How to Prolong the Life of Hydraulic Hoses
Hydraulic hose assemblies in the industrial and commercial sectors often face harsh environmental conditions that lead to damage and deterioration over time. In addition, the constant motion and vibration they are exposed to can cause chafing and rubbing, resulting in premature wear. While both situations can ultimately lead to hose failure, the time it takes for this to occur can vary depending on the preventive measures taken. In this article, we will discuss some effective methods for protecting hydraulic hoses and extending their service life, which can save professionals in the industry both time and money.
Protect Against Erosion
One of the main causes of hose failure is erosion, which happens when an external leak allows fluid to enter the machinery. To prevent this issue, it is important to follow these protective measures: ensure the correct hose size is used to match the system's maximum velocity rating, check that the hose is not too tight for the flow of the system and not too abrasive for the inner tube, and follow the engineer's specifications for installation that came with the hose when purchased.
Ensure Fluid Compatibility
Using incompatible process fluids is another common cause of hydraulic hose failure, as it can cause the inner tube component to swell or wash out. When selecting a hydraulic hose assembly, it is crucial to ensure that all construction materials, including the outer coverings, inner tubes, fittings, and O-rings, are suitable for the system's process fluids.
Monitor Insertion Depth
During assembly operations, it is important to avoid pushing the hose beyond its insertion depth, as this can result in failure. It is essential to check the hose's fitting shell, which indicates the strength of its holding. Using depth blocks to gauge the hose and fitting connection is also recommended to ensure the hose is fully inserted without being over-extended.
Stay Within the Bend Radius
If a hose exceeds its bend radius, the tube and its cover may rip apart. Checking the engineering specifications before installation and use of the hose assembly can help prevent buckling during operations. Changing the fittings, lengths, and configurations used can also help prevent exceeding the bend radius.
Avoid Contamination
Contamination can occur during cutting and inserting of the hose during assembly operations. This can have a significant impact on individual hose components, such as causing cracks on the inner tube, as well as on the entire system, such as erosion. To prevent this, it is important to clean the hose properly, paying particular attention to the inner tube, before attaching it to the fitting. Once fully assembled, the hose should be capped to prevent contamination during transportation and storage.
Prevent Overheating
When exposed to temperatures above their maximum rating, hoses can become stiff and crack. Signs of overheating include a dry outer cover or cracking noises coming from the hose assembly. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to use hose assemblies with higher temperature ratings and to integrate thermal guards and shielding for added protection.
Minimize External Abrasions
Nearly three-quarters of all hydraulic hose failures occur due to external damage to the assembly. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect equipment for signs of wear. Excessive wear can be caused by components rubbing against each other or other unwanted movements. Using protective hose accessories such as sleeves, shielding, spring guards, and wraps can help minimize damage to the assembly.
Conclusion
By implementing these proactive measures, industry professionals can significantly enhance the resilience and longevity of hydraulic hose assemblies, reducing the frequency of failures and associated downtime. Prioritizing preventive maintenance and choosing the right protective measures ensures a reliable and efficient hydraulic system in demanding industrial and commercial environments.
Jason Industrial Hydraulic Hose Catalog
HVH Industrial Solutions is an authorized distributor of Jason Industrial and we offer a wide range of their hoses. We work closely with their engineering team to provide superior customer service and engineering support.
If you have any questions, write to us via live chat or call or send us a quote request. The HVH team is always ready to help you.
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