The type of piping used to connect two distant points to transport or transfer fluid is known as a flexible hose. Most flexible metal hoses look similar. However, their dimension, thickness and size may vary according to the requirement of the application.

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A flexible metal hose helps absorb vibrations, pipe movements, and noise. They are designed to connect misaligned rigid piping. They also help connect moving parts of machinery or equipment and are practical for hooking up frequently moved or dismantled equipment.

At Aeroflex, we manufacture customised flexible metallic hoses that are durable and corrosion & temperature resistant.

Upgrade Your Systems with Flexible Metal Hoses

A] Flexible Metal Hose/Flexible Metal Piping: What&#;s Inside?

A metal hose, commonly known as a hosepipe, is made from four basic components. Individually, these parts may appear very simple. But, when combined in a flexible metal hose assembly, they become an optimal solution for varied industries and applications.

1. Corrugated Tubing

Corrugated tubing is the main component of a flexible metal hose. It plays a key role in the significant value-added attributes of the assembly, such as flexibility, corrosion resistance, and pressure rating.

• Flexibility: Flexibility in a hose refers to the &#;minimum dynamic bend radius&#; (MDBR). Here, if an application needs a tighter MDBR, then a close-pitched corrugated metal hose is ideal. Why? because it helps distribute the bending stress over more corrugations, thereby allowing the hose to bend more tightly.
• Corrosion Resistance: Corrosion resistance is inter-connected to choosing the right alloy for the media being conveyed. For instance, 321 stainless steel provides optimal corrosion resistance for almost all applications. However, if an application requires chemical resistance, 316 stainless steel is well-suited as it includes other alloy elements that increase resistance to chemicals. Likewise, if the media transferred is chlorine, it may require a superior alloy that offers the highest degree of corrosion resistance.
• Pressure Rating: The term pressure rating or working pressure is used to express the hose&#;s ability to handle the internal pressure. The pressure rating helps create value for an assembly, depending upon its use.

All corrugated tubing options vary in corrosion resistance ratings, pressure ratings, and levels of flexibility they can offer, making them the most important features of every flexible hose.

2. Braid

The braid is the second vital hose component that contributes to an assembly&#;s ability to withstand high pressures. Multiple factors contribute to a braid&#;s functionality, like the diameter of the wire, the wire number per carrier, the number of carriers on the braiding machine, and the percentage of braid coverage. You can also increase the pressure rating by adding additional layers of braid to the assembly.

The design of the braid can have a significant effect on the pressure rating and the life cycle of the hose. Thus, a braid package consisting of a high-percentage braid coverage (braided directly into the hose) should be used to ensure the braid is well-secured on the hose. This protects the assembly from potential deformation while ensuring a maximum life cycle.

3. Braid Collar

Though braid collars only account for a small portion of the hose assembly, they are important. Inner corrugated hose and the braid are joined together in a seamless unit by braid collars during the cap welding process.

Besides helping join the hose components, the braid collars protect and isolate corrugations near the cap weld from any movement. Once the cap welding process is done, these corrugations turn into a &#;heat-affected zone&#;. This ensures the optimal functionality and durability of each hose.

Also, braid collars ensure that any bending stresses are evenly distributed over the right corrugations, thereby preserving the life cycle of the assembly.

4. End Fittings

The end-fittings are the final components added to an assembly. These fittings are available in numerous options, allowing flexible metal hose assemblies to be customised to suit varied applications. Before you select the fittings, ensure to verify the size, alloy, and pressure requirements of the application.

B] Types of Flexible Metal Hoses

Flexible meta hose are manufactured in two basic styles, including corrugated stainless steel hose and interlock hose.

1. Corrugated Hoses

A regular hose cannot sustain the longitudinal pressure stress and tends to squirm under internal pressure. Thus, to resist the longitudinal pressure stress and prevent it from squirming, corrugated hoses are often constructed with braid wrappings around the outer surface. A corrugated hose is constructed with a long length bellow, and the braid protects the corrugation from scratch and wear. This type of hose is suitable for handling any type of gases and liquid that are compatible with the material of the hose.

Learn more about corrugated hose and its applications here.

2. Interlock Hoses

The construction of an interlock hose involves links that are kept tight with the packaging material. Clearances are provided between these links to make them capable enough to accommodate some axial movement that gradually closes as the hose is bent.

When the clearances are completely closed, the hose becomes stiff, restricting any further bending. This sudden stiffness is a warning to the handler, preventing the interlocked hose from being over-bent and causing potential damage.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Xinshun.

The automatic warning feature makes this hose ideal for manual handling. Also, the outer surface of the interlocked hose is relatively smooth, making handling easy without any covering.

However, its packaging does not offer a perfect seal. Hence, it is satisfactory for carrying low-pressure air, steam, and water but not apt for conveying gases and liquids such as kerosene and alcohol.

Upgrade Your Systems with Flexible Metal Hoses

C] Factors to Consider for Installation of Metal Flex Hoses

Be it standard metal hoses or braided flexible hoses, all hoses are flexible, which makes the process of installation easy. Nevertheless, a few general precautions needed to be taken during the installation to avoid hose failures or damage.

• The hose should not be subjected to any sort of twisting. The hose should be installed in such a way that flexing takes place only in the plane of bending.
• Make sure that the hose length is sufficient to accommodate the offset and movement.
• The space where the hose has to be installed should be adequate to accommodate its length.
• Avoid sharp bends while installing flexible hoses. Follow the &#;Technical Data Section&#; of the vendor catalogue to maintain the minimum centerline bend radius for intermittent flexing.
• Ensure to maintain a minimum bend radius with the respect to the hose during the initial layout and throughout the installation process.

Read: Installation Precautions

D] Flexible Metallic Hoses &#; Application Areas

Flexible metallic hoses have a wide range of applications. Some of them include:

• As a garden hose to water plants or to convey water to a sprinkler.
• As a hose to water crops in agriculture for drip irrigation.
• To carry air from a surface compressor or air tank. As a fuel hose to carry fuel safely.
• To convey water to a fire site for fire-fighting service.
• In chemistry & medicine, flexible hoses are utilised to move around liquid chemicals or gases.
• Flexible metal hoses can be used for Heat Tracing.
• In the oil industries, liquids under high pressures are moved using these types of hoses.
• Other applications include auto heater tubing, wiring conduit, moderate suction lines, automotive exhaust, dust collecting ducting, ventilating ducting, air blower ducting, refrigeration tubing armour, etc.

4 Important Components of a Flexible Hose

Posted: October 28, |Category: Flexible Hoses

Flexible hoses are commonly used in a variety of industries to transport materials such as fuel, chemicals, water, and steam. Though most flexible hoses have a similar appearance, there are many different options in terms of size, thickness, and the dimensions of each component that comprises the hose. As leading providers of quality flexible hoses for all types of industries and materials, the team at Flextech Industries understands the complexities of hose assemblies. That is why our team has put together a list of 4 important components of a flexible hose to help you understand what each component does and determine which hose is right for your operation.

Learn how to determine if it is time to replace your flexible hose.

What is Inside a Flexible Hose?

Most flexible hoses contain the following components:

1. Corrugated Tubing

The corrugated tubing is the core component of a flexible metal hose. It comprises the bulk of each assembly while determining attributes such as corrosion resistance, pressure rating, and flexibility. Certain corrugated tubing products feature higher attributes than others, so it is important to determine which specifications are required for your needs. For example, you may only need a hose with a high pressure rating instead of a hose with added corrosion resistance. By determining what you need for your operation, you can potentially reduce costs without compromising the safety or longevity of your transfer system.

Learn all about residual torsional stress and why it matters.

2. Braid

The braid covers the corrugated tubing, directly influencing pressure rating. Many factors affect the durability and flexibility of each braid including the wire diameter, the number of wires per carrier, and the percentage of braid coverage. Choosing the right braid configuration is crucial for protecting the hose from deformation and ensuring a long usable life.

Learn all about the different type of industrial hoses and fittings.

3. Braid Collar

Though they only account for a small portion of the hose assembly, braid collars play a vital role. All braid collars are designed to join the inner corrugated hose and the braid together into one seamless unit. Each collar also works to ensure that any bending stress is properly distributed over the right corrugations, optimizing the functionality and durability of each assembly.

4. End Fittings

The final component added to an assembly is the fittings. These components allow the flexible hose assembly to fit into a certain connector, spigot, or other receptacle. To ensure the best possible fit, all end fittings should be thoroughly examined to verify that the size, alloy, and pressure ratings match the requirements of the application.

Learn more about what is inside a flexible hose.

To learn more about our selection of flexible hoses and other specialty products, get in touch with the team at Flextech Industries. We can be reached through our online contact form and will work with you to provide the perfect solution for your needs.

Are you interested in learning more about Industrial Flexible Hose? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!