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FLUID CONTAINMENT & TRANSFER
RL Hudson supplies a wide variety of products, including many that contain fluids (liquid or gas) or facilitate their transfer. Here’s a closer look at just some of the various types of fluid containment and transfer products we offer.
BELLOWS RL Hudson bellows are custom-designed and precision-molded from rubber or plastic. Some can have metal rings or fabric enhancement features. Sizes range from less than 0.25 inch to 15 inches or more in diameter. Our bellows can be used in wide temperature and pressure ranges, depending on application and material. Bellows are generally convoluted and cylindrical in shape, though they can be rectangular or oval, depending on their function and the available space. They can contain fluid with internal pressure, but they can also withstand internal vacuum in many cases.
CAPS RL Hudson caps are primarily molded plastic caps used for oil, fuel, or coolant containment. Rubber seals or valves can be assembled into or molded into the caps. We also offer caps with metal inserts. Generally speaking, caps can be divided into two main categories: plain plastic caps and vented caps. Plain caps do not have designed vent functions. An all-plastic cap can release some internal tank pressure when it does not have a perfect sealing ability, though an incorporated elastomeric seal will typically seal the tank completely. Vented caps generally feature a vent valve to release internal pressure at elevated temperatures. Other caps are available, including caps with filters, breather elements, tethers, check valves, and designs that prevent over-tightening.
HOSES RL Hudson rubber hoses are typically radiator (coolant) hoses or fuel filler hoses. Our radiator hoses are manufactured per the SAE J20 standard and are factory-molded (using mandrels) to fit specific curved spaces. Ethylene propylene (EPDM) is typically used to form the inside of the hose (the tube) because of its strong resistance to heat, hot water, and ethylene glycol, the most common antifreeze. Our fuel filler hoses are manufactured per the SAE J30 standard and are typically constructed of a fuel- and oil- resistant nitrile tube, reinforcement, and an oil-, ozone-, and heat-resistant cover. We also supply air hoses (for intake and vapor recovery) manufactured per both the J20 and J30 standards.
TANKS RL Hudson tanks are receptacles for holding, transporting, or storing liquids such as water, coolant, or fuel. Also commonly referred to as reservoirs, bottles, and containers, tanks can be made of a variety of materials – including metal and rubber – but are primarily made of plastic. In some cases, RL Hudson customers provide tank designs; in other cases, our in-house engineering department does the design work. Either way, the majority of our tanks are blow-molded. Depending on the design, they might also be roto-molded, or injection molded in multiple pieces and then ultrasonically welded together. Sizes can range from small trim or brake cylinder reservoirs holding one liter or less to large fuel tanks or coolant reservoirs holding several liters. Depending on the application and material choice, tanks can be used within wide temperature and pressure ranges, and they can be manufactured in many shapes to suit space constraints.
TUBES RL Hudson tubes are used to transport liquids such as water, coolant, and fuel. Tubes used in fluid containment applications are used to extend fill points, connect passages, or allow fluid to pass. As described here, tubes are non-flexible items, as opposed to flexible hoses. Though tubes may be made of metal, most RL Hudson tubes are made of plastic. Depending on the required geometry, tubes may be extruded, blow molded, or injection molded. Tubes range in size from small fuel lines to large oil fill necks. Because of the variety of materials available for manufacturing, tubes can be used in wide temperature and pressure ranges and with exposures to a variety of chemicals. Most have some type of connection at one or both ends. This connection may be a quick-connect fitting for fuel lines, a sealed male connection that plugs into a port, a capped end, or other configuration. Many of our tubes come as complete assemblies, with seal, cap/cover, and connections already attached.
We also offer check valves, couplings, covers, diaphragms, ducts, and plugs. Be sure to call on RL Hudson at
1-800-722-6766 if we can help you with your fluid containment and transfer needs.
