There are thousands of reasons for the failure of hydraulic hoses, but with proper preventive measures, the most common failures can be avoided.
1. Fluid compatibility
Incompatible fluids will cause deterioration, swelling and delamination of the inner rubber layer of the hose assembly. In some cases, the inner rubber layer may also be partially destroyed. The hose must be compatible with the fluid being transferred. Make sure that the fluid is not only compatible with the inner rubber layer, but also with the outer rubber layer, joints and even O-rings.
2. Dry air/stale air
The inner rubber layer of the hose may have many tiny cracks due to old or dry air. Sometimes, this type of failure is difficult to find because the hose can still remain flexible, but there will be signs of external leakage.
To avoid dry or stale air problems, you should verify that your hose rating is suitable for extremely dry air. For these applications, it is best to choose a hose with PKR or EPDM inner rubber material.
3. Minimum bending radius
If the minimum bend radius is not met, the hose assembly may fail relatively quickly.
In vacuum or suction applications, if the bending radius is exceeded, the hose may become flat in the bending area. This will hinder or restrict the flow of media. If the bend is too severe, the hose may become kinked. In order to prevent malfunction of the minimum bend radius hose, the recommended bend radius should be carefully checked.
4. Wear
Hydraulic hoses need to go through harsh environments every day, and the effects will eventually show up on the hoses. If the inspection is not performed regularly, wear and tear may cause the hose assembly to rupture and leak. If the hose is rubbed excessively against an external object or even another hose, the coating layer on the hose will be worn away and eventually the strengthening layer will be worn away.
A correctly assembled and installed hose will have a longer life, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Post time: Oct-20-2020