How to extend the service life of high-pressure rubber hoses

The service life of a hydraulic hose assembly depends on its usage conditions. In order to extend the service life of high-pressure rubber hoses, regular inspections should be conducted on the hose assembly during use to ensure that there are no leaks, tangles, blistering of the outer rubber layer, scratches, wear, or other damages. After discovering damage or wear to the assembly, it must be replaced immediately. The service life of the assembly can be extended through the following measures:

1、 Usage factors:

Installation of hose assembly: The installation of hydraulic hose assembly should comply with the relevant standards of SAEJ1273 on the direction and layout of hydraulic hoses to ensure the correct use of the hose assembly.

Working pressure: The hydraulic system pressure should not exceed the rated working pressure of the hose. Pressure spikes or peaks exceeding the rated working pressure are highly destructive and must be considered when selecting hoses.

Minimum burst pressure: The burst pressure referred to in this product catalog is only for the purpose of destructive testing to determine the design safety factor.

Temperature range: Do not use hoses under temperature conditions exceeding recommended limits (including internal and external temperatures). If the hydraulic fluid used contains emulsions or solutions, please refer to the relevant technical data separately. No matter how wide the temperature range of the hose is, it must not exceed the maximum operating temperature recommended by the fluid manufacturer.

Fluid compatibility: The hydraulic hose assembly (inner rubber layer, outer rubber layer, reinforcement layer, and hose joint) must be compatible with the fluid being used. Appropriate hoses must be used because the chemical properties of phosphate ester based and petroleum based hydraulic fluids are completely different. Many hoses are suitable for one or more fluids, but not for all fluid types.

Minimum bending radius: Do not bend the hose below the recommended minimum bending radius, and do not subject the hose to tension or torque, as this may cause excessive stress on the reinforcement layer and greatly reduce the hose's ability to withstand pressure.

Hose size: The hose size (inner diameter) must be able to handle the required flow rate. At a specific flow rate, if the inner diameter is too small, it will cause excessive fluid pressure and generate heat, resulting in damage to the inner rubber layer.

Route arrangement of hoses: The hoses should be constrained, protected, or guided (using clamps if necessary) to minimize the risk of damage caused by excessive bending, shaking, or contact with moving parts or corrosive substances. Determine the appropriate hose length and joint form to prevent wear, avoid contact with sharp objects, and prevent twisting, thereby achieving a leak proof connection..

Hose length: When determining the correct hose length, the length changes under pressure, machine vibration and motion, and hose assembly wiring should be taken into account.

Hose application: Choose the appropriate hose according to the specific application

2、 Environmental factors:

The storage environment, along with rubber materials, can change the storage life of hoses. The specific service life is difficult to quantify because there are many factors that affect hoses. If stored properly, the lifespan can reach 3-5 years. Beyond this time, the service life of the hose will be greatly reduced, depending on various factors in the storage environment, including:

Temperature: The hose should be stored in a cool and dry place, and the temperature should not exceed+100 ° F (+38 ° C). If stored at temperatures below freezing, it may need to be preheated before being processed, tested, and put into use.

Direct sunlight, rainwater, heaters, or near electrical equipment.

Moisture and ozone

Oil, solvents, corrosive materials, or smoke.

Insects or rodents.

Radioactive.

Available space and presence of curvature.

3、 Storage factors

The hose should be stored in its original container. Don't stack it too high, otherwise its own weight will crush the bottom hose.

It is recommended to visually inspect and test hoses that have been stored for a long time before use. Hoses judged to be in poor condition should be replaced to avoid failure, property damage, or personal injury. The warehouse should be managed according to the principle of first in, first out. Long storage time and poor environment can cause a decrease in hose grade, performance, and may lead to premature failure.