Prevent premature washdown hose wear and failure. Washdown hoses are often subjected to physical abuse while in service. Select a hose that meets or exceeds the application it is intended for. Consider temperature, pressure, and environmental concerns such as abrasion and chemical resistance. Every plant should have a maintenance/inspection plan in place to ensure the longest possible life of the hose.
Be sure to consider these steps in your plan:
- Store hose properly when not in use. Hose racks or reels are highly recommended to keep hoses off the floor and out of harms way. Pay attention to humidity, temperature, ozone and sunlight. Storing out of direct sunlight, in a room with moderate humidity and a temperature range of 50 to 75°F is recommended.
- Always shut off the water supply to the hose when not in use and open the nozzle to relieve the pressure before storing. Leaving water in the hose subjects it to constant pressure and will shorten the life of the hose.
- Don’t pull the hose by the nozzle – this puts undo stress on the connection point.
- Avoid exceeding the hose’s rated bend radius. Kinking of the hose can create weak spots in the hose wall. Consider using hoses with internal springs or kink guards to prevent kinking directly behind the coupler.
- Never exceed the rated temperature and working pressure of a hose assembly.
- Routinely inspect hose for wear and damage. Look for external damage – stiffness, discoloration, cuts, cracks, kinks, blisters, excessive abrasion and exposed or broken wires.
- Regularly inspect fittings. A hose should be removed from service if any fitting movement or damage is found that could prevent it from operating as intended.
Giving careful consideration to hose selection, care, maintenance and storage can provide optimum return on your investment. For more information contact our Process & Flow Control department at 800-826-8302.
