Proper assembly of the ORFS fittings is critical in all situations, but often in the field short cuts are taken that can be a detriment to system performance. It is important to take the following steps:

First: Inspect the ORFS fitting for possible contamination or damage that may have occurred in shipping or storage. Confirm the O-ring is properly installed into the groove in the fitting’s face.

While hydraulic connections that incorporate an O-ring face seal are the most reliable against leakage, it can still happen. Yet the cause is rarely the fitting itself. The primary contributors to hydraulic system leaks and how often they occur include:

O-ring face seal SAE J1453 fittings are popular in hydraulic lines onboard off road vehicles such as tractors, combines and other heavy equipment used in construction. Due to the frequent vibration and actuation of components in off-road vehicles, it is extremely important to reduce or eliminate the number of potential leak points and incidences of leakage. The SAE J1453 standard for ORFS fittings covers dimensions, threads, fitting and O-ring materials, and performance requirements of for use in hydraulic applications, as well as the interface of the O-ring face and nut portion of hose stem assembly.

System design is the first consideration for leak prevention in hydraulic systems. The right components must be selected to reduce the incidences of leaks and connection failures. Typically O-ring face seal fittings are the best or sometimes only practical choice. The following are attributes that should be taken in consideration when selecting system connections in the design phase.

ORFS Fittings Help Prevent Component Failure 

Many severe conditions can contribute to hydraulic component failure. Fittings and component assemblies are frequently required to work in very harsh environments, from corrosive off-shore applications to extreme heat and cold or frequent high pressure fluctuations. These are a few applications where ORFS fittings can provide leak tight connections to prevent failures. 

O-ring face seal (ORFS) hydraulic fittings are a highly popular and reliable choice in hydraulic and tube connections. Well designed ORFS connections provide a seal that is highly reliable due to its elastomeric seal and is one of the best choices for a leak-free connection.

Your Connection is Only as Good as its O-ring

Case in point: A O-ring hydraulic fitting with a Buna-N O-ring has been stored in the back of the bin for an unknown period of time.  Let’s say it’s been there for years.  As is often the case, it’s no longer sealed in the original plastic bag.   Now what if that storage bin is in an outdoor tool shed, or a facility that does not have air-conditioning….in Tallahassee, Florida, where the average daily humidity is 80% in July.