How to Select the Right Hose End Connections for Your Application
Selecting the proper hose end connection is critical to creating a safe, reliable, and efficient fluid system. The right connection helps ensure compatibility between system components, supports leak-tight performance, and simplifies installation and maintenance. In this video, you'll learn key factors to consider when choosing hose end connections, including connection type, material compatibility, pressure requirements, and system configuration. Because hoses are available with a wide variety of end connection options, making the right selection can help improve system reliability and reduce potential leak points. To further support hose specification decisions, explore Swagelok's Hoses and Flexible Tubing portfolio and review our hose advisory services for additional application and selection considerations.
Video Transcript
Welcome to this Swagelok video.
Today's topic is considerations in selecting the end connection for your hose assembly. The right hose with the right end connection keeps your process performing safely and cost-effectively. The wrong hose could undermine your process, put personnel at risk, and compromise your bottom line.
Now that you have selected the core tube material, reinforcement layer, and cover for your hose, it is time to select an end connection.
End connections are where most leaks occur. Selecting the right end connection and attachment method can remove the need for an adapter to attach the hose to your system, reduce potential leak points, and allow a longer portion of flexible hose in the assembly.
There are three items to consider when selecting the end connection for your hose:
- Industry standards
- Hose type
- System specifications
First, let's take a look at some of the industries that make use of hose assemblies:
- General industrial, typically determined by pressure rating
- Pharmaceutical, typically determined by the need for a sterile design
- Semiconductor, typically determined by surface finish
Second, consider the hose type you have selected as it relates to compatibility and pressure and temperature ratings:
- Metal
- Fluoropolymer
- Nylon
- Rubber
Now consider the material and type of end connection in your system to which the hose is being connected. The material of the system and hose end connections are usually the same.
Many types of end connections are similar in appearance but may have minor dimensional or thread differences based on regional requirements and are not interchangeable.
In a general industrial setting, NPT, ISO BSP, and lap-joint flanges are commonly used.
Here is an example of a general industrial setting that has a 1/2 in. threaded end connection on one end and a 1/2 in. lap-joint flange on the other end. The system rating is 100 psig (6.8 bar). The hose type selected is a fluoropolymer hose.
After identifying the specific threaded end connection and flange type, it is determined that the appropriate end connections are a 1/2 in. stainless steel male ISO BSP tapered end connection on one end and a 1/2 in. stainless steel ANSI flange on the other end.
Note that it is important to identify the thread type and pressure rating to ensure proper installation and system media containment.
An example of a pharmaceutical setting is a system that has a 1/2 in. sanitary flange on one end and a 3/4 in. sanitary flange on the other end. The system rating is 60 psig (4.1 bar). The hose type is fluoropolymer with a silicone cover.
After identifying the flange dimensions, it is determined that the appropriate end connections are a 1/2 in. sanitary quick clamp on one end and a 3/4 in. sanitary quick clamp on the other end.
Note that it is important to identify the inside and outside flange dimensions to determine the size and standard of the hose-end connection and prevent system contamination.
An example of a semiconductor setting is a system that has a face-seal end connection on one end and a tube fitting on the other end. The system rating is 700 psig (48.2 bar). The hose type is metal.
After identifying the sealing method of the system end connection, a 1/4 in. VCR® metal gasket face seal is selected for the first end. After determining the tube fitting is fractional and not metric, a 1/4 in. Swagelok® tube fitting is selected for the other end.
Note that it is important to identify the sealing method of the mating end connection and whether a connection is fractional or metric to prevent system leakage and unusable end product.
Selecting the proper end connection improves your process by eliminating the need for adapters, reducing leak points, and minimizing production downtime. The risk to personnel, equipment, and your end product is lowered.
Refer to Swagelok.com and the product literature for additional information.
Thank you for watching. We will continue to develop videos like this to help you get the job done. Get more information by watching our other videos or contacting your authorized Sales and Service Center.
