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Pressure of Hydraulic Tubes

Date:2025-08-29View:17Tags:hydraulic tube, hydraulic tube pressure, hydraulic piping

hydraulic tube

Hydraulic Tubes Pressure: Standards, Grades, and Limits


Basic Concepts of Hydraulic Tubes

Hydraulic tubes are components used to transport pressurized fluids and are typically made from high-strength seamless steel pipe or welded steel pipe. Hydraulic tubes have significantly higher strength and pressure resistance than ordinary water and gas pipes, allowing them to withstand higher pressures while maintaining stable performance.


Hydraulic Tube Pressure Standards

Hydraulic tubes typically have three pressure standards: allowable working pressure, minimum and maximum burst pressure.


1. Allowable working pressure

This refers to the maximum pressure a hydraulic steel tube can withstand under normal use.

This is often the core specification for a hydraulic tube's rated pressure.


2. Minimum burst pressure

This refers to the minimum pressure at which a hydraulic tube may rupture under abnormal use.

This is generally 3 to 4 times the working pressure.


3. Maximum burst pressure

This refers to the pressure at which a hydraulic steel tube may explode if its maximum allowable pressure is exceeded.

A safety factor (usually 4 times) is typically included in the design.


Hydraulic Tube Pressure Rating

The pressure rating of a hydraulic tube refers to the maximum operating pressure the tube can withstand, also known as the maximum working pressure.

Hydraulic steel tube pressure ratings are categorized based on factors such as the nominal diameter, wall thickness, and material. Generally speaking, the higher the pressure rating, the greater the working pressure it can withstand.


Common hydraulic tube pressure rating chart:

Pressure Rating (MPa)

Common Applications

8 MPa

General oil circuits, low-pressure hydraulic piping

13.8 MPa

Commonly used in medium-pressure piping for industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, and other applications

20 MPa

Can be used in high-pressure applications such as agricultural machinery and engineering machinery

31.5 MPa

High-pressure hydraulic systems in industries such as construction, mining, and metallurgy

42 MPa

Main pressure-bearing piping for high-pressure hydraulic systems

≥ 50 MPa

Special ultra-high-pressure hydraulic systems


Hydraulic Tube Pressures of Different Materials

The material of hydraulic tubes is closely related to its operating pressure rating. Generally speaking, the thicker the pipe wall, the higher the quality of the material used. Common hydraulic tube materials include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and seamless steel pipe.


Hydraulic tube pressure chart in different materials:

Material Type

Features

Common Pressure Range

Carbon Steel (Seamless)

High strength, low cost, mature process

8–32 MPa

High-quality Alloy Steel

Excellent fatigue resistance and toughness, suitable for high-pressure applications

20–42 MPa

Stainless Steel

Excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for acidic, alkaline, and marine environments

10–40 MPa

Aluminum Alloy

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, suitable for medium- and low-pressure hydraulic systems

≤ 16 MPa


Hydraulic Tube Pressure Calculation Formula

Hydraulic steel tube pressure is related to factors such as pipe wall thickness, inner diameter, and material. The following formula is typically used for calculation:

P = 2S × t/D

Where P is the allowable working pressure of the hydraulic tube, S is the tensile strength of the material, t is the wall thickness of the hydraulic tube, and D is the inner diameter of the hydraulic tube.


Factors Affecting Hydraulic Tube Pressure Limit

The pressure limit of hydraulic tubes is affected by a variety of factors.


1. Pipe specifications

Hydraulic tubes of different specifications have different inner and outer diameters, which affect their pressure-bearing capacity. The larger the diameter, the lower the pressure-bearing capacity if the wall thickness is insufficient.


2. Material selection

Hydraulic tube materials should have sufficient strength and toughness to withstand the required pressure.

For example, carbon steel and alloy steel are often used in high-pressure applications.


3. Wall thickness

Generally speaking, thicker walls increase pressure-bearing capacity, but also increase weight and cost.


4. Application scenario

The application scenario also affects the pressure limit of hydraulic tubes.

For example, hydraulic steel tubes operating in high-temperature, high-pressure, or corrosive environments require higher pressure-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance.


5. Installation and maintenance

Improper welding, bending, and connection methods can lead to localized weaknesses, reducing the safety pressure.


FAQ

1. What is the difference between the working pressure and burst pressure of hydraulic tubes?

The working pressure is the pressure at which the hydraulic tube can operate stably over a long period of time, while the burst pressure is the ultimate pressure, typically 3 to 4 times the working pressure.

The working pressure must be the basis for design and selection.


2. Can the pressure of hydraulic tubes be increased by increasing the wall thickness?

Yes. Increasing wall thickness improves pressure-bearing capacity, but also increases weight and cost.


3. Is there a significant difference in the pressure-bearing capacity of hydraulic tubes made of different materials?

The difference is significant.

Carbon steel is suitable for general operating conditions, stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance but is more expensive, alloy steel is suitable for high pressure and shock loads, and aluminum alloy is suitable for lightweight and medium- and low-pressure hydraulic systems.