Quite often, customers have questions regarding the subject of hose flexibility. Many different terms are used to describe this attribute of the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Sanitary Couplers line. To demystify this complexity, we present a comprehensive Hose Flexibility Glossary. This glossary aims to shed light on key terms utilized in the hose industry, offering formal definitions for concepts such as Bend Radius, Minimum Bend Radius, Dynamic Bend Radius, Static Bend Radius, Force to Bend, and various Pressure Definitions. Whether you're dealing with fluoropolymer hose, all-rubber hose, or metal hose, this glossary serves as a valuable resource to enhance your understanding of hose flexibility parameters. 

Bend Radius (fluoropolymer hose and allrubber hose)
The radius of a bent section of hose measured to the innermost surface of the curved portion (R1).

Bend Radius (metal hose)
The radius of a bent section of hose measured to the hose centerline (R2).

Minimum Bend Radius
The smallest radius at which a hose can be used.

Hose Flexibility Glossary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bend Radius (all, except metal hose) = R1 measured to inside radius
Bend Radius for metal hose = R2 measured to centerline radius

Metal Hose

Dynamic Bend Radius
The radius at which constant or continuous flexing occurs.

Static Bend Radius
The smallest fixed radius to which a hose can be subjected.

Force to Bend
The amount of stress required to induce bending around a specified radius. Hence, a measure of stiffness.

Pressure Definitions

Maximum Rated Working Pressure
The maximum pressure that the hose can be subjected to continuously.

Maximum Rated Test Pressure
The maximum rated pressure is multiplied by 150% to determine the maximum rated test pressure.

Nominal Rated Burst Pressure
The average pressure at which the core or braid will rupture at ambient temperature.

Pulsating or Shock Pressure
The performance of metal hose can be greatly reduced under this type of working pressure. Pressures are normally reduced by 50% in pulsating or shock pressure applications.

Pressure/Temperature Correction
Metal hose pressure capabilities decrease as the temperature increases. Consult the Temperature/Pressure Reference guide (p. 42) to determine pressure ratings at elevated temperatures.

Pressure Drop
Pressure drop occurs in long hose runs. The amount of pressure loss in a metal hose is approximately three times that of a steel pipe.