Pipes, Hoses, and Tubing.

Pipes, hoses and tubing are the components that connect all the different components of a hydraulic circuit. Pipes are used primarily for long lasting installations. Hose are used more often for going around sharp bends and corners. One disadvantage of using a hose is that they tend to shrink while under pressure. 


One advantage to using hoses as apposed to pipes or tubing is that they are easily removed and quickly replaced. Steel is the most suitable material for hydraulic pipelines. Copper and galvanized steel shouldn’t be used due to the fact that they both react poorly with hydraulic fluids. Galvanized steel also has the potential to flake causing debris to get into the hydraulic circuit. A disadvantage to using pipe is that it can’t be bent due to the thickness of its walls. 


Tubing has thinner walls then pipes allow it to be bent instead of having to use pipefittings. When installing tubing it should always have a bend in it, this helps to reduce vibration from one component to another. When installing hoses make sure to avoid sharp bends in it. Allow for a little extra material due to the hose decreasing slightly when under pressure. If this isn’t taken into consideration the hose might fail prematurely.

Displayed below are the hydraulic pipelines in an airplane wing.