Industrial Hose: Understanding the Importance of Hosepipe for a Wide Range of Applications

 

Industrial Hose

What Are Industrial Hose?

Hosepipe refers to flexible rubber or plastic tubes that are used to transfer liquids, gases or solid material in industrial and commercial settings. They are suitable for conveying air, water, chemicals, petroleum products, foodstuffs, abrasive media and more. Some key attributes of hosepipe include durability, flexibility, chemical resistance and pressure handling capabilities.

Materials Used in Hosepipe

A variety of materials are used in hosepipe depending on the application and operating conditions. Some common materials include:

Rubber hoses - Natural and synthetic rubbers such as nitrile, EPDM and silicone rubbers are widely used due to their flexibility and sealing abilities. Rubber hoses can handle moderate pressures and temperatures.

Plastic hoses - Thermoplastics like polyurethane, PVC and nylon as well as thermosetting plastics like polyamides are gaining popularity. Industrial Hose Plastic hoses offer lighter weight, greater chemical resistance and operating temperature ranges vs rubber hoses.

Stainless steel hoses - Appropriate for extremely high pressure/vacuum applications and corrosive environments involving acids, alkalis or sanitizing agents. They have longer lifespan but are less flexible.

Textile reenforced hoses - Woven fiberglass or braided polyester fabrics embedded in rubber or plastics provide strength and flexibility to withstand bursting pressures.

Applications of Hosepipe

Given their versatility, hosepipe have a variety of applications across many industries:

Pneumatic conveying - Used to transport powders and granules through closed circuits in applications like dust collection, cement manufacturing, food processing etc.

Petroleum industry - Transfer gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, chemicals etc. between tanks and delivery trucks at gas stations, refineries or chemical plants.

Mining - Transport powdered or granular materials like coal, ore tailings and limestone in surface conveying systems. Underground mining also uses hoses for ventilation and dewatering.

Construction - Convey concrete between ready mix trucks and pumps, water for pressure washing, sandblasting, spray painting etc. They are also used for portable hydraulic power tools.

Welding - Carry compressed air, oxygen and acetylene from cylinders to welding torches or cutters at work sites.

Agriculture - Spray fields with fertilizers and pesticides, pump slurry and transfer water in irrigation systems using hoses.

Chemical industry - Move corrosive or toxic chemicals between reactors, storage tanks and processing equipment in refineries and chemical plants.

Fire departments - Deliver water from hydrants to fire hoses and nozzles that spray onto fires.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Industrial Hose

When purchasing hoses for industrial applications, there are several factors to keep in mind:

Pressure ratings - Maximum working pressure the hose can withstand without bursting or leaking. Consider surge pressures as well.

Temperature range - Minimum and maximum continuous operating temperatures the material can handle.

Chemical compatibility - Check if the hose material is resistant to the specific chemicals, solvents or fluids being transferred.

Abrasion resistance - Ability to withstand wear from fluid borne particles or abrasive surfaces for long service life.

Flexibility - Required range of motion and bend radius for installation and operation.

Fittings - Hose ends must be compatible with connection ports on equipment.

Safety factors - UL or FM approvals, conductivity/grounding, minimum bursting pressure ratings etc.

Best Practices for Prolonging Hose Life

Proper storage, handling and maintenance can maximize performance and lifespan of hosepipe:

- Store hoses in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and prevent excessive bending which can damage the material internally.

- Routinely inspect for cracks, cuts, abrasions or leaks and replace if damaged.

- Avoid excessive tightening of fittings which can restrict flow and cause premature wear.

- Use hose clamps or clamps with inserts for vibration resistance at connections.

- Support hoses properly and use swing joints or loops at points of flexion to reduce stress.

- Flush hoses handling corrosive materials after use to minimize residues building up internally.

- Establish replacement schedules based on pressure ratings, material type and environmental conditions.

- Consider burst test certification for critical high pressure applications periodically.

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About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)