Every plant seeks to avoid downtime and safety risks. Industrial hoses are a critical part of accomplishing those goals. Here are four simple ways to keep them safe and working:
Match hose type to application. Increasing production often puts greater demand—and stresses—on industrial hoses. In cases of high demand, make sure hose specifications for pressure, temperature, and chemical compatibility are up-to-date and inspected regularly. When specifying a hose, follow the considerations outlined in this article to ensure the hose type is properly matched to its intended application.
Properly route hoses to eliminate strains. Even if all the right choices have been made in choosing the right the hose material and type for its given application, improper installation and routing can cause hose failures and, in turn, greater risks to workers and equipment.
One common installation error involves improper hose length. If the hose is too long, it can lead to accelerated wear from rubbing against itself or a machine. Inversely, if it is too short, stretching it too far to make it fit can create leaks at the end connections as a result of regular operating conditions such as thermal expansion, pressure changes, or other movements. The proper hose length has enough slack to handle connection point movement, but not enough to allow for rubbing, interference, or kinking.
Some other common strain sources include:
