Hydraulic Tubes Pressure: Standards, Grades, and Limits
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 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.
The pressure limit of hydraulic tubes is affected by a variety of factors.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, thicker walls increase pressure-bearing capacity, but also increase weight and cost.
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.
Improper welding, bending, and connection methods can lead to localized weaknesses, reducing the safety pressure.
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.
Yes. Increasing wall thickness improves pressure-bearing capacity, but also increases weight and cost.
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.