To ensure that your hoses, tubes or wires don’t suffer damage or wear and tear from constant friction, it is necessary to cover them with a protective sleeve at the point of contact with a frame, other equipment, wires or sharp/rough edges. Protecting hoses is very important in a range of industrial environments like mining, drilling, oil-rigs, automobile and other machinery which has hydraulic applications. Securing and protecting the hose can prevent damage, leakage and ensure that your work-place remains safe and free of losses from such leakage or seepage.
A good hose protector should be made of material that is suited to the industrial application. For instance, in chemical industries, the hose protector should be made of material that is corrosion resistant and can withstand the chemical action of solvents, elements and gases. In other industries, the hose may have to withstand very high or low temperatures.
Some of the available options:
Materials: Hose sleeves or protectors come in a variety of materials and you can choose the one that best fits the needs of your industry. PVC is a commonly used material, as it is tough, has high endurance qualities and is also flexible. It is used to cover oil-lines, hydraulic brake systems, fuel supply systems, battery cables etc. This material also makes the protector easy to fit and remove. Fiber-glass, fire-resistant coatings on materials and textiles, flexible steel coverings, spring-type covering, silicone sheathing, special materials like Kevlar, or materials that can withstand continuous movements and flexing, coverings made with graphite coatings, etc are available.
Function: Hose protectors can serve a variety of functions. They can protect the tubing or hose from damage due to wear and tear, render them resistant to fire, spillage, leakage, splashes during chemical processes etc. Hose sleeves protect against high temperatures if they’re coated with silicone-rubber compounds, which is important in steel manufacturing or welding industries, where melted metals can splash onto the hose. Kevlar material is very tough and can withstand abrasion and cutting. Fiber-glass protectors with aluminum reflective coating can withstand damage due to radiant heat. Graphite coatings keep the hose lubricated and also suitable for electrical conduction. Nylon and braided steel or metal hose protectors ensure that tubing remains protected while it’s constantly moved. This can prevent dangerous explosions in many industries.
Ultimately, it is regular maintenance of tubes and hoses that ensures safety and protection. Hence it is important to know exactly what material the hose protector is made of and what its function is. In some cases, flame-retardant materials may not actually be fire-proof. They could burn slowly or be self-extinguishing only when the fire-source is removed. Hence, it’s essential to collect the right information from manufacturers and retailers before placing your hose protector order. welding hose manufacturers
