Hydraulic systems are widely used for industrial applications, especially in the manufacturing and mining industries. Hydraulic pipes are essential for transferring fluids and gasses from one place to another. Hydraulic piping is mainly composed of three components – pipe, fittings, and valves. The piping system is mostly made up of copper or plastic tubes that transfer liquids, fumes, gasses, or powders from one point to another. This article takes a closer look at the different types of hydraulic piping used in industrial applications along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Copper piping
Copper is one of the most widely used materials in the construction of hydraulic systems. It is corrosion resistant, has low thermal conductivity, low pressure drop, good durability, and is available in many different diameters and wall thicknesses. There are two types of copper hydraulic piping – seamless and welded. Seamless piping is made from a single piece of copper, whereas welded piping is made from two sheets of copper that are welded together. One of the most important aspects of designing a hydraulic system is choosing the right pipe size. Pipes that are too small can cause pressure drop and make the system inefficient. On the other hand, pipes that are too large can increase the risk of fluid cavitation and can hamper the system’s performance.
PE (Polyethylene) piping
PE piping is a popular option for applications that involve chemicals, acids, and alkalines. It is a low-cost, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material. PE piping is usually connected using a solvent weld connection, which is reliable and highly effective at transferring fluids. One major advantage of using PE piping is that it can withstand extreme temperatures – from as low as -40 degrees Celsius to as high as 120 degrees Celsius. But one of the biggest disadvantages of PE piping is that it can only handle low pressure applications – approximately 20 PSI.
PVC piping
PVC is another type of hydraulic piping that is used in the construction of industrial piping systems. PVC piping is highly corrosion-resistant and can handle a variety of chemicals and fluids. However, PVC piping does not handle pressure very well. It is not recommended for high-pressure applications since it can crack and leak under high pressure. Moreover, PVC piping is more likely to get damaged when used in cold environments.
Steel piping
Steel is another popular material used in the construction of hydraulic systems. It is used for high-pressure applications where robustness and durability are crucial. Steel piping used in the construction of hydraulic systems can withstand high pressure and is relatively inexpensive. However, it is sensitive to corrosion and cannot be used with acidic or alkaline fluids.
Advantages of Hydraulic Piping
- Flexibility - non-welded hydraulic piping systems can be designed and installed to fit into confined spaces. Therefore, they are suitable for use in areas that are either difficult to access or have limited space. Hydraulic piping systems can also be used indoors and outdoors. - Simple design - Hydraulic piping systems are easier to design and install. They are not as complex as pneumatic piping systems. - Efficient - Hydraulic piping systems are more efficient in transferring fluids and gasses through different applications. - Safe to use - Hydraulic piping systems are safer to use than pneumatic systems. This is because fluid pressure is used to transfer the fluid from one place to another as opposed to air pressure in pneumatic systems.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Piping
- Availability of materials - When choosing the type of material for a hydraulic system, you must be sure that it is readily available in your area. This is because it can be difficult and expensive to get the materials transported to your location. - Large size - The size of the piping in a hydraulic system is crucial for the system’s performance. Too small a pipe size can cause pressure drop and make the system inefficient. Alternatively, too large a pipe size can increase the risk of fluid cavitation and can hamper the system’s performance. This makes it essential to carefully design the piping and select the right size. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find the right size of piping because they are often oversized.
Conclusion
Hydraulic Piping Supplier have been used for many years in industrial applications. However, they are not as popular as pneumatic systems due to their complexity – especially when it comes to piping. The type of hydraulic piping system used depends on the application and the type of fluid the system is designed to move. There are various types of hydraulic piping systems used in industrial applications. They include copper piping, PE piping, PVC piping, and steel piping. The choice of piping material depends on several factors such as the pressure, flow rate, and the type of fluid to be moved.
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