Industrial hoses carry hazardous materials like liquefied gases. These hoses might connect to machines, devices, and storage containers. Due to the potential for physical and environmental harm, it is critical to ensure hoses are connected and fit properly. Industrial hoses come in many forms and types, including hydraulic hoses, crimp fittings and clamps. Some of the parts that ensure these hoses are sealed tight and fitted so that materials cannot leak or escape include crimp fittings and clamps. Depending on the size of the hose ends and the various devices the hose needs to connect to, the size of the clamps could range from one-fourth of an inch to 10 inches.
Choosing the correct hose involves consideration of several factors. These factors include pressure rating, the inside diameter, length, and material. The pressure rating refers to the maximum amount of working pressure, which should equal or exceed the normal hydraulic system pressure. Pressure ratings are crucial to safety and ensuring hoses do not fail or leak during operation.
The inside diameter should be selected according to the amount of flow. Inside diameters that are not large enough to handle the flow level will produce turbulence and friction, which could lead to an increase in pressure and heat within the system. Selecting the proper length is important to avoid stress and flow restriction that could cause inefficiency and system pressure.
Material needs to be a factor in the selection process since hoses can be used in various operating conditions. The wrong material may not perform well under certain temperature ranges. In addition, some materials age faster than others and could lead to failure if the age is too old.
Experts developed the STAMPED method for selecting hoses. The acronym stands for size, temperature, application, material to be conveyed, pressure, end or couplings, and delivery. Each of these components should be appropriately matched to the intended use. To determine the parameters of each component, several questions need to be asked.
Some of those questions involve determining the environment in which the hoses will be used, the temperatures of the fluids the hoses will carry, and the type of equipment the hoses will be connected to regularly. Other questions to ask include what type of government and industry standards must be followed, what the routing requirements are, and if there will be excessive abrasion.
Although questions that pertain to the application component are arguably the most important, some of the finer details that are part of the STAMPED method are just as critical. Proper selection of each component works to make the use of hoses with various equipment safe. The size represents the inside diameter. This diameter needs to be congruent with the applicant and equipment to avoid or mitigate pressure loss.
If pressure loss is too great, excess turbulence and heat generated from friction can easily lead to bursting. Hydraulic industry standards incorporate a measuring system for hoses according to dash size. These dash sizes correspond to inches and millimeters. For example, a dash size of -5 translates to 5/16 inches and 7.9 millimeters.
Temperature considerations mean checking both fluid and ambient temperatures. Hoses have to be able to handle the range of temperatures produced by the system or machinery. Additional oversight must be taken if hoses are routed around areas of extreme heat and heat shields may need to be incorporated.
The materials of hoses, including the tube, connections, cover, and O-rings, must be matched to the type of fluid that will flow through those hoses. For example, will oils be transported? Or will certain chemicals that are corrosive be used? Some chemicals, such as refrigerants, may require additional precautions.
Examining system pressure is crucial since too much pressure or spikes in pressure can cause hoses to wear quickly. This means that incompatibility can lead to shortened life and accidents. If certain types of hoses normally last 10 years, but extended high pressure occurs, that life could be cut down to five years. In these scenarios, it can be easy to overlook this factor since quality and safety checks may operate under the assumption that those hoses have another five years of life.
The ends of hoses also need to be checked for necessary connection sizes. These should be matched according to not only the ends of the hoses, but the points of connection on the system or machinery. Part numbers for connection seals should be matched to industry recommendations and the thread ends where the connections will take place.
Finally, the component of delivery consists of volume and velocity. How much fluid will be transported? What will the volume flow be? Look at the range of flow volume to determine the minimum and maximum.
Factors to consider during installation include the minimum bend radius, bending and twisting, brackets and support, and cleanliness. To avoid excessive twisting that could lead to failure, the layline of hoses should be examined. Check to ensure there is an absence of twisting between points of connection. It’s also important to ensure there is not more than one occurrence or place of active bending. Too much bending can result in additional stress and lead to failure over time.
Depending upon the length of the hoses, additional support brackets may be required. Connections at the ends of the hoses may fail if the length between them is long. Brackets or other means of support can help ensure that hoses do not separate from the connecting points.
Finally, once hoses are cut to the proper length between connecting points, they need to be cleaned to remove any particles left behind. The sawing or cutting process can produce particles deposited in the inside of hoses. If left, these particles can lead to shortened life and failure.
California Industrial Rubber Company supplies multiple industries with industrial-strength rubber and plastic products. The industries we serve in California and Nevada include mining, agriculture, commercial, and industrial. In business since 1958, our seven branch locations strive to provide exceptional service and continuously develop high-quality product solutions.
