When it comes to buying hydraulic fittings, Denver experts have a lot to say about selecting the right sizes and materials for ensuring that you can build leak-resistant hydraulic systems that can withstand high enough pressures for all your applications.

Choosing your hydraulic fittings can, therefore, be a difficult prospect. However, armed with knowledge from the leading experts in Denver, you’ll have no trouble narrowing down your search.

What Are Hydraulic Fittings Used for?

Hydraulic fittings are elements that connect valves, hoses, tubes, pipes and any other hydraulic components, ensuring that the system can withstand large temperatures and pressures, and that the hydraulic fluid doesn’t leak.

The fittings often have the role of reinforcing the structure of the hydraulic system, adding stability, changing the direction of the fluid flow, or alter the elevation of lines. Great care has to be taken in identifying the threads of the connection with specific types of connectors. While some fittings may seem like they can thread from one standard into another, the connection cannot be made safely. Documents available at organizations like SAE, ISO and NFPA will help you identify any such problems when it comes to selecting your hydraulic fittings.

There are many different connection types available. Welded fittings include socket weld, slip on, butt weld and more, offering increased resilience. Threaded connectors include SAE straight thread, ISO 6149, BSPT and many others. Also, you can get flanged, barbed, quick-disconnect, push-to-connect, inverted flare, face seal, staple lock and more fittings, each of them designed for specific functions.

What to Consider When Selecting Hydraulic Fittings

When you choose hydraulic fittings Denver experts in hydraulics will tell you that there are two major points you have to focus on: the material and construction of the fittings, and the precise dimensions based on the size of the hydraulic hoses they connect to.

Here are a few more detailed tips on choosing the exact hydraulic fittings for your hydraulic systems:

•    One of the main factors that enter into consideration is pressure. The fittings you choose have to be selected based on the fluid type, and have to withstand the level of pressure that will be present in your hydraulic system.
•    Temperature and heat resistance is equally important. Fittings that can’t withstand high enough temperatures are easily damaged, allowing for leaks and impairing the function of the system.
•    The desired attachment and type of fitting will determine how the fitting is connected and how well the connection is made. Unwanted vibrations and leaks can be avoided by selecting the right fit and connection type.
•    Finally, different sizes allow for higher or lower volumes of fluid to flow through the fitting at any given time. Since pressure may be altered, it’s important to choose the right size.

The industry currently favors fittings with elastomeric seals, such as O-rings. It has been established that these hydraulic fittings are best used to prevent leakage. SAE straight seal, SAE J518, ISO 6149 and face seal fittings are considered some of the best. Also, it’s important to ensure that the elastomeric seal is compatible with the fluid used so there are no unplanned leaks – except for calculated leakage needed sometimes for lubrication.