What is a Hydraulic Union? Types, Standards and Choosing the Right Fitting
What is a Hydraulic Union? Types, Standards and Choosing the Right Fitting
When it comes to pressure safety, sealing, and system efficiency in hydraulic systems, one of the first components that comes to mind is the hydraulic union. An incorrectly selected or inferior fitting; It can lead to oil leakage, pressure loss, equipment failure and serious occupational safety risks.
In this article, we discuss what a hydraulic union is, types of unions, international standards, and choosing the right union in technical details.
What is a Hydraulic Union?
Connecting equipment such as hydraulic fitting, hydraulic hose, pipe, valve, pump and cylinder; It is a fastener that provides a leak-proof connection under high pressure.
It usually takes on the following tasks:
Making fluid transmission safe
Providing pressure-resistant connection
Offering ease of maintenance and installation
Protecting the connection against vibration and shocks
Types of Hydraulic Fittings
Unions used in hydraulic systems are classified according to thread type, sealing method and usage area.
Hydraulic Unions by Thread Type
BSP (British Standard Pipe)
BSPP (straight thread)
BSPT (tapered thread)
Common in Europe and Turkey
NPT / NPTF
American standard
Tapered tooth structure
Sealing is provided through the thread
Metric Threaded Unions (DIN – ISO)
DIN 2353
ISO 8434
Ideal for industrial and heavy-duty applications
Unions by Sealing Type
O-ring fittings (ORFS – SAE J1453)
Fittings with conical surface (24°, 37° flare)
Metal-to-metal sealing fittings
In high-pressure and vibrating systems, hydraulic unions with O-rings are one of the most reliable solutions in terms of sealing.
Types of Hydraulic Fittings According to Structure
Straight fitting
Elbow gland (45° – 90°)
T fitting
Reduction union
Swivel fitting
Hydraulic Union Standards and Compressive Strength
Standard compliance is critical when selecting hydraulic fittings.
The most common standards are:
DIN 2353
ISO 8434
SAE J514 / J1453
EN 10226
Compressive strength of fittings;
Material (carbon steel, stainless steel)
Tooth form
Sealing type
Depends on manufacturing tolerances
A quality hydraulic union should be designed to withstand at least 4 times the maximum operating pressure of the system.
How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Union?
The following questions must be answered when choosing a hydraulic fitting:
How many bars is the working pressure?
What is fluid type? (Hydraulic oil, water-glycol, chemical, etc.)
What is the dental standard and size?
What are the vibration and temperature values?
Fixed or rotary union required?
Wrong fitting selection;
Hose burst
Oil leak
Pump and valve failures
Business shutdowns and cost increase
It can cause serious consequences such as.
Things to Consider in Hydraulic Union Installation
Teeth should never be cross-tightened
O-rings should be checked before installation
Proper tightening should be done with a torque wrench
Teflon or sealant should be preferred for non-standard uses
Conclusion: Hydraulic Union Small Part, Big Safety
Hydraulic unions, although small in size, are critical components for system safety. Fittings selected in the right standard, from the right material and in the right pressure class; It extends the lifespan of the hydraulic system and reduces operating costs.
If you are looking for hydraulic fittings, high pressure fittings or special size hydraulic fittings; You should definitely work with suppliers who can offer technical support and have quality certificates.
Hidroman Applications;
How are hydraulic fitting threads made? You can access the correct hydraulic equipment selection and programming methods by Hidroman engineers from the link below.