How to test reliability of hydraulic hoses in Nigeria

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There is more to consider when it comes to preventive maintenance and reliability procedures for a hydraulic system than just changing filters and checking the oil level. When a machine fails, it can be difficult to troubleshoot without having accurate and up-to-date information about the system. Regularly updating records and monitoring the system can help avoid unexpected failures and downtime.

A hydraulic hose is as vital as the fluid transported from one source point to another. The hydraulic systems require the movement of hydraulic fluid between components to function effectively. So, the hydraulic hose and fluid are complementary. These hoses are relatively stiff and often have several reinforcement layers causing wear and tear. So, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability of these hoses when due for safety purposes.

What are hydraulic hoses?

Hydraulic hoses are specifically designed for hydraulic systems. It is a hose that conveys high-pressure oils or water among hydraulic tools and components, valves, and actuators, where the oils or water are used to create mechanical movement. They are composed of three layers: a core or inner tube, a reinforcement layer or inlays, and an outer cover. The hydraulic hose is a special type of hose that you'll find in many commercial and industrial settings.

In addition, Hydraulic hoses are typically constructed from flexible rubber or wire and feature a series of layers to give the hose its strength and durability. Click here to learn more on the maintenance and safe use of hydraulic hoses.

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Types of hydraulic hoses

In the commercial and industrial market, there are a variety of hoses used for different purposes ranging from transporting fluid at -452˚F (Fahrenheit) and a few psi to 100˚F and 6,000 psi to a linked pipe installation. Moreso, appropriate inspection and testing of these hoses are necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of the operation.

As a result of differences in the uses of hydraulic hoses, as well as the different pressures and chemicals they are being exposed to, different kinds of hydraulic hoses exist for various jobs; these include;

1. Reinforced Hose:

This type of hose resembles the basic three-layer construction but with extra buffers in the reinforcement layer, most often in the form of a textile braid, wire braid, or wire helix material around the inner tube.

2. Reinforced Rubber

This is much lighter, can be used as a link to fit another hose in, and makes the movement of the hydraulic system easier. It can also withstand extreme temperatures.

3. Steel Reinforced Teflon

There are times when hydraulic hoses made of steel are too cumbersome. When hydraulic hoses made up of steel are too difficult to handle, and you are working with a boiler or a blast furnace, Teflon hydraulic hose with steel reinforcement can be used because it is very light and has all of the benefits of steel hoses with very high heat resistance than rubber. Also, this type has an even higher heat resistance than rubber.

4. Coiled Hydraulic Hose

Coiled hoses are semi-rigid hoses designed for expansion and easy storing; because the hose is coiled, it can stretch so that it does not put unnecessary pressure on the hose materials. They can be easily stored and maintained. These tubes are best for businesses that regard efficiency and space, like welding or auto repair shops. Also, professionals like mechanics and engineers prefer this type of hose because it can be pulled, used, and snapped back to where it was placed.

5. Corrugated and Articulated Hydraulic Hose

Articulated hoses are hoses that are set in sections with rigid shafts connected by flexible joints. The articulation allows hoses to turn corners or swivel around other components.

Corrugated hydraulic hoses function much like expansion joints. It can accommodate sudden pressure or expansion as a result of fluctuations in the external temperature. On the other hand, articulated hoses are similar to corrugated hoses, but they can be moved freely around corners or twisted to fit other components.

6. Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose

For heavy construction, hydraulic lift equipment, and lubrication lines, the thermoplastic hoses are resistant to abrasion and can operate at very low temperatures. The inner and outer layers consist of a thermoplastic material, while the middle layer reinforces with a synthetic fibre mesh.

Where are Hydraulic Hoses Used

A hydraulic hose is used anywhere in a hydraulic system requiring a flexible connection between two fluid ports. A hydraulic hose is a synthetic rubber tube surrounded by some sort of flexible strength-enhancing winding, such as metal or fibre, and then covered in another rubber carcass. The reinforcement windings are what give the hose its flexibility and strength, and these reinforcements can be either braided or spiral wound. The hydraulic hose comes with a lot of advantages over other conventional types of hose, such as;

Advantages Of Hydraulic Hose:

1. Generally less likely to corrode.

2. Good heat insulation.

3. Flexible enough to be used in dynamic applications.

4. Longer lengths than tube available.

5. Easily installed in hard-to-reach places.

6. No transfer of noise and vibration.

Disadvantages Of Hydraulic Hose:

Beyond the lifespan, there are some disadvantages of hydraulic hoses as well, which are:

• The hydraulic hose typically has a limited operating temperature range, and if it reaches the ignition temperature, the hose can easily burn without any warning.
• Serious harm can be caused when the hydraulic hoses explode due to some pressure or temperature fluctuations.

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How to Test Reliability of Hydraulic Hoses in Nigeria

Testing your hoses can include identifying possible production flaws or determining the reliability of the hose. Testing a hose can be done in a mobile or fixed test system. The type of system used may vary depending on the type of hose in use. In the hose industry, hose differences are distinguished between hoses used for liquids and hoses used for gases. Hose testing systems can have a wide range of test pressures, which can be read accurately over the entire test range.

You can reliably test the reliability of hydraulic hoses with hydrostatic testing. You fill up the hose with a medium, such as water, take it to pre-specified test pressure and hold it for some time. During this pressure phase, the hose is monitored and inspected to make sure the hose can withstand the pressure. The pressure test bench is an example of the hydraulic system that can be used for to test the integrity of hoses.

A hydrostatic test is a pressure test in which the hose or other component is pressurized to evaluate its integrity. This test is used to evaluate the structural integrity of the hose, pipeline, or other pressure-containing infrastructure.Click here to learn more on pressure testing procedures

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Factors to be considered when selecting a hydraulic hose for application

• Size: When choosing a hose based on size, the important things to consider are the inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and length.

• Temperature: Different hose materials have different working temperature ranges.

• Application: During usage, hydraulic hose applications involve bending. Thus, hoses are considered for their minimum radius bent, which refers to how much the hose can bend and then contract the flow space within it.

• Material: Compatibility charts are available for hydraulic hoses, usually from the manufacturer or in third-party reference guides.

• Pressure: Hydraulic hoses are also rated for maximum system pressure. It is important to note pressure spikes during application.

Frequently Asked Questions on Reliability of Hydraulic Hoses in Nigeria

1- How do you identify a hydraulic hose?

 Inside Diameter, or I.D., is the primary measurement to identify a hose's size. A ¾-inch hydraulic hose means the inside diameter is ¾ of an inch. Fittings that are used for a hose assembly will be identified by the same inside diameter measurement, i.e., a ¾-inch fitting for a ¾-inch hose I.D

2- How do you test a hose?

 With hydrostatic testing you fill up the hose with a medium, such as water, and take it to a pre-specified test pressure and hold it for a period of time. During this pressure phase the hose is monitored and inspected to make sure the hose can withstand the pressure.

3- What are hydraulic hoses used for?

 Hydraulic hoses are primarily used to allow the flow of hydraulic fluid between different components in a hydraulic system.

4-How often should hydraulic hoses be replaced?

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the average life of rubber hose before it is replaced is approximately ten years from the date that it was manufactured. You can see the manufacturing date on the hose along the lay line. If you are thinking about putting a hose on your equipment and see that it is close to the ten-year mark, go get a new hose instead.

5- How do I choose a hydraulic hose?

When choosing a hydraulic hose, hydraulic hose sizes like length and diameter should be carefully considered. Temperature and pressure range, hydraulic hose material, and fitting requirements should also be considered.

Conclusion

Hydraulic hoses are as vital as the installed system. A hydraulic hose provides a means for the movement of fluid from one component to another, and at the same time and the flexibility of the hose allows for efficient and proper positioning of components in their most convenient places because of its ability to bend and go through tight spaces and across a long distance, Testing the reliability of these hoses is possible with the use of a pressure test bench. In addition, appropriate inspection and testing of these hoses are necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of the operation.

Contact us for further details and the availability of hydraulic hoses and pressure testing benches in your location.