The fluid energy sector takes conventional knowledge for assumed, yet we frequently forget that everyone in our profession was originally utterly unaware of the fundamentals. The pursuit of knowledge begins with the fundamentals, and there is nothing more essential than understanding the distinction between two main hydraulic tube construction kinds?
A popular and reasonable query is about what the distinction is between cable braid versus spiral coiled hydraulic tubing. After all, hardly everyone begins their professional life as just a hydraulic line installation and maintenance specialist. Wire braid as well as spiral coiled wire both accomplish the same function, but with minor differences.
Braided hydraulic line
An artificial latex or viscoelastic hose is covered by 1 or 2 high tension steel wires that are wrapped and twisted to intersect one another to create a cable braided hydraulic line. Wire braiding usually done on machines that loop the cable around the tube in a zigzag pattern. This style of overlapping cable braiding provides for greater flexibility in making tight curves and considerably enhances burst resistance.
Spiral Wrapped Hydraulic Tubing
Spiral coiled hydraulic line is more robust and is typically utilized in high force situations when there are few substantial space constraints that need excessive flexibility. A spiral coiled hose is made up of 4 or 6 wires that are helically coiled and piled on pinnacle of one another rather than being wound like such a braided line. Spiral line is made of high-tensile cable, which gives the hydraulic line extraordinary strength while being rigid and having a small bend range. A shorter diameter, on the other hand, provides for a closer bend circle.
Spiral vs. Braided: Which Should You Choose?
It ultimately boils down to profits and deficits. If the purpose requires particularly high-pressure line which will be subjected to greater impulses, spiral wrapped tubing is the ideal option. However, you will lose versatility and will find it hard to create a solution in a confined space or link to (equipment) with regular articulating motion, such as the digger or robotic hand. In certain cases, braided line might be the finest option.
Robotic system builders must select the best power supply for the operation. Electric engines are frequently chosen without considering the advantages of hydraulics as well as pneumatics. Fluid energy can provide substantial benefits over electromechanical movement in uses that demand precise management of enormous forces and seamless motion, or projects that necessitate “tolerance” in the movement.
The Incorrect Hose Type May Lead to Catastrophic Collapse.
The inappropriate hydraulic line, as well as poor installation and setup, can lead to catastrophic disaster. And it may happen very quickly. If the required bend diameter is surpassed, or an One or Two braided line is used mostly under high tension when a four or six wire spiral line would have been a better choice, breaches at the curve might occur, or the line may rupture. In either situation, harmful fluid might be rapidly evacuated, causing apparatus or personnel injury.
Always verify the manufacturer’s specified bend circle and position the hose such that it doesn’t exceed it. If the cable curve radius is surpassed when in a vortex or ventilation system, the line will most likely remain flattened in the location of the curve, reducing flow and perhaps causing the line to twist. It’s similar to twisting a knot in your water line, but much more serious.
Final thoughts
Braided hoses typically utilized in mild to medium force, low-intensity applications including engines, hydraulic lifters, and return systems. Spiral tubes are ideal for applications requiring high tensions and frequent force surges, including such hydrostatic motors, big off-road ground moving garbage trucks, or industrial excavators. Simply said, braided cables are better for high force, narrow bend radius uses, whereas spiral tubes are suitable for extremely intense pressure, rapid impulse uses.
There are several types and several brands’ hose fittings in market such as aeroquip hose fittings. Always be aware while choosing the right hose fittings for you.