Metal Hoses: The Backbone of Safety in Industrial Applications

A metal hose is needed for several uses. Whether it be in the processing of foods or the distribution of gas and oil, there is a variety of hoses and fittings. You might also have questions, such as: What are the roles of a metal hose, or why is a metal hose used? Is it safe? Is it economical for my industrial use? These are the questions this blog hopes to answer, and it will briefly cover the use of metal hoses and the factors involved in their usage.

What is a Metal Hose?

Metal hoses are flexible piping procured in two general categories according to design and function. There are two sub-categories of metal hose: strip-wound hose and corrugated hose. Although strip-wound hoses offer the highest mechanical strength, corrugated hoses can provide maximum leak tightness because the material withstands high pressure. Corrugated hoses are also pressure-tight under conditions such as in space, cooled liquid gas, or transport of aggressive seawater atmospheres. They are also corrosion-resistant.

Metal hoses have been around for more than a hundred years. They have also paved the way for flexible line components like metal bellows, metal expansion joints, and flexible metal pipes.

When do you use a metal hose?

One of the most commonly asked questions is when to employ a metal hose is suitable. Although various hoses are available in the market, such as rubber hoses, composite hoses, PTFE hoses, and fabric hoses, the numerous benefits of using a metal hose make it a preferred choice.

Most industries use metal hose assemblies, which are easy to apply and sturdy. Metal hoses join gas hoses for moving fixed appliances, oil, steam, or water. However, the decision on which type of hose to purchase is only determined by its use or intended purpose.

Here are a few factors that can help you determine when to use a metal hose:

Extreme temperatures

When the surrounding atmosphere or the media flowing inside the hose is hot or cold in extremes, the metal hose may be the only hose that can withstand such conditions.

Chemical components

Metal hoses can work with a greater variety of chemicals than other hoses. They should be used if your application subjects the hose to rough, aggressive chemicals internally or externally. Chemicals and alloys can be incorporated into stainless steel, and metal hoses can be made anti-corrosive using this material.

Permeation Problems

The gases may diffuse through the hose's wall and into the atmosphere for non-metal hoses. On the other hand, permeation does not occur with metal hoses if they are correctly fabricated.

Catastrophic Failure

During failure, the metal hoses are observed to have small holes or cracks, while other hoses have large cracks or even disintegrate. However, the fittings are welded to metal hoses, so fitting retention issues are rare. If the associated hose fails suddenly, the metal hose will help reduce the severity of this failure by ensuring that the product drains slowly.

Overbending and Abrasion Concerns

Metals can also be used as a protective covering over wires and other hoses to guard against abrasion and overbending. Strip wound hoses are highly abrasion-resistant and suitable for use as protection. They can also be used over the surface of a corrugated hose to avert excessive bending of the hose. It is impossible to over-bend the strip wound hose, so one test that can be conducted on the metal hose of an assembly is to bend a corrugated hose.

Fire Safety

While other kinds of hose will degrade when exposed to fire, metal hose can retain its fire rating up to 1200 degrees F. Corrugated hoses are better regarding fire rating and low permeation, where the hose is exposed to open flame or is used for barge loading and unloading.  

Full vacuum

Metal hoses do not collapse when fully evacuated from the air, while other hoses may. The corrugations in a metal hose provide great hoop strength, making the hose capable of withstanding a total vacuum. These helix wires are utilized in non-metallic hoses to enhance their vacuum capability. However, collapse is still a possibility.

Flexibility – In Case Of Fitting Configuration

In corrugated hose assembly, any weldable fitting can be utilized in any configuration you desire. On the other hand, other types of hoses need a unique collar and shank. This is better than other hoses that need threaded joints to connect various hoses. Every threaded connection is a possible leak jet. Thus, if the fitting is to be welded, it eliminates any leakage point and could help facilitate smooth installation.  

Conclusion

The selection of a metal hose must consider the degree of efficiency and the safety of the crew's work. Although it is possible that the metal hose might not be needed when the application is being applied, it can be beneficial most of the time.

A metal hose is much more effective and long-lasting than a non-metal hose. This makes it the most preferred in industrial markets, such as restaurants, chemical factories, and factories.