What Hydraulic Hose Sizes Suit Your Hydraulic System? [Guide to Hose Sizing]

Ensuring the hydraulic hose sizes is the first step for hydraulic hose selection, to find the proper hydraulic hose for assembling hydraulic hose. Today, we talk about hydraulic hose sizes. 

A hydraulic hose is flexible and manufactured with reinforced stainless steel wire. It is a hose pipe used to convey hydraulic fluids in the hydraulic system.

Basically, the hydraulic hoses are reinforced with different layers, to meet different requirements of system pressure to provide the heat or power to run the machinery. 

Why Are Hydraulic Hose Sizes Important?

So the hydraulic hose is the fundamental considered to work for your machinery, engined by hydraulic system, and the hydraulic hose sizes are matters most importantly. Selecting the hydraulic hose with the right size is basically an important step to ensure the hydraulic system can work well. 

You can get the way how to measure hydraulic hose and the hydraulic hose sizes are described by the measurement of hydraulic hose parts, including hydraulic hose ID, OD, and length. 

ID is the hydraulic hose inner diameter, OD is the outer diameter, so ID, OD can determine the hydraulic hose size. You can see the hydraulic hose structure, to get a clue about hydraulic hose sizing. 

The ID and OD sizes are very important, they can’t be too small or too big. The proper inner diameter can ensure the hydraulic fluids inside the hydraulic hose can be conveyed fluently, without any jams, pumps. The proper outer diameter can ensure the hydraulic hose can be assembled well, to match the hydraulic hose fittings. And the hydraulic hose fitting sizes can be determined by the hydraulic hose’s outer diameter. 

The right hydraulic hose ID and OD can avoid some hydraulic hose failure problems, such as hydraulic hose leaking, breaking, crushing and etc. So the hydraulic hose pipe sizes are greatly important, at the very beginning of your hydraulic system building. 

Here you can download the Hydraulic Hose Size Chart PDF, to be clear about the standard hydraulic hose sizes. 

How to Measure Hydraulic Hose Size?

The measuring tool could be different to measure the hydraulic hose. 

ID, OD: Use the vernier caliper to measure the hydraulic hose inner diameter and outer diameter. You can get the metric hydraulic hose sizes reading from the hydraulic hose, and you can know what the numbers of the hydraulic hose mean. 

Please feel free to contact us if you are confused about the hydraulic hose size selection for your hydraulic system. And we are pleased to provide the hydraulic hose size guide to you. 

For more detailed info about hydraulic hose specifications, please feel free to contact us at any time. We can give technical support to help you local hydraulic hose business.

What Size Hydraulic Hose Do I Need? 

Hydraulic Hose Size Calculator

Calculating the correct hydraulic hose size is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety in hydraulic systems. Several factors need to be considered, including the flow rate, velocity, pressure drop, and the type of fluid being transmitted. While a professional hydraulic engineer or technician is best suited to perform accurate calculations, you can use a general guideline to estimate the hose size.

Here’s a simplified method to get a rough idea of the hydraulic hose size:

1. Determine the Flow Rate: Identify the required flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM). This can be determined based on the system’s needs, such as the hydraulic cylinder or equipment being powered.
2. Calculate the Velocity: Calculate the velocity of the fluid within the hose. The recommended velocity for most hydraulic systems is typically between 10 to 15 feet per second (3 to 4.5 meters per second). To calculate the velocity, divide the flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the hose.
3. Estimate the Hose Size: Refer to the hydraulic hose manufacturer‘s specifications or hydraulic hose catalogs to find the recommended maximum flow velocity for various hose sizes. Based on the calculated velocity from step 2, choose a hose size that can accommodate the flow rate while maintaining a suitable velocity.
4. Consider Pressure Ratings: Ensure that the selected hose size has a pressure rating that exceeds the maximum operating pressure of the system. This information can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications or on the hose itself.
5. Consult with Professionals: For accurate calculations and to ensure the selection of the appropriate hose size, it is always recommended to consult with hydraulic engineers, technicians, or reputable suppliers who can provide expert guidance based on specific system requirements.

Remember, this is a simplified method, and there are additional factors to consider, such as hose length, fittings, and specific application requirements. For precise and reliable results, it is best to consult with professionals who have expertise in hydraulic system design and can perform detailed calculations using hydraulic software or formulas.

Hydraulic Hose Dash Size

In hydraulic hoses, the dash size refers to the industry standard sizing system used to identify the size of the hose. The dash size represents the nominal inside diameter (ID) of the hose in sixteenths of an inch.

The dash size is denoted by a number, followed by a hyphen (-) and sometimes additional numbers or letters that indicate variations or specific features of the hose. For example, dash sizes commonly range from -2 to -32, with each dash size corresponding to a specific ID measurement.

Here are a few examples of dash sizes and their corresponding nominal inside diameters:

• Dash Size -2: 1/8 inch (3.2 mm)
• Dash Size -4: 1/4 inch (6.4 mm)
• Dash Size -6: 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
• Dash Size -8: 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
• Dash Size -12: 3/4 inch (19.1 mm)
• Dash Size -16: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
• Dash Size -20: 1 1/4 inch (31.8 mm)
• Dash Size -32: 2 inches (50.8 mm)

It’s important to note that the dash size only represents the nominal inside diameter of the hose and doesn’t provide information about the outside diameter, working pressure, or other specifications of the hose. Therefore, it’s necessary to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with hydraulic professionals to ensure the correct selection of hydraulic hoses based on specific application requirements.

How to Determine Hydraulic Hose Size

What size hydraulic hose do I need?

Determining the correct hydraulic hose size for your specific hydraulic hose application requires consideration of several factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the appropriate hydraulic hose size:

1. Identify the Flow Rate: Determine the required flow rate of the hydraulic system in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM). This can be based on the equipment being powered or the hydraulic cylinder’s specifications.
2. Calculate the Velocity: Calculate the velocity of the hydraulic fluid within the hose. The recommended velocity for most hydraulic systems is typically between 10 to 15 feet per second (3 to 4.5 meters per second). To calculate the velocity, divide the flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the hose.
3. Consider Pressure Ratings: Determine the maximum operating pressure of your hydraulic system. It’s crucial to select a hose with a pressure rating that exceeds the maximum operating pressure to ensure safety and reliability.
4. Refer to Manufacturer’s Specifications: Consult the manufacturer’s specifications or hydraulic hose catalog to find the recommended maximum flow velocity and pressure ratings for various hose sizes. These specifications will help you choose the right hose size based on the calculated velocity and pressure requirements.
5. Account for Hose Length and Fittings: Consider the length of the hose and the fittings that will be used. Longer hoses or certain types of fittings may result in pressure drops or restrictions, requiring a larger hose size to compensate.
6. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure or working on a complex hydraulic system, it’s always recommended to consult with hydraulic engineers, technicians, or reputable suppliers who can provide expert guidance and ensure the correct selection of hydraulic hose size for your specific application.

Please remember, selecting the appropriate hydraulic hose size is crucial for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. By considering factors like flow rate, velocity, and pressure ratings, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can determine the right hydraulic hose size for your hydraulic system.

How to Identify Hydraulic Hose Size

Identifying the size of a hydraulic hose can be done by examining the hose itself and referring to industry standards. Here are a few steps to help you identify the hydraulic hose size:

1. Check for Printed Specifications: Look for any printed specifications on the hose itself. Manufacturers often print the size or part number directly on the outer cover of the hose. This information may include the dash size or the nominal inside diameter (ID) of the hose.
2. Measure the Outer Diameter (OD): Use a caliper or tape measure to measure the outer diameter of the hose. This measurement can provide a rough estimate of the hose size. However, keep in mind that the OD alone does not determine the hose size accurately, as different hose constructions can have varying ODs for the same nominal size.
3. Count the Number of Wire Braids: For hoses with wire braids, you can count the number of wire braids visible on the cut end of the hose. This can provide a clue about the hose size. However, this method is not always reliable as some hoses may have varying numbers of wire braids for the same size.
4. Refer to the Manufacturer’s Specifications: If you have access to the manufacturer’s specifications or documentation, refer to it for accurate identification. The specifications should provide details about the hose size, dash size, or nominal inside diameter.
5. Compare to Industry Standards: Hydraulic hoses generally follow industry standards, such as the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Refer to these standards to match the measurements or information you have obtained and identify the corresponding hose size.
6. Consult with Professionals: If you’re uncertain about the hose size or need accurate identification, it’s recommended to consult with hydraulic engineers, technicians, or reputable suppliers. They have expertise and access to resources that can help determine the correct hose size based on specific requirements.

Identifying the hydraulic hose size accurately is important for proper replacement or compatibility. While visual inspection and measurements can provide some guidance, referring to manufacturer specifications and seeking professional advice will ensure accurate identification.

Hydraulic Hose Size Chart

A hydraulic hose size chart is a valuable tool for selecting the appropriate hose for a specific hydraulic system. It typically involves a graphical representation (often a nomograph) that helps determine the ideal hose size based on key factors:

1. Flow Rate:

• The volume of fluid that needs to pass through the hose per unit of time (e.g., gallons per minute or liters per minute).

2. Fluid Velocity:

• The speed at which the fluid travels through the hose.
  • Higher velocities can lead to increased pressure drop, erosion, and excessive heat generation.
  • Lower velocities can result in insufficient flow for the application.

3. Hose Inner Diameter (I.D.):

• The critical dimension that directly influences flow capacity and pressure drop.

How the Chart Works:

• Nomographs: These charts utilize aligned scales for each of the three variables (flow rate, velocity, and hose I.D.).
  • By connecting the known values for flow rate and desired velocity with a straight line, the corresponding hose I.D. can be read directly from the chart.

Key Considerations:

• Pressure Rating: The chart itself doesn’t directly provide pressure information.
  • It’s crucial to select a hose with a pressure rating that significantly exceeds the maximum operating pressure of the hydraulic system to ensure safety and prevent failures.
• Temperature Range: The chosen hose must be able to withstand the expected temperature extremes of the operating environment.
• Fluid Compatibility: The hose material must be compatible with the hydraulic fluid used in the system (e.g., resistance to chemical attack, swelling, or degradation).
• Application: The specific application (e.g., high-pressure applications, high-temperature environments, abrasive environments) will influence the choice of hose material and construction.

Finding a Hydraulic Hose Size Chart:

• Manufacturer Websites: Most hydraulic hose manufacturers provide size charts and selection guides on their websites.
• Hydraulic Component Distributors: These distributors often have access to comprehensive charts and can provide expert guidance on hose selection.
• Engineering Handbooks: Many engineering handbooks contain sections on fluid power and include relevant sizing charts.

By carefully considering these factors and utilizing a hydraulic hose size chart, you can select the most suitable hose for your application, ensuring optimal system performance, efficiency, and longevity.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate hydraulic hose size is paramount for ensuring efficient and safe operation of your hydraulic system. By carefully considering factors such as working pressure, flow rate, fluid type, and environmental conditions, you can make informed decisions and avoid potential problems.

Remember, a hydraulic hose that is too small can restrict flow, leading to increased pressure and reduced system performance. Conversely, a hose that is too large may not be able to withstand the required pressure, resulting in leaks or bursts.

Ready to invest in a custom hydraulic hose that perfectly suits your system’s needs?

Contact Kingdaflex today! Our team of experts can provide personalized guidance and design a hose that meets your exact specifications. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust Kingdaflex to deliver a hydraulic hose that exceeds your expectations.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Reach out to us for a free consultation and discover how our custom hydraulic hoses can enhance your system’s performance and reliability.