In the world of hydraulics, bigger isn't always better. Just like Goldilocks and her porridge, a hose size needs to be just right to ensure optimal performance, prevent leaks, and safeguard your equipment. Too small and you risk flow restriction, leaks, and system damage; too large and you're looking at sluggish performance and reduced productivity. So, how do you ensure you get just the right fit?

Sizing Specifications

Sizing specifications for hydraulic hose include inner diameter, outer diameter, and length. The outer diameter (OD) measures the entire span of a hose, including the cover, reinforcement, and inner tube, while the inner diameter (ID) measures the empty space across the span of the inner tube. ID affects the flow velocity of the fluid within the hose, while the OD helps to determine appropriate fittings and system components. The length of the hydraulic hose measures the maximum reach between end-points. However, hose length is a function of head loss due to friction, and a longer hose will increase the pressure drop in the system.

Dash Size

When it comes to hydraulic hose, a useful feature for identifying hose ID is dash size. Simply put, the dash size refers to the ID of a hose in 1/16" increments. For example, a hose whose dash size is -4 would have an inner diameter of 4/16” (or ¼”).  This differs from tube measurements, which are categorized by OD.

Nomogram

A nomogram is a chart that acts as a matchmaker between your system's flow requirements, flow velocity, and hose ID. When one of these factors is unknown, a nomogram helps you to quickly determine the best choice for optimal performance based on the two known variables. The experts at Triad Technologies can help you interpret nomograms and ensure your selection is spot-on.