Why use hydraulic hose?
You use hydraulic hose to take advantage of its flexing abilities – allowing the hose to follow desired contours and make installation easier. You also use hose because it can absorb some high transient-pressure shocks, vibration, return to its original shape and provide more uniform flow patterns as well as smooth and quieter operation.
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What is the best way to store hydraulic hose?
The best way to store hydraulic hose depends to a great extent on its size & quantity being stored – along with the storage method. Basically, you never want to stack so much hose on itself or other hose that the weight of the stack creates distortions on the length stored at the bottom.
Whenever feasible, rubber hoses should be stored in their original shipping containers, especially when such containers are wooden crates or cardboard cartons which provide some protection against the deteriorating effects of oils, solvents and corrosive liquids. Shipping containers also afford some protection against ozone and sunlight. Uncovered hose should not be stored under fluorescent or mercury lamps, which generate light waves harmful to rubber.
The ideal temperature for the storage of rubber products – including hoses – ranges from 50° to 70°F (10-21°C) with a maximum limit of 100°F (38°C). If stored below 32°F (0°C), some rubber products become stiff and would require warming before being placed in service.
How can we best avoid safety problems with hydraulic hose?
The easiest and most effective way to avoid hydraulic hose-related safety problems is to make sure employees understand their equipment, know how to operate it. You should make note of any difference in how your equipment sounds, looks and feels. This may be an indication of a problem.
Studies indicate that the primary cause of hose failure for fluid power equipment is cover abrasion resulting from cuts, friction with other moving parts, or from mechanical impacts.
Match, don't mix hose assembly components. To avoid failure, it's critical that the hose and coupling are from the same manufacturer, and that they're assembled using the manufacturer's recommended equipment, components and procedures. Hoses, couplings, assembly equipment, and crimping tolerances vary from one manufacturer to another, and are not interchangeable. If components are mixed, coupling retention could be adversely affected. Mixing components not only causes unnecessary downtime, but also, personal injury can result.
Be aware that hose has a "shelf life". Check the code date on the lay line of the hose. Generally, anything beyond five to seven years of age is questionable. Industrial hose should not be used in permanent or "out-of-sight" applications, where the hose is buried, encased, or submerged. Use rigid pipe in those applications. Periodically inspect hose assemblies for the following: cover abrasion, cracks or cuts in the cover, discoloration of the cover or tube, discoloration of the material being transported and ongoing performance.