In many industries, hoses play an important role in daily production. They can be used to transfer petroleum, chemicals, food, water and air, or bulk materials – making it essential that they function properly. The type of hose required depends on the particular use (e.g., transferring liquids vs. gasses), so it’s crucial to purchase a hose with characteristics that match both the material being transferred as well as any environmental pressures present.
Although hoses are built to last, they will only function properly for a certain amount of time. The lifespan of a hose is difficult to predict because it depends on many outside factors. To avoid any serious issues or accidents, you should have a system in place to inspect and test your hoses regularly. This way, you can catch any problems with the hose before it is put into use.
PM Visual Inspection of Hoses by User
Part of regular operations includes inspecting the hose for cracks, cuts, and abrasions daily. Also, check for blisters which could mean that the material is permeating or undergoing chemical attack. If it looks like the material is weeping or leaking through the hose, this should be an immediate sign to pull the hose from service.
Critical Application Hose Testing and Inspection
Hoses that will come into contact with chemicals should be tested on a regular basis for any potential issues. This can help failures from happening down the line. The NAHAD published guidelines for what testing pressures and duration should look like. In general, hoses are put under their rated working pressure for five minutes to see if there’s any leakage or swelling occurring . If there is, then that hose needs to be taken out of service and replaced as soon as possible
Continuity Testing
Hoses that deal with chemicals, petroleum, or dry materials require an electrical bond between the end fittings and the length of hose. This is to prevent static buildup in the assembly during use. Usually, the wire helix or static wire inside the hose is attached to the couplings during assembly. Then, we check for continuity using an ohm meter. We should test hoses where static buildup could be an issue by checking if there’s still continuity from coupling to coupling while pressure testing it.
Here at Harrison Hose and Tubing, our knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you might have on hose, tubing, and their applications. Contact us today and learn more!
