Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Cylinders
    • Fittings and Couplings
    • Gauges and Sensors
    • Pumps and Motors
    • Seals
    • Hose and Tubing
    • Valves
  • Videos
  • Suppliers
  • Resources
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Digital Issues
    • Distributor Search
    • Virtual Classroom
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Events
    • Fluid Power Tech Conference
    • IFPE
  • Subscribe
  • Leadership
    • 2020 Leadership in Fluid Power Winners
    • Leadership in Engineering
      • 2020 LEAP Awards
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering

How do you select compressed air hose sizes?

By Paul Heney | April 1, 2021

Share

True story: a fiberglass parts plant was having air pressure problems in their plant, so much so that they had turned their air compressor up to 140 psi. This was the highest it could go, which made it consume 15% more power. But still, their most critical air tool was having performance problems.

An air auditor investigated and found that the air tool in question needed about 25 cfm at 90 psi to run at peak performance. The auditor rigged up a test pressure gauge by placing it on a T connection right at the air inlet of the tool. When he pulled the trigger the air pressure fell to 44 psi.

Looking back from the tool to the main compressed air distribution line, the auditor found 50 feet of ¼-in. hose and three quick connect couplers, all undersized for the tool flow.  This tool was poorly connected to the system resulting in greatly decreased performance.

hose selection table
Figure 1. Selecting a larger diameter hose can have a big effect on tool pressure.

The supply hosing was upgraded to 3/8-in. and the resulting tool pressure when running settled above 90 psi, even when the compressor discharge pressure was reduced to 110 psi to save energy. This greatly increased tool performance.

The table shown in the graphic shows the huge effect going to larger size hose has on the pressure drop. Use this to help improve your system.

 

 

You may also like:


  • Why measuring in compressed air systems is a must

  • What are some clues to compressed air leaks?

  • What are air leak best practices?

  • Compressed air efficiency: 6 key principles

  • How can you learn about compressed air?

About The Author

Paul Heney

Stay up to date with Fluid Power World

Videos Linked In Webinars Digital Issue

Fluid Power World 2020 Handbook

Fluid Power World Digital Editions

Fluid Power World Digital EditionBrowse the most current issue of Fluid Power World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Bookmark, share and interact with the leading fluid power magazine today.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Quick Connect Couplings: A Critical Component in Hydraulic Systems
  • Electronic cards in mobile proportional technology
  • Pressure regulators – what you must know to specify

Follow Paul on Twitter

Tweets by @wtwh_paulheney

Follow Mary on Twitter

Tweets by @DW_MaryGannon

Design Guides

Pneumatic Actuators Design Guide

Pneumatic Actuators Design Guide

Hydraulic Cylinders Design Guide
Fluid Power World
  • Hose Assembly Tips
  • Mobile Hydraulic Tips
  • Pneumatic Tips
  • Sealing & Contamination Control Tips
  • Advertise
  • About us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2021 WTWH Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Site Map | Privacy Policy | RSS

Search Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Cylinders
    • Fittings and Couplings
    • Gauges and Sensors
    • Pumps and Motors
    • Seals
    • Hose and Tubing
    • Valves
  • Videos
  • Suppliers
  • Resources
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Digital Issues
    • Distributor Search
    • Virtual Classroom
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Events
    • Fluid Power Tech Conference
    • IFPE
  • Subscribe
  • Leadership
    • 2020 Leadership in Fluid Power Winners
    • Leadership in Engineering
      • 2020 LEAP Awards
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering