13 Hydraulic Fittings You Should Know

Hydraulic fittings play a crucial role in connecting hoses, pipes, and tubes to various components including hydraulic manifolds, cylinders, and other fittings. If you're reading this, you likely have some knowledge about them. However, are you familiar with the different types and applications of hydraulic and certain pneumatic fittings?

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1. NPT and NPS Fittings

NPT (National Pipe Taper) and NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) fittings boast threads at a 60° angle with flat crests and roots. This type of fitting has been around for over a century and is one of the most widely used in North America. NPT male threads form a mechanical wedge with female threads, ensuring a tight seal. Commonly found in construction, agricultural, industrial, plumbing, and automotive applications, these fittings are essential in many sectors.

2. JIC Fittings

JIC (Joint Industry Council) fittings, known under SAE J514 specifications, are compression style fittings that are often deemed the go-to choice in fluid power systems. Featuring a 37° flared seating surface alongside straight, parallel threads, they create a secure seal without tapered threads. These can endure pressures up to 10,000 PSI, making them prevalent in aerospace, military, automotive, construction, and agricultural machinery.

3. ORB Fittings

ORB (O-ring boss) fittings, or SAE J Straight Thread O-ring Boss fittings, feature straight threads and rely on an O-ring seated at the male thread base to establish a seal. This O-ring ensures a leak-tight connection between the male and female ports—ideal in numerous industries requiring oil transfer applications.

4. ORFS Fittings

ORFS (O-ring Face Seal) fittings, following SAE J specifications, include an O-ring set into the face of the fitting, ensuring effective leak prevention even under vibration and impulse conditions. They are robust enough to handle pressures up to 6,000 PSI and are widely utilized in off-road, construction, agricultural, petrochemical, and shipbuilding industries.

5. Tube Fittings and Adapters

This category encompasses a variety of fittings including NPT, JIC, and O-Ring Boss fittings. Additional commonly used adapters, caps, and plugs cater to an array of applications, ranging from hose barb connections to NPT or JIC SAE 37° reducers.

6. Flanges

Flanges connect larger pipes, valves, pumps, and various equipment exposed to high pressure. They come in sizes from ½ inch to 2 inches. The most prevalent types include SAE Code 61, typically used where pressure ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 PSI, and Code 62, used for pressures approaching 6,000 PSI. Notably, Caterpillar equipment features proprietary flanges not interchangeable with standard SAE flanges due to thickness variations.

7. Instrumentation Fittings

Often called compression fittings, instrumentation fittings are utilized in control and process measurements. They consist of a body, nut, and ferrule that must be assembled correctly to achieve a leak-free connection. These fittings can withstand a broad range of pressures and temperatures, making them vital components in many setups. More about this can be found in the Essential Instrumentation Content.

8. BSP Fittings

British Standard Pipe (BSP) fittings are particularly popular in the UK. Renowned manufacturer JCB predominantly uses BSP fittings. They incorporate a conical 30° seat that pairs with a corresponding female port for a secure seal. BSP fittings encompass parallel and tapered thread types for respective applications.

• BSPP fittings use parallel threads and a bonded washer or O-ring seal.
• BSPT fittings employ tapered threads, necessitating thread sealant for an effective seal.

9. Bite Type Fittings

These fittings follow the SAE J514 specifications for flareless compression fittings, also available in DIN metric sizes. They consist of a tapered throat that compresses ferrules into the tubing when the nut is tightened.

10. Flare-O Fittings

Flare-O fittings connect SAE 37° flare to NPT, utilizing elastomeric O-rings for a leak-proof connection, making them exceptional replacements for established tube fittings.

11. Weld Fittings

These fittings ensure components securely join to tubing or piping systems, enhancing leak protection and structural integrity, especially crucial in hazardous liquid or gas transportation.

12. Metric Fittings

Metric fittings are predominant in Europe and Asia, featuring three commonly used styles specific to different OEMs across regions.

• Metric DIN fittings are globally recognized for their bite-type design, ensuring a secure connection through nut tightening without needing an O-ring.
• JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) fittings are primarily found in Japan and Asia.
• Komatsu, specializing in heavy equipment, relies on a specific metric 30° flare fitting for optimal performance.

13. Push to Connect Fittings

Usually crafted from nickel-plated brass or reinforced thermoplastic, these fittings allow for quick connections and disconnections by pushing the collar back, commonly used in water and air transmission, including D.O.T. air brake fittings for transport vehicles. They also facilitate various adapters, such as fractional inch tubes to male NPT connections.

Choosing the right hydraulic fittings is essential for optimal system performance—because a hydraulic system is only as effective as its components!

BSPT Male Tapered Hydraulic Hose Fittings are available, and for more information, reach out today to secure an expert consultation on your fitting needs.

For those looking to dive deeper into hydraulic connections, check out this informative piece about What are the characteristics of power tools?

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