Industrial hoses are an integral part of many equipment systems, but tend to receive the least amount of consideration compared to other important components. The truth is a worn-out hose can be just as problematic as a failed pump or electronic system.
When a hose assembly fails, not only can it lead to unplanned downtime, expensive repair costs and time-consuming cleanup procedures, it can become a serious safety risk. Potential disasters include:
- Bursting under pressure
- Fluid burns
- Slip and fall hazards
- Potential fire or explosions
For these reasons, it’s important to choose quality industrial hoses that last and are well-suited to the type of service it will perform. Consider whether or not the hose will be used in high- or low-pressure situations, the material to be conveyed, the flexibility requirements of the hose, as well as potential exposure to corrosive materials, chemicals, and heat or cold. These factors all have a direct impact on the life of your hose.
CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS OR TO SCHEDULE AN ONSITE CONSULTATION AT 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.
How to Inspect for Wear Points on Your Industrial Hose
Even with the best industrial hose on the market, there’s no guarantee how long your hose will last. The only thing that is certain is that they will fail at some point. The only question is when. Failure to regularly inspect and maintain hose assembly can be costly and dangerous. Here are some hose maintenance tips to help:
- Visually Inspect Equipment Daily Before Starting Equipment
Walk around the unit and look for leaks or other potential problems. Look for cuts, holes, soft spots or kinks in hose covers. Inspect wear points such as bend and flex areas, nozzle bodies and other connection points. If there is excessive wear, cracking, defects, bubbling or corrosion in these areas, it is time to repair or replace. - Visually Inspect Couplings, Clamps and Fittings
Look for signs of defect or damage on all fittings and connections. Watch out for bulging hose ends, clamps that have moved, rusted or broken clamps, hoses collapsed from clamps, fittings that show seepage, and fittings that are chafed or abraded. If you note any of these issues, it’s time to repair or replace. - Visually Inspect Equipment During Off-Season
In addition to daily inspections, it’s critical to inspect for wear even when the equipment isn’t in use. Over time, hose layers can begin to disintegrate, leaving pieces of the hose to be sucked into the pump and machinery causing further damage. Remove hoses to inspect them completely. If the insides of the hoses are intact and smooth, the hose can be returned to service. If the inside of the hose is collapsed or rough, it’s time to repair or replace.
Superior Pro Tip: Never exceed the manufacturer’s maximum hose working pressure and always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper hose handling procedures. Contact Superior Industrial Supply for all your industrial hose supply needs.
When to Repair and When to Replace Industrial Hoses (High Pressure versus Low Pressure)
Typically, damaged hoses can be repaired when they are primarily used in low pressure applications. When you repair hoses, use good judgement and make sure the hose you reuse is not worn or damaged in any way. And remember that anytime you splice hoses and use couplings or fittings in the hose assembly, you may decrease flow and increase the potential for joint leaks.
Note: Industrial hoses that are used in high-pressure situations or convey steam, chemicals or flammable materials should always be replaced, not repaired, for safety reasons.
Onsite Industrial Hose Repair from Superior Industrial Supply
Superior is your industrial hose distributor for the St. Louis region. We understand having a hose fail onsite can quickly halt production. Finding someone to repair that hose quickly can be challenging. For companies that run heavy equipment regularly, we can place a hose crimping machine onsite, complete with bulk hose and hose ends. We also offer thorough training for fast and effective hose repair when you need it most.
Call 314-638-6500 OPTION 4 for more information.
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If you have questions on how Superior can help you improve operations and extend the life of your industrial hose assemblies, stop into our St. Louis location, or call 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.