The overwhelming majority of hose failures occur at or near the end connection. Selection of the proper hose for your application, as well as proper routing and installation are keys to extended hose life. However, certain methods and surely some end connections work better than others. Many manufacturers have similar hose offerings, but the end connections set different suppliers apart. By detailing advantages and considerations for some of the most popular end connections we hope to offer you some help to make the best choice when integrating a flexible hose line into your system.
Swagelok tube adapter
Advantage
- Direct connection to tubing valves or fittings
- Entire Swagelok catalog available to make connections to ISO or fractional ends.
- Easy way to make a long delivery hose a leak free, standard part
- No torque installation to a tube fitting end of valve or regulator
Consideration
- Adapter fitting is needed to mate to pipe or flared connections
NPT
Advantage
- Large installed market base as it is among most used ends
- Popular with quick connects as installation torque may loosen opposite port as one side is tightened
- Adapts to many systems
Consideration
- NPT spiral leak path design requires thread sealant or TFE tape
- Turning hose to install may loosen other end or lessen the flexibility of the hose
Swagelok tube fitting
Advantage
- Perfect way to adapt to a tubing system
- Lowest leak rate in industry
- No twisting or torque transferred to hose to decrease flexibility or that would leave the hose in a weakened condition subject to an early fatigue failure
- Adapter fittings needed to mate to pipe or flared connections
Quick connects
Advantage
- User-friendly — made for many makes and remakes
- No torque required to install
- Some incorporate small valve or vent options for safety
- Can be a perfect complement for flexible hose
- One-handed operation makes these great for sample panels
- No tools required
Consideration
- Not for all applications
- Added expense
Pre-swaged tube adapter
Advantage
- Tubing swivel connection for easiest installation
- Certified installers will deliver a hose that is tested with leak-free ends
- Will ease alignment issues with captive swivel nut
Consideration
- Still a secret, not as popular as historically standard end connections
JIC Swivel
Advantage
- Inexpensive
- Large installed base
- Easy to install
Consideration
- Old sealing technology, no live load to combat vibration
- Interference seal tends to leak over time
- Metal-to-metal static seal limits applications to hydraulics, liquids, and non-critical support applications
- Many hoses are placed on critical machines or hands-on grab samples
Just like all of our components, our hose end connections are manufactured to exceed the strictest of quality requirements. Swagelok products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Questions? Email or call 866.901.0151.
