The factors to shorten hydraulic hose lifespan can be avoidable if you take some measures to prevent the things below from happening in your normal applications.
Many factories depend on hydraulic systems for efficient performance and output. The maintenance of these devices, however, is not taken into consideration by many. One study found that the average failure rate of 10,000 hoses was 18%, which is relatively high.
If your hose assembly fails during operation, it can cause serious physical harm or damage to the machinery, as well as to humans. Not to mention the wasted fluid.
This scenario is preventable by identifying and eliminating elements that negatively affect your hose setup. In that regard, check out the things that shorten the lifespan of your hose assembly below.
1. Temperature
Extreme heat is one of the critical factors that affect the lifespan of a hydraulic hose. These hoses are rubber, and rubber ages faster from excess thermal exposure.
As the temperature increases, the hose degrades, and over time, it breaks down. Even a slight increase in the ambient temperature, at about -20°c to -50°c, might result in a 50% reduction in hose life. Hence, ensure you set up your hydraulic hose system in a room with an appropriate temperature.
Aside from external temperature, using your hose to convey hot fluids beyond its recommended temperature is not advisable as this could result in damage to the inner tube. You should have an efficient oil cooling system if your work involves relatively hot hydraulic fluids.
2. Abrasion
Abrasion can occur with relative movement. when hydraulic hoses on the machine are fixed in a mess and without protective sleeves, the surfaces between the hoses rub constantly. This can decrease the lifespan of hydraulic hoses.
The best option is to use protective sleeves or guards in your hoses or fix some brackets on your machine and arrange your hoses in good order.
3. Poor Storage
Your hydraulic hose is vulnerable to damage if not stored properly. Primarily, you should store your hydraulic hoses in a clean and well-ventilated warehouse.
You shouldn’t leave your hose system outdoors for a long time, even if the machines you use them on are outdoors. Store your hose assembly indoors and above ground level to keep it in good condition for a longer period of time.
Ideally, mount it on a sturdy wall frame, away from other machines and chemicals. You can store it using a hose reel, rack, or storage cabinet.
4. Improper Handling
Having a stationary indoor hydraulic system doesn’t mean it cannot be subject to mishandling. Workers should avoid standing on hoses or rolling heavy equipment and machinery over them.
Furthermore, poor handling also has to do with routing. You’ll be shortening the lifespan of your hose assembly if you fail to follow the hose lay lines.
For example, suppose that the hose system requires horizontal routing. In that case, a vertical installation will negatively affect its lifespan. If you don’t understand the information on the lay-lines, you should consult a professional for help.
5. Extreme Pressure
Exceeding the recommended pressure is a significant factor that shortens the lifespan of a hydraulic hose system. It’s worse when you regularly fluctuate between low and high pressure.
So, ensuring you don’t exceed the pressure limit isn’t enough. If you need to increase the pressure during an operation, you should do it gradually rather than instantly. That way, you avoid excessive pressure fluctuations.
How to maintain and extend your hydraulic hose lifespan
There are simple things you can do to improve the life expectancy of your hose assembly, and they include:
Get quality and well-rated products
A sub-standard hose assembly won’t last long, even if you follow the best maintenance instructions. Therefore, it’s ideal to purchase and install quality products from the start.
You should purchase a hose assembly that matches the machinery and operation you intend to use it for. The hose, fittings, and clamps are made with different materials, meant to perform at certain working pressure. Also, they usually have specific fluid compatibility and temperature range.
Furthermore, you should consider the installation instructions, grounding requirements, and clamping procedures. You can get all these details from the product manual or specifications, which will help you make the right choice.
Importantly, avoid substituting different hose types. Your hose may be for a particular machine, and using it for something else could cause it to fail.
Proper handling and storage
How you handle and store your hose assembly determines how long it’ll last. Cleaning your hoses before use and draining and rinsing after use is recommended. Afterward, store it in a cool and clean place.
You shouldn’t keep your hydraulic hose in a warehouse where it’ll encounter heat, weathering, humidity, or ozone.
Also, it should be away from direct sunlight. Only use chemicals and petroleum specifically designed for hoses on your assembly for maintenance.
During use, ensure you only use the hose system for fitting tasks. Avoid using it at its maximum working pressure or even close. You can use relief valves to prevent pressure surges that can damage the hose.
Furthermore, install your hose system where it’s visible and easily accessible. Don’t hide it like a pipe, so you can regularly inspect and test it.
Regular Inspection
Regular inspections are important because leakages, bulges, kinks, and abrasions can occur in industrial systems at any time.
By regularly inspecting, you detect and fix them before they cause major damage. Doing so increases the durability of your hose assembly. It also allows you to know when any system part requires a replacement.
Contact an Industry Professional for your Hose Assembly Needs
Hose assemblies are critical in your day-to-day industrial setup, which is why it should be done right. At Sinopulse, our technicians work closely with your team to identify the right hose and fittings for your project. This way you get the best products as per your requirements. Contact us today!