Why Your Flexible Hoses Can Fail?

Flexible hoses are essential in the smooth operation of many industrial applications, transporting liquid or gas efficiently to create a quality final product. Be it food processing, chemical, power generation or marine and offshore, your industrial hose set up is integral to your productivity. Unfortunately, even industrial hoses don’t last forever and when a failure occurs, it has the potential to cost a lot time and money in down time. In fact, there are a number of reasons why your flexible hoses might fail, making it ever more important to have them checked regularly.

flexible hoses

Abrasion

The constant use and rough treatment of flexible hoses can lead to the pulling, crushing and scratching that can reduce its strength over time and cause failure. It is hugely advisable to look for indications of past abrasion that could have significantly weakened the hose. Any signs of damage should result in the immediate replacement of the industrial hose.

Extreme Temperatures

High operating temperatures and severe pressure fluctuations will over time cause problems to your industrial hoses. To help prevent this, you must where possible protect the hydraulic hose from exposure to temperatures that are not within its operating range. Sometimes specialist equipment is required, such as heat shields – as well as the ongoing checking up on hose quality and functionality.

Significant Fluctuation in Pressure

Extremes in temperatures and pressure fluctuations can cause huge problems to industrial hoses, thus ensuring that your operations are running at pressures that they are designed for is incredibly important.

Bending

The bending of industrial hoses will have different effects on different model types. Some flexible hoses are designed to withstand a certain level of bend and twist, while others are most certainly not. Acknowledging if your application will put any of these types of pressure on the industrial hose is important. Avoid bending the flexible hose wherever possible to ensure a longer lifespan.

Age

Over time, rubber hardens, causing your flexible hose to split and be more prone to damage. The more you use your industrial hoses, the sooner this process is likely to start happening particularly with fluctuations in pressure and temperature.

Incorrect Storage

The failure to appropriately store your industrial hoses is a large reason for premature failure when it comes to industrial hoses. Proper storage of flexible hoses will also ensure that you are more efficient in the storage of the working environment. Industrial hoses are incredibly important members of your operations, so treating them with large consideration and acknowledgment is essential, leading to a happy hoses and a happy organization.