Rubber hoses
Rubber hoses
Rubber hoses are commonly used in everyday life. A wide range of rubber hoses made from various materials is available on the market. This diversity makes it possible to use this type of product in many different applications.
What should you consider when choosing a rubber hose?
Internal diameter of the rubber hose
A rubber hose should be selected with an internal diameter that allows free flow of fluids inside it. A hose with too small a diameter may cause a pressure drop inside the hose and consequently reduce the flow speed and efficiency of the working fluid. Pressure losses also occur during the flow of the medium through elbows, valves, or other restrictions. Rubber hoses with a small internal diameter increase the flow velocity and may significantly increase operating pressure.
Rubber hoses with a large diameter result in a low flow velocity inside the hose and therefore allow low operating pressure. The dimensions of a rubber hose are defined by the internal diameter (ID), external diameter (OD), and wall thickness (WT).
Temperature and environment
If high or low temperatures prevail in the working environment in which the rubber hose is used, its parameters should be appropriately selected for the prevailing conditions. High fluid temperatures exceeding the technical parameters of an industrial hose may cause deformation, damage, reduced service life, or leakage of the medium. A rubber hose whose technical parameters are not adapted to the temperature of the flowing fluid negatively affects its mechanical properties.
Depending on the rubber compound used, the rubber hose may be suitable for continuous operation within the temperature range specified by the manufacturer. If the technical parameters are not intended for low temperatures, the rubber hose becomes less flexible and therefore more susceptible to cracking and brittleness.
The effects of ozone (also generated during electric welding) or strong UV radiation may contribute to the degradation of such products. There is a risk that due to environmental influences, the outer layer of the rubber hose loses its elasticity and may crack in critical areas directly exposed to unfavorable factors.
Permissible pressure
When selecting rubber hoses, operating conditions must be determined, including the maximum operating pressure, which should be equal to or greater than the maximum operating pressure of the hydraulic system. All information regarding maximum operating pressure is provided by the manufacturer.
Medium
The inner rubber layer has direct contact with the flowing medium. Depending on the type of medium (hot water, oils, fuels, gas), both the inner and outer layers, the pipe connection, and the seal must be compatible and resistant to its effects. Choose a rubber hose that will not cause any chemical reaction when in contact with the medium.
Hose fittings
Choose rubber hose fittings that ensure proper sealing, thereby preventing leakage of the working fluid.
Application
An important factor when selecting a rubber hose is its intended use. Many different products available on the market allow selection of the appropriate rubber hose according to demand, as application options vary.
Attention should be paid to the conditions in which the hose will be used and the fluids that will flow through it. Industrial hoses, depending on their parameters, are used in gas installations, hot water flow, steam, and fuels.
Storage of rubber hoses
Rubber hoses are subject to aging. To extend their service life, such products should be stored properly. Improperly stored industrial hoses may lose their elasticity and become more brittle and prone to damage. Improper storage and use contrary to their intended purpose cause rubber hoses to lose their physical properties such as deformation, cracking, and softening.
Storage environment and temperature
Industrial hoses should be stored in a dry, cool, moderately ventilated room, away from ultraviolet and radioactive materials. Relative humidity in the storage area should be below 65%. Condensation should also be avoided. Due to direct sunlight exposure, rubber products should not be stored outdoors. Rubber hoses should be protected from drafts, for example by using special tarpaulins.
Depending on the product type and elastomers used, storage temperature should not be lower than -10°C and not higher than +15°C (short-term up to +25°C). During the heating season, industrial hoses should be stored away from heat sources (minimum 1 m).
Contact with corrosive chemicals, disinfectants, and lubricants should be avoided. Ozone also negatively affects the service life of rubber hoses. They should be stored away from welding areas where high ozone exposure occurs. To avoid delamination, deformation, or surface damage, hoses should be protected from oxygen, moisture, solvents, ozone, heat, UV radiation, and strong artificial light with ultraviolet content.
Two options are used to protect rubber hoses from light: red or orange curtains or screens. The use of standard light bulbs is recommended indoors.
Types of rubber hoses – Examples
Rubber hoses are an essential component in many industries such as agriculture, mining, construction, and factories, each with specific needs and requirements. The type of rubber hose should be selected according to specific needs such as material type, internal diameter size, flow temperature, and application.
Rubber hoses are used to transport various fluids such as steam, fuels, crude oil, gas, food substances, and air. Therefore, choose the material according to its intended purpose.
Incorrectly selected technical parameters may affect operational safety. Rubber hoses can be divided into various categories depending on their application.
Rubber hoses for hot water
Hot water hoses are also available on the market. They are designed to retain their properties when in contact with water at high temperatures up to 125°C. Hot water rubber hoses are characterized by high burst resistance and are used both in industry and domestic applications. Many available products offer high quality, resistance to deformation, and maintain physical strength and flexibility at high water temperatures. Hot water rubber hoses are also resistant to weather conditions, ozone, water, and a wide temperature range. The manufacturer provides information on the operating temperature range.
Rubber hose for drinking water
A rubber hose for drinking water should meet standards that allow contact with food products or semi-finished food products. For food contact, choose a rubber hose whose materials comply with applicable FCM regulations. Rubber hoses for drinking water or food substances such as juices, oils, and alcohols are tasteless, odorless, and free of harmful substances such as dyes and fillers.
Rubber hoses for steam
Rubber hoses for steam are usually made of synthetic rubber reinforced with steel wire. They are used for steam cleaning, steam pumps, heat control, fire prevention, chemical plants, and industrial heating steam installations. They allow safe flow of steam at temperatures exceeding 160°C with maximum operating pressure ranging from 6 to 18 bar.
Hoses for compressed air
Various categories of rubber hoses with specific technical parameters are available. Rubber hoses for compressed air are resistant to adverse weather conditions, abrasion, and bending. They are commonly used in pneumatic tools requiring compressed air transfer.
Reinforced rubber hose
A reinforced rubber hose is equipped with a spiral made of plastic or steel. It is used for transporting abrasive materials such as quartz sand, mineral wool, plastic granules, sand, cement, and food materials such as sugar and grains. Reinforced rubber hoses usually serve suction and discharge functions. They are also recommended where electrostatic charges accumulate, such as in tankers. Thanks to copper wires inside the rubber, these hoses have antistatic properties responsible for dissipating electrical charges.
A full range of rubber hoses can be found here
Safety information
All categories of rubber hoses should be regularly inspected and tested regardless of application. It is recommended to check the condition of the hose and fittings before each use, especially when they come into contact with hazardous chemicals. Contact with chemicals can be dangerous, so choose a rubber hose intended for transferring such liquids. Before use, ensure that the hose has no cuts, cracks, abrasions, or blisters.
In our store, you will also find rubber hoses for vehicles, including fuel and oil hoses, cooling system hoses, gas installation hoses, and welding hoses.
We guarantee professional technical advice. We invite you to contact us by phone at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, by email (Power@PowerRubber.com), or via our contact form.
