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Learning the Difference Between Fittings and Adapters

Oct 08, 2021

There are many crucial tools in the world of plumbing that serve unique and irreplaceable functions. Every network of pipes has essential pieces that can be replaced, upgraded and repaired to keep the water flowing at ideal rates. Two of these pieces, however, can be confused by amateurs or those who lack practical time with their tools. These are Fittings and Adapters. Though the terminology may be used interchangeably, the two pieces are very different and serve different functions in any given pipework.


What are Fittings?

Fittings are the joining parts that connect hard machine parts to tubes and other pipes. They must be fit onto one end securely and join with a larger component. The other end is then used to attach hoses, nozzles or pipes that otherwise couldn’t connect to the core component that they are leading into. These can also bridge between different standard measurements, allowing ORB ends to connect with JIC ends, as well as leading male-to-male connections if necessary. 


The function of a Fitting is to be easily replaceable or mobile from its core connection. It allows outer components to be more easily swapped out, if a new hose or pipe requires a different end to meet the core component, a fitting can bridge the gap immediately as long as it has the correct ends. 


What are Adapters?

Adapters are components which join two or more component ends, or threads, together. They are T-shaped, Cross-shaped or occasionally just simple two-ended components which allow for an easy transfer between multiple different component standards. 


Adapters are used for much more complex workings that need multiple connections going to and from a single component. Pumps that need to send fluid to multiple sources from a single output require adapters to make all of those connections. Adapters are also made specifically to bridge between different component standards, allowing exchange between SAE, JIC, ORB, Metric, NPT and other classifications. 


Why the Confusion?

The main confusion comes from the shared terminology of the two components. Adapters can function as fittings, in that they can only connect two pieces together, but not all adapters are fittings because many adapters are made to connect more than two things together, or have more than one component end type that need to lead into one another. There’s also the core function of bridging component standards that normally aren’t compatible. Fittings are normally used with like standards, serving as a bridge between two threads that aren’t compatible by nature. A fitting is needed for a hose to connect to a pump. An adapter is needed to connect the pump to more than one hose, where each hose may be of a different standard.


In some cases, the job of fittings and adapters can be interchangeable, and the choice of component comes down to availability. Fittings are the first tool you should consider for what goes into an open port, and adapters should be used in later stages of plumbing to make the whole system flow together. 

How to Extend the Life-Expectancy of Your Hydraulic Hoses in The Texas Gulf Coast Area

07 May, 2024
Learn how to maximize hydraulic hose lifespan in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Factors like extreme temperatures, contamination, and fitting compatibility affect longevity. Follow manufacturer guidelines and spot signs of wear for timely replacements. Action Supply offers expert advice and quality parts for optimal performance.

Protecting Your Industrial Hose Assemblies From Flooding

22 Feb, 2024
Spring is rapidly approaching in Houston, Texas. While it brings warmer temperatures, it is also a time for heavy rains and severe weather in this area. Here are practical steps to safeguard your hose assemblies from flooding before the spring storms come into play. Determine Which Areas on Your Sites Are Vulnerable to Flooding If you are working at a new site, you can utilize tools like community records and FEMA’s Flood Map to assess the area’s flood risk. Also, note any low-lying areas on the site where water tends to collect during rain. Also, note which areas are slowest to drain or will require additional equipment to drain in the event of a flood. Elevate Equipment and Parts Inventory Store hose assemblies and related equipment in elevated locations to minimize water exposure. Before the spring storms start, make sure your equipment is positioned out of flash floods and the average flood levels for the area. Utilize elevated platforms, racks, or shelves to keep hoses and fittings above potential flood levels. Designate storage areas away from flood-prone zones Check to ensure all equipment is above areas that collect water, especially any new equipment or assemblies. Keep hoses and pipelines that can not be waterproofed above ground level. Install hangers, clamps, or supports to secure hoses along walls, ceilings, or elevated structures. Make sure they are secured against heavy wind gusts over 35 mph to avoid kinking, scraping, and other wear on suspended parts during heavy weather fronts and other storms. Waterproof Storage Containers Water and humidity can shorten the life of your spare parts and contaminate the hoses with mold, silt, and other materials. Utilize waterproof storage containers or cabinets to protect your inventory. Ensure containers are securely sealed to withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding.  Invest in Flood Barriers When necessary, install flood barriers, berms, or containment walls to divert water away from critical areas of your sites. You can also store sandbags, concrete blocks, or water-inflated flood barriers to quickly create barriers against rising water levels. Regularly inspect and maintain flood barriers and related equipment to ensure they are ready for severe weather events. Make Sure Drainage Systems are Clear Clear debris, sediment, and vegetation from drains, gutters, and culverts to prevent blockages and facilitate unobstructed water flow. If any drainage areas seem sluggish, prioritize inspections and repairs in those areas. Update Your Emergency Response Planning Develop or update your comprehensive emergency response plan so the entire staff and team know what to do and who to turn to during extreme weather events. Define roles and responsibilities for personnel during a flooding event, including electrical safety, shutdown, and evacuation procedures. Establish communication channels and make sure all contact information is up-to-date. Delays due to outdated numbers can be costly. Conduct regular training exercises and drills to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively during flooding incidents. Make sure safety and first aid equipment is inspected and ready for use. Action Supply Has Helped Industrial Sites Stay Equipped since 1981 Don’t let a flood get in the way of your site’s processes. Our experts have decades of local experience on the best ways to protect your inventory from flooding incidents, and our inventory management service ensures you have the parts you need when you need them. Contact us today!

Detecting and Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks

31 Jan, 2024
Hydraulic hose leaks can lead to downtime, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Here is how your team can effectively detect and fix hydraulic hose leaks before they become a large issue. Detecting Hydraulic Hose Leaks Detecting a leak early is critical to reducing the overall costs of cleanup, repairs, downtime, and safety hazards. Here are a few ways to actively monitor your systems for the first signs of a leak and ways to pinpoint its location. Auditory Inspection Sometimes, you can detect leaks by listening for unusual sounds. These include: Hissing or whistling sounds near the hoses that indicate something escaping from a small opening. Ticking, rumbles, or high-pitched whining from the machines as air enters or fluid levels fall. If needed, you can use equipment that amplifies sound to help make detection easier. Visual Inspection Look for oil spots, puddles, or damp areas near the hoses, indicating potential leaks. Check for cracked or bulging hoses, as these are common signs of deterioration. Check fittings and joints for signs of corrosion Gently place a piece of paper or cardboard near the hoses while the system is running. If hydraulic fluid drips onto the paper, it will leave a visible stain Use a specialized fluid dye for hydraulic systems. When it passes through the hose, it will escape and make the leak points more visible. Check with our experts to make sure you use a dye compatible with your system. Pressure and Performance Testing If you notice decreased or erratic performance in the system, the most common and repairable source of this issue could be a leak. Live detection and monitoring equipment can help you catch these issues in real-time. If a leak is suspected but not visible, consider pressure testing the hydraulic system to identify the problem area. Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks Once you've detected a hydraulic hose leak, prompt action is essential. Here's how to fix the issue. Isolate the System Shut down the equipment or machinery and turn off the power source to prevent accidentally turning it on during repairs. Isolate the affected area and reduce the excess fluid pressure to prevent spills, puddles, and other hazards. Replace or Repair If you choose to patch a small leak with specialized epoxies or stop leak fluids, make sure to treat it as a short-term solution, as the integrity of the hose is already compromised. This should only be done to find a better downtime or to allow time for a replacement part to come in. Larger leaks need to be fully repaired to be fully safe. Replacements and repairs will depend on the location of the leak and the hydraulic system. Typically, this will involve removing the line, installing a matching line, and making sure all seals and fittings are secure.  Use high-quality replacement hoses and fittings to ensure longevity. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for hose replacement and repair. Use the correct tools and techniques to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Contact the manufacturer or your inventory supply experts for questions, troubleshooting, and best practices. Test the Repairs After fixing the hydraulic hose, conduct a thorough test to ensure the leak is resolved. Perform regular short-term checks to ensure the repairs are successful, then regular maintenance to continue catching future issues early. Action Supply Experts Offer Inventory Management and On-Site Hose Assembly Reduce downtime and costly errors while fixing hydraulic hose leaks with our expert services. We are driven to meet and exceed industry standards with superior equipment that you can trust to perform the way you need it to every time.
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