Welcome to the world of industrial hoses and handling! Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry that requires the movement of dry or abrasive materials, selecting the right hose for the job is critical. We’re here to guide you through the intricacies of hose selection, hose and handling, and maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding hose and handling applications in material handling is essential for efficient use.
- The right hoses, fittings, and accessories must be selected to ensure optimal performance and durability.
- Regular inspections and appropriate storage are key for extending the lifespan of hoses.
Understanding Hose and Handling Applications in Material Handling
Material hose and handling are the unsung heroes of many industrial processes. They serve a wide range of purposes, including:
- Insulation blowing
- Fume removal
- Ducting
- Ventilation
- Dust collection
- Handling of dry fertilizers
- Handling of plastic pellets
- Handling of bark
- Handling of wood chips
These hoses are typically designed to be abrasion-resistant, allowing them to endure wear and tear from various materials, thus guaranteeing their durability in diverse applications.
Selecting Hoses for Dry Materials
When it comes to handling dry materials, not all hoses are created equal. The most suitable materials for such hoses are:
- Natural rubber or SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), capable of withstanding prolonged abrasion from substances like sand, concrete, or asphalt
- PVC, polyurethane, rubber, nylon, and stainless steel, offer resistance to heat and chemicals
- Food-grade hoses for flexible applications
These materials, including polyurethane liners, provide the necessary durability and resistance for handling dry materials effectively.
Keep in mind that the diameter of the hose directly influences the suction and vacuum you provide when handling dry materials. A larger diameter lets in more volumes of air, which is crucial for moving dry materials effectively.
Best Practices for Hose and Handling Abrasive Materials
Handling abrasive materials is no small feat, and the right hose can make a world of difference. The Series 4310 Gunite Hose, for example, is designed for conveying sand, gravel and cement to the mixing gun, making it ideal for handling abrasive materials.
Meanwhile, Series 4312, 4313, and 4314 Sandblast Hoses are designed for conveying highly abrasive materials in various rigorous applications, such as sandblasting, cleaning, and general maintenance needs.
Compatibility with Fly Ash and Other Particulates
Compatibility is key when dealing with fly ash and other particulates. Fly ash, a finely powdered substance contains significant quantities of:
- silicon
- boron
- sulfur
- zinc
- copper
- calcium
- magnesium
- iron
Hoses used to handle these particulates need to be specially engineered to withstand their abrasive properties, offering high resistance to abrasion, and the capability to endure demanding industrial environments.
The Importance of Hose and Handling Durability and Flexibility
Besides understanding the applications, giving equal attention to the durability and flexibility of the hose and handling is indispensable. A durable hose can withstand the challenges of material handling, such as UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. This ensures optimal performance and reduces wear and tear, leading to more efficient material handling processes at the desired length.
In contrast, hose flexibility significantly contributes to material handling, making it easier to bend and maneuver hoses in diverse settings.
Durable Hose Features for Longevity
Not all hoses are created equal. The most durable ones feature:
- A reinforced body or carcass
- A protective cover
- Resistance to chemicals and gases
- Flexibility
- The ability to withstand extreme conditions, including resistance to abrasion, crushing pressure, and kinks.
Common materials used to manufacture these hoses are silicone, natural rubber, and SBR (styrene butadiene rubber). The hose cover plays a pivotal role by offering protection against abrasion, external damage, and environmental elements like UV rays, preserving the hose’s structural integrity and extending its lifespan.
Flexible Hoses for Complex Environments
In complex environments, the flexibility of hoses comes to the fore. They can manage various materials, such as:
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- Thermoplastic Rubber
- PVC
- Polyurethane
- Neoprene
- Silicone
- Polyethylene
This highlights their adaptability in demanding industrial applications.
Their flexibility also ensures effortless navigation through obstacles and around corners, enabling equipment to operate effectively even in tight spaces where rigid hoses would be less efficient.
Hose Fittings and Accessories for Optimal Performance
The performance of the hose isn’t limited to the hose alone. Accessories, particularly fittings, significantly enhance the hose’s strength and efficiency by:
- Creating a secure, leak-free link between the hose and the connected equipment
- Helping maintain the integrity of the hose
- Preventing any loss of fluid or pressure.
Additionally, hose fittings contribute to the flexibility and ease of use, enabling the primary fluid line to be connected at various angles with the help of a liner.
Customizable Fittings for a Perfect Fit
Customizable fittings offer a multitude variety of benefits, including:
- Achieving a more precise fit for specific equipment
- Extending the lifespan of the fittings by reducing wear
- Enhancing safety by minimizing the risk of disconnection
- Improving efficiency in assembly and use
- Decreasing maintenance needs over time
Enhancing Hose and Handling Utility with Accessories
In addition to fittings, other accessories and features can also enhance hose utility. For instance, SwivelGrip® technology simplifies connections and minimizes inconvenience during attachment and detachment processes, thereby improving overall functionality and convenience.
Lightweight vs. Heavy-Duty Hoses: Making the Right Choice
The decision between lightweight and heavy-duty hoses hinges on the user’s unique requirements. Lightweight hoses offer flexibility and versatility, reduced bulk and weight for easy handling, and reduced strain on arms and back.
On the other side, heavy-duty vacuum hoses are known for:
- Their durability
- Their longevity
- Their capacity to withstand rigorous outdoor use
- Making them ideal for applications that necessitate durability, the capacity to manage higher water pressures, and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Advantages of Lightweight Hoses
Lightweight hoses are a boon in many ways. They offer:
- Increased flexibility
- Improved safety
- Enhanced ease of use
- Better maneuverability
These attributes collectively improve productivity and efficiency in operations.
When to Opt for Heavy-Duty Hoses
In contrast, heavy-duty hoses are a must when durability is a priority. They are commonly constructed from strong and robust materials including:
- rubber
- PVC
- silicone
- metal
- Teflon
This enables them to effectively manage abrasive materials such as slurries, cement, sand, and dry bulk materials.
Hose Maintenance and Storage Tips
Hoses, like other equipment, need consistent maintenance and appropriate storage for their prolonged lifespan and peak performance. It’s crucial to inspect hoses regularly, at least once every three years, to maintain their function and durability.
Routine Hose Inspection and Care
Routine inspections involve observing any irregularities in the machine’s operation and examining hydraulic hoses and fittings either every 600 hours of use or every 3 months. Regular cleaning is also important, with the most common methods being flushing the interior with water or a cleaning solution, using a soft brush to gently scrub the hose, and storing the hoses in a dry place away from mildew.
Proper Storage Solutions for Hoses
Proper storage of a hose can greatly increase its lifespan by safeguarding it from potential damages such as prolonged exposure to UV rays. Appropriate storage includes correctly winding the hose, disconnecting it from the water source, and storing it in a warm, dry location to prevent degradation. Some recommended freestanding racks for storing hoses include the TomCare Garden Hose Holder, Artigarden Freestanding Garden Hose Holder, and Uuuda Garden Hose Holder.
Summary
In conclusion, the selection, maintenance, and proper storage of hoses play a crucial role in any industry that requires material handling. Whether you’re dealing with dry materials or abrasive substances, the right hose can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity. Invest in durable, resistant, and flexible hoses, choose the right fittings and accessories, and perform regular inspections to ensure optimal performance. Remember, a well-maintained hose is a long-lasting hose!
Certified MTP offers a full line of rubber hoses for construction applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bulk hose?
Bulk hoses, or bunkering material handling hoses, are designed for the transfer and bunkering of various materials, such as barytes, cement, chemicals, diesel fuel, drill water, potable water, oil and oil-based mud, and are available in sizes from 2” and above.
What type of hose is the cheapest?
Vinyl hoses are the most budget-friendly and cheapest option, making them ideal for mild climates and suitable for lighter watering tasks. They are not as durable as rubber hoses, however.
Do I need a 25 or 50 ft hose?
Based on our research, it is recommended to use a 50-foot hose for general construction purposes. A 25-foot hose may be too short, while a 100-footer could be difficult to handle.
What is the best hose for water pressure?
For maximum water pressure, a 3/8” hose is the best choice as it can withstand up to 10,000 psi and allows for greater water volume.
What material is a hose?
Manufacturers commonly construct hose cores from metal, silicone, fluoropolymer, thermoplastic (nylon), and rubber materials, each offering different advantages depending on the fluid system. Additionally, they may use polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, or natural rubbers in hoses based on the environment and pressure requirements.
Related Blogs for Industrial and Garden Rubber Hoses:
Fire Hydrant Connector Adapters and Fitting
Top Choice for Bulk Rubber Hose: Durability And Flexibility
