www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2025 17 Choose Smart昀ow dry-break couplings from Tom Parker Ltd, the UK’s authorised distributor, for precision 昀uid transfer in thermal management and chemical handling. • Spill-free connections • No additional valves needed • High reliability Built for safety-critical environments, Smart昀ow ensures clean, e cient 昀uid transfer, reducing downtime and waste. • Chemical dosing • Thermal control units • AdBlue/DEF distribution • IBC 昀lling, tanker loading www.tom-parker.co.uk 昀uidsolutions@tom-parker.co.uk 01772 255109 In stock for same-day despatch, with expert advice from our 昀uid solutions division. Trusted in Oil & Gas, Marine, Petrochemical, Rail, and Food & Beverage. ! " that their warranty is only valid if the components are used as part of a matched system. In the event of a failure, if it is found that a mismatched component was used, any support or recourse from the supplier is likely to be denied. This is not simply a commercial caveat but reflects the underlying engineering principle that performance cannot be guaranteed without controlled testing of the full assembly. Mismatched assemblies There are also operational issues to consider. Mismatched assemblies may not perform consistently, especially under variable temperature or pressure conditions. For example, thermal expansion rates and material fatigue properties may differ between hose and fitting materials, leading to loosening over time or premature wear. Even if the assembly appears secure when installed, repeated cycles can expose flaws that would not exist in a correctly matched system. In quality-focused industries or where compliance is essential, traceability and documentation are as important as the physical components. When non-OEM combinations are used, it is much harder to verify the quality and integrity of the finished hose assembly. This can be a critical limitation in sectors where audit trails and inspection records are required. In some cases, insurance coverage or client specifications may also be invalidated if assembly practices do not align with documented standards. The temptation to use available components from different sources often stems from lead time pressures or cost constraints. In emergencies, technicians may feel justified in substituting parts to get machinery back up and running. While this approach can offer short-term gains, it introduces hidden risks that may not surface immediately. Over time, a culture of informal substitutions can become normalised, undermining efforts to maintain high standards of safety and reliability. Training and awareness play an important role in addressing this issue. Those involved in specifying, assembling, or inspecting hydraulic hose assemblies must understand not only how components fit together, but why specific combinations matter. This is not always intuitive, particularly for those with limited experience or without access to manufacturer documentation. The assumption that hoses and fittings are interchangeable because they meet the same size or thread specification overlooks the fine tolerances and testing that underpin certified performance. Ultimately, the decision to use matched or mismatched components should not be left to chance or convenience. Organisations that rely on hydraulic systems must make conscious, informed choices about the components they use, supported by clear procedures and procurement policies. Where matched systems are specified, they should be adhered to without exception. Where substitution is considered, it should be backed by technical verification and recorded appropriately. The upfront investment in proper assembly can significantly reduce the likelihood of failure, and the wider costs associated with it. As with many engineering practices, the true value of using matched systems lies not just in preventing visible problems, but in the confidence that comes from knowing the unseen details have been properly addressed. In hydraulic hose assembly, that confidence can make the difference between a safe, reliable operation and a system vulnerable to avoidable risk.
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