Selecting a cylinder with proper ports and port placement is important to prevent stress on the cylinder during operation. Trust the experts at RAM to ensure your cylinder designs incorporate the right ports and port locations.
Hydraulic cylinder ports play a critical role in accommodating the fluid flow between the cylinder and the equipment. Ports allow fluid both in and out of the cylinder to achieve the linear motion produced by the cylinder. Restricted fluid movement through improperly sized ports or hydraulic hose binding can lead to pressure resistance.
Single-acting cylinders typically have one connection port at the lower portion of the cylinder body. This allows the oil to advance the piston rod and allow the oil to flow back into the hydraulic pump's reservoir when it retracts.
Double-acting cylinders perform with hydraulic fluid on both sides of the apron portion of the piston. They are equipped with two connection ports, one at the lower part, the other at the top part of the cylinder body.
RAM specializes in working alongside every customer to share ideas and gather critical information regarding each application's hydraulic cylinder fit and performance requirements. This collaboration ensures your cylinder design incorporates the ideal port type, size, and position.
Port Type
Ports contain standard thread dimensions to accept hydraulic fittings and hoses. There is a range of common port types available. The most commonly used ports include ORB or SAE (O-Ring Boss or Society of Automotive Engineers) and NPT (National Pipe Thread) ports. These ports are readily available in a large variety of sizes, shapes and materials.
Additional ports include JIC (Joint Industry Council), Code 61, Code 62 and Sandwich Plate. The application will often indicate which port option is best; however multiple port options may be suitable. For example, Code 61 and Code 62 ports are used in more robust and high-flow applications.
Port Size
Cylinder port sizes often range from 1/4 inch to 3 inches. They are typically referred by numbers from #1 to #48. In addition to cylinder size, the port size is essential to ensure an efficient flow rate from the hydraulic hose to the cylinder. The more fluid that needs to flow through, the bigger the port required. Using the correct sized port will prevent pressure resistance. The most common sized port used is #8, which is the equivalent of 1/2 inch hydraulic hose size.
Port Location
Cylinder port locations can be on any side of the cylinder head and cap end cover. Considerations for the ports' position include aligning the cylinder with the equipment design, ease of installation and servicing, ensuring optimal plumbing, and preventing binding or breakage points for hydraulic hose protection. Custom port manifolds can include specific hose locations on a cylinder or tie into the cylinder with additional control valves such as counterbalance valves.
With over 45 years of experience, you can trust the team at RAM to provide the optimal cylinder solutions specific to your equipment. RAM knows the ports on your cylinders can significantly impact the function and longevity of your cylinders and your equipment.
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