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How to Protect a Hydraulic Hose

In the industrial and commercial sectors, hydraulic hose assemblies are generally exposed to rough and demanding environmental conditions that gradually cause damage and degradation. They are also subjected to constant motion and vibration that cause chafing and rubbing that leads to premature wear. While both situations ultimately result in hose failure, the time it takes to reach that point may vary based on the preventative measures employed.

In the following article, we outline some of the best methods of protecting hydraulic hoses from failure to extend their service life and save industry professionals time and money.

Guard Against Erosion

One of the leading causes of hose failure is erosion, which occurs when an external leak prompts the ingress of fluid into machinery. The protective measures against this issue are as follows:

• Using the correct hose size for the system’s maximum velocity rating
• Checking the hose is not too tight for the flow of the system and not too abrasive for the inner tube
• Following the engineer specifications regarding installation that came with the hose at purchase

Ensure Fluid Compatibility

Another common cause of hydraulic hose failure is using incompatible process fluids, which can cause the inner tube component to swell or wash out. When selecting a hydraulic hose assembly for a system, ensure all construction materials—including for the outer coverings, inner tubes, fittings, and O-rings—are appropriate for the system’s process fluids.

Monitor Insertion Depth

During assembly operations, the hose should not be pushed beyond its insertion depth, as doing so can result in failure. Be sure to check the hose’s fitting shell, which indicates the strength of its holding. It is also a good idea to use depth blocks to gauge the hose and fitting connection to ensure the hose is fully inserted without being over-extended.

Stay Within the Bend Radius

When a hose surpasses its bend radius, the tube and its cover may rip apart. Checking the engineering specifications before installing and using the hose assembly can help prevent buckling during operations. Changing the fittings, lengths, and configurations employed can also protect the hose from exceeding the bend radius.

Avoid Contamination

Contamination can occur when cutting and inserting the hose during assembly operations. Any contaminants that enter the assembly can have significant impacts on the individual hose components (e.g., cause cracks on the inner tube) and the system as a whole (e.g., cause erosion). Before attaching the hose to the fitting, clean it properly—paying particular attention to the inner tube—to prevent debris and dust from entering in the first place. Once fully constructed, the assembly should be capped to prevent contamination during transportation and storage.

Prevent Overheating

When exposed to temperatures above their maximum rating, tubes are prone to stiffening and cracking. If the outer cover appears dried out or the hose assembly emits cracking noises, the hose assembly may be experiencing overheating. Prevention methods against this issue include using hose assemblies with higher temperature ratings and integrating thermal guards and shielding for the protection of the assembly.

Minimize External Abrasions

Nearly three-quarters of all hydraulic hose failures occur as a result of external damage to the assembly. For this reason, it is important to monitor and inspect equipment for signs of wear regularly. Excessive wear may be a result of components rubbing against each other or other unwanted movements. Protective hose accessories—such as sleeves, shielding, spring guards, and wraps—can minimize the damage experienced by the assembly.

Contact the Industrial Hose Experts at Jason Industrial Today

For more information about protecting hydraulic hose assemblies, turn to the experts at Jason Industrial. Our team has extensive experience providing hydraulic hose products and services. To learn more about our offerings, contact us or request a quote today.