When it comes to fluid flow, understanding the basics is key to getting the job done right. While it can be a complex topic, it is important to know for your business. Whether it’s air powering a tool or hydraulic fluid moving heavy machinery, these systems rely on fluid flow.
Simply put, fluid flow is the transfer of liquid or gases from one place to another. These systems can operate under low or high pressure, but ultimately the goal of both is to move the fluid efficiently and safely.
To have success in fluid flow, you’ll first need the correct parts for a safe, effective assembly. Having the right parts and components in place ensures everything flows smoothly.
Hoses and Tubing
When it comes to moving fluids, hose and tubing are where it all starts. They are responsible for containing and directing the flow from one point to another. They both must handle the pressure for the application they are used in and must resist being degraded by the fluid being transferred. While they might seem similar, hose and tubing each have their own unique features.
Hoses are designed to be flexible. The flexibility allows them to bend to accommodate movement and vibrations within machinery. They often have a multi-layered construction, which includes an inner tube, reinforcement layers and an outer cover.
Tubing tends to be more rigid and is ideal for precise routing. Unlike flexible hoses, tubing features minimal expansion while under pressure. This ensures that the fluid flow remains consistent, which is crucial for precise control and operation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Different jobs require different hoses. Kimball Midwest offers hoses in various sizes for a variety of applications. Here are some popular hoses we offer:
General purpose hoses are used in a wide range of applications. They can be for heavy-duty pneumatic use or for the transfer of many liquids, like oils, fats, kerosene, gasoline and solvents.
Air hoses are designed specifically for compressed air systems. They need to withstand internal pressure while remaining flexible enough for tools and equipment to move freely.
If your shop or job requires tubing, consider looking at the several types we offer. Some popular options include the following.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) tubing is typically flexible and cost effective. This type of tubing is good for basic fluids in low pressure applications such as in laboratories, industrial, agricultural or domestic settings.
Polyurethane tubing is economical, flexible and low density. This tubing is suitable for industrial and agricultural applications; chemical plants, metal-working plants, paper mills and instrumentation systems. It also provides excellent abrasion and weather resistance and is compatible with a wide range of chemicals.
Once you have your tubing or hose, you’ll need fittings to go along with it. Fittings connect the hose or tubing to the rest of the setup, creating a secure, leak-free seal that keeps everything running efficiently. The right fitting depends on different factors like the system pressure and the type of hose or tubing being used.
At Kimball Midwest, we have hundreds of fittings to choose from depending on the job at hand. Here are just a few of our popular fittings:
Low Pressure Barbed Hose Ends
These are typically used with general purpose hose and rely on a tight fit — often paired with a clamp — to hold everything in place. You’ll see these used frequently with air hoses or fluid transfer at low pressure.
Hydraulic Hose Ends
These are crimped onto the hose and built to handle extreme pressure. They're commonly used in hydraulic systems, where durability and performance are essential.
Push-to-Connect Fittings
As the name suggests, these fittings allow for quick and easy connections, especially in low-pressure tubing systems. They’re perfect for jobs where flexibility and speed are key.
Fluid flow may seem like a simple topic, but when it comes to keeping equipment running or your business moving, it’s a big deal. Using the wrong parts can lead to performance issues or dangerous failures, which is why it’s so important to understand the basics and choose the right parts for each application.
Kimball Midwest is there for all your fluid flow needs and to ensure everything is flowing smoothly with your business. Contact your sales representative to talk fluid flow today. If you don’t already have a rep, we can help you