraulic hoses absorb high-frequency vibrations, reducing the risk of cracks in the hoses and joints. In contrast, hydraulic pipes are prone to loosening of joints or leaks in vibrating environments. In scenarios with frequent vibration or significant impact, hoses not only improve reliability but also reduce maintenance and downtime costs.
If the hydraulic system is relatively stationary and structurally fixed, hydraulic pipes are a better choice. Metal hydraulic pipes are used in factory internal piping and long-distance transportation. They are highly stable within fixed structures, capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature for extended periods, and are virtually unaffected by external environmental factors. Metal hydraulic pipes are resistant to aging, have a long service life, and low long-term maintenance costs. For procurement projects with limited budgets but requiring long-term stability, metal hydraulic pipes are the preferred choice.
Operating Temperature:
The operating temperature of a hydraulic system is also a crucial factor in choosing between hoses and rigid pipes. Metal hydraulic lines are heat-resistant and will not soften, age, or crack due to continuous heating like rubber or thermoplastic hoses, thus ensuring long-term stable system operation. Therefore, in high-temperature environments, rigid pipes are generally a more reliable choice, and can be used near engines, furnaces, or exhaust pipes.
In normal temperature environments, both hoses and rigid pipes can be used. The choice depends on the installation space and equipment movement requirements.
In extremely low-temperature environments, the use of hoses requires extra caution. Low temperatures can cause hose materials to harden and become brittle, reducing flexibility and impact resistance. Specialized low-temperature rated hoses must be selected to ensure safe operation. In contrast, metal rigid pipes are more stable at low temperatures and less affected by temperature changes.
If the hydraulic fluid operating temperature exceeds +125°C or falls below -40°C, high-temperature or low-temperature dedicated hoses must be used, or insulation protection must be added to the hydraulic pipes. Choosing appropriate pipe materials and operating temperatures can effectively reduce the risk of failure and improve system reliability and lifespan.
Environment:
The choice between hydraulic hoses and hydraulic pipes is influenced by the working environment. Metal materials inherently possess excellent corrosion resistance, maintaining stable performance, significantly extending pipeline life, and reducing maintenance frequency. For highly corrosive or chemical environments, stainless steel hydraulic pipes are a suitable option.
If hydraulic hoses must be used, it is recommended to use hose protective sleeves to ensure safe system operation.
Metal pipes can withstand external impacts and are not easily scratched or flattened, maintaining pipeline stability. In contrast, hoses are more susceptible to damage in such environments and must be fitted with additional protective sleeves or clamps.
In hydraulic systems with limited installation space and complex wiring, hydraulic hoses offer greater flexibility. They can be bent and stretched to adapt to various complex wiring requirements, making installation and adjustment easier. Therefore, you will frequently see hydraulic hoses in mobile equipment or compact hydraulic systems.
Maintenance:
If equipment downtime costs are high and rapid production recovery is required, hydraulic hoses are a more suitable choice. Hoses are quick to install, requiring no bending, welding, or complex machining; they can be installed using standard hydraulic fittings. They are suitable for on-site repairs or emergency service provider replacements, allowing for rapid system restoration even in the event of a malfunction, minimizing downtime losses.
If the system does not require frequent maintenance, metal hydraulic hoses are more advantageous. Metal pipes have a long lifespan, stable structure, and are less prone to aging or environmental impact. The long-term maintenance costs and replacement frequency of hydraulic pipes are significantly lower than those of hoses, making them suitable for fixed pump stations, plant piping, or long-term industrial equipment.
Cost:
Cost is a crucial factor in selecting hydraulic hoses. If the initial budget is limited, hydraulic hoses are often a more economical choice. Hydraulic hoses are simple to manufacture and have low installation costs. Unlike hydraulic pipes, they don't require bending or welding for connections, allowing for quick use.
Hydraulic hoses are relatively inexpensive. Low-pressure standard hydraulic hoses (such as SAE R1) cost approximately $1–$2 per foot (about $3–$6 per meter).
High-pressure steel wire reinforced hoses (such as SAE 100R2) cost approximately $2–$8 per meter, while ultra-high-pressure multi-layer spiral hoses (such as SAE R15) range from $6–$15 per meter.
Hydraulic pipes (especially metal hydraulic pipes) have higher initial costs, primarily due to material and processing costs. These pipes require bending, polishing, and cutting. However, their long lifespan, high pressure resistance, and low maintenance frequency result in low long-term operating and maintenance costs.
Taking stainless steel hydraulic pipes as an example: the market reference price for 304 stainless steel pipes is approximately ¥20–35 per meter.