Hoses in industry

What kinds of hoses is it generally found in industry?

There are many different ways of grouping the large number of hose variants found in our processes. It can therefore be difficult to get an overview, but roughly speaking we can divide the hoses into hydraulic and industrial hoses. The hydraulic hose, as the name suggests, is used to transfer power from a power source to usually some kind of tool. These hoses are designed for pressures up to 400 bar. But it is mainly industrial hoses that this short article is mainly about, and these are usually designed for pressures up to about 20 bar.

What is the general structure of a hose?

Normally, we have an inner tube that is in contact with the liquid. It is the inner tube that has to withstand possible wear and corrosion. On the outside of the inner tube, we usually have some kind of armouring to give stability to the hose. In turn, the armouring is protected by the outer tube which protects hoses from the external environment.

Different uses of the hose give different requirements

Based on function, we usually divide hoses into three groups:

• Pressurised hoses - These are used to transport liquids that are under pressure. As these hoses are high pressure, it is important that the hose has the right type of armouring to withstand the pressure in the process.
• Suction hoses - This type of hose is used in combination with a pump to suck up liquids. Because of the suction, these hoses are usually constructed with a spiral to ensure that the hose does not constrict.
• Transport hoses - Unlike suction and pressure hoses, the transport hose is usually not a completely fixed installation but is usually used for more mobile solutions. These hoses are pleated to make the hose more mobile. A pleated hose is often referred to as grooved.
  To protect against external influences, we often also have a steel spiral on the outside of the hose to absorb shocks and wear.

What are the dimensions of hoses?

Hoses are available in virtually all dimensions from DN 6 to DN 600, so there is great variation. And likewise, there is great variation in the length of the hose, and you can order just about any length. However, some manufacturing processes have a limitation, so extra long hoses consist of several hoses.

What materials should I use for the industrial hose?

As described in the above paragraph, the choice of material depends entirely on what you are going to transport in the hose in the process. And to give some different perspectives on width, we list here some different material choices depending on the application:

• Too many corrosive liquids, a PTFE lined hose works well.
• By blasting you have a lot of wear and tear and therefore we can use ceramic hose with anti-static armour.
• For transport within food & pharma segment, for example, we use cross-reinforced silicone tubing.
• About beverage transport such as wine, beer, milk, we can use FDA approved NR (natural rubber), EPDM or NBR hoses.
• When oil or fattier foods to be transported, we can use FDA approved white NBR (nitrile rubber).
• If we have powder classified as food, we can use a hose that is internally coated with white and black UHMWPE film (also known as high modulus polyethylene). The black dots in the hose discharge static electricity through the hose wall.
• Till steam or hot water we can use black EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Rubber), which is a synthetic rubber.

Hose provides flexibility in connections

You can buy a hose with almost any type of connection and this creates enormous flexibility. When ordering a hose, you should consider whether you want the connection fitted at the factory or whether you want and may need to fit it on site.

So the possibilities are vast and some examples of common connections are:

• • • Threaded coupling - this type of coupling uses internal or external threaded BSP/ pipe thread coupling. The coupling is made of acid-resistant steel AISI 316 EN 1.4401 and the sealing material is PTFE.
    • Quick coupling - a flexible coupling. Use this type when you need an easy on/off coupling.
    • The flange coupling - here we have a coupling that is common in the industry. Flanges are common in many places with standardised hole patterns for easy installation. For the flange coupling, the hole pattern is important and we usually use DIN but ANSI also occurs.
    • Dairy coupling - here we have a coupling and nut for the food industry. The coupling is mounted with clamping jaws or machine pressing. Available in both SMS 1145 (Swedish Manufacturing Standard) and DIN 11851.
    • Hose clamps - There are several types of clamps, such as the paric clamp (single or double) or the lid clamp. These are simple clamps where the hose is clamped. For larger dimensions, several hose clamps may be needed.

The hose can be connected to a flange coupling, either in DIN or ANSI

This is a pariclamp. These can be single or double clamps. In the picture we see a single pariclamp, while a double one has screws also on the opposite side.

This is a food coupling, commonly called SMS coupling or dairy coupling. SMS stands for Swedish Manufacturing Standard.

Camlock is a quick coupling to the hose. In the picture we see the coupling in PP, which can be a good material in tough industry.

Installation of hose

Unlike a pipe installation, a hose installation is very simple and with the flexibility of the hose, there is less requirement for precise fitting. Instead, you can hang it up or lay it directly on the floor. If you don't need the hose for a while, you can dismantle it, roll it up and possibly plug the hose.

Security

If you're pumping dangerous corrosive and hazardous liquids, safety is an extra important consideration. As hoses wear over time, it is possible to buy the hose with an abrasion indicator. This system continuously checks the hose and indicates its status. In this way, we can avoid unplanned interruptions in operations while providing a safer environment for staff and equipment. In many environments, we have gratings that can rust in corrosive environments, which is why we recommend fibreglass gratings in such cases. Also consider whether you need lockable valves to create an even safer environment.

What should I consider as a client?

In addition to your media, it is important to consider what your physical space looks like. Each hose has a bending radius and by that we mean how tightly you can bend the hose. If you try to bend the hose more than the specified bending radius, there is a high risk that the hose will kink. The temperature of the medium and the environment are also important parameters to consider. If the environment has direct sunlight that could possibly damage the hose with its UV radiation.

What data is important for a hose?

To ensure you get the right hose for your process, it is important that your requirements are properly communicated. On a hose data sheet you usually have the following information:

• • • Inner tube and outer tube material specification
    • Design temperature - this indicates the range within which the hose is suitable for
    • Working pressure - what is the maximum pressure the hose is designed for
    • The bending radius - how flexible is the hose. In confined spaces this can be important to look at.
    • You also get information about the hose's safety factor / burst pressure - this is the pressure at which the hose breaks

Some other concepts

• • • Double jacketed hose - here we have a hose, usually in metal, which has two channels. The inner channel has the transport fluid while the other channel has a circulating fluid that either cools or heats depending on the need.
    • Pyrojacket sock - This is a thermal protection that is insulating for radiant heat. In other words, a sock that you pull over the hose. The protection is made of silicone and fibreglass.
    • Material transport hose - this is a hose that you use for abrasive materials such as gravel or plaster.

Contact us for more information

We have good experience in selling hose to industry and you can therefore rest assured that we deliver a smooth and safe solution to your needs.