Choosing the correct fittings for your industrial and commercial systems is vital for their smooth and safe operation. If you’re looking for replacement valves and fittings for your fluid control system, selecting the wrong component can lead to issues with leakage and overall system failure.
Below, we’ve created a checklist to guide you through the decision-making process so our team at Hy-Lok can better assist you in finding the right components, from bleed valves to JIC fittings. Keep reading to learn more!
Know Your Application Requirements
Before you search for new fittings and valves, it’s important to understand the application requirements for the system or equipment you operate- it’s only too easy to pair the wrong component with the wrong machinery. Without this vital information, you can cause serious damage to your equipment, which can negatively impact the productivity and safety of your worksite.
When looking for a new valve or fitting, consider the following questions. You can generally find this information in your equipment manual or by contacting the manufacturer:
What type of system do you operate? Hydraulic systems provide fluid power via pressurized liquids, while pneumatic systems use pressurized air or gases. How your system provides power will impact the type of fitting or valve you require.
What is the maximum operating pressure? If your system operates at 1000 psi or above, you may require more heavy-duty sealants to prevent system failure.
Does your system work with gases or liquids that cause corrosion? If you’re working with gases like hydrogen, the wrong metal and chemical pairing can cause certain components to corrode and degrade.
Understand the Fitting and Valve Specifications
Once you know how your system will respond to different valves and fittings, you need to select the correct pairing. When assessing different valves and fittings, consider the following:
Material Selection: Fittings and valves are generally available in stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass. Stainless steel is ideal for hydraulic applications, as it is highly resistant to corrosion from harsh chemicals and gases.
Connection Types: JIC, O-Ring, SAE, NPT, and other fittings provide secure seals but are used for different purposes. For instance, JIC fittings are designed to withstand high pressures, while NPT fittings are used for low-pressure systems.
Valve/Fitting Type: Identify the purpose of your valve or fitting. Bleed valves are ideal for relieving excess pressure, check valves prevent liquid backflow, and ball valves are used to shut off equipment.
Temperature Range: Different fluid control systems have drastic temperature ranges. Consider whether your valves and fittings need to withstand extreme cold or extreme heat.
Get Accurate Measurements
Finally, it’s important to have the correct size for your component to ensure smooth and safe application. Verify your system’s requirements for the following measurements:
- Tube/pipe size
- Thread standards (SAE, NPT, BSP, etc.)
- Tolerances
Once you have all of this information, finding the right fittings and valves couldn’t be easier with our team at Hy-Lok Canada! Contact us, and we’ll help you locate the right components based on the specifications of your equipment.
Choose Hy-Lok Canada for High-Quality Bleed Valves & Fittings
Since 1977, Hy-Lok has excelled as a manufacturer of fluid system control products. If you need replacement parts for your hydraulic or pneumatic system, our components are 100% interchangeable with other manufacturers. Visit our Products page to learn more about our wide selection of valves, fittings, and more.
