Industrial Fluid Systems Blog

Hose Failures? Five Tips to Prevent Setbacks

Maximize the life of your hoses by getting the right fit - and looking out for trouble signs

 

HOSESMaximize the life of PTFE hose with the 5 tips here. To see which Swagelok hose will fit your application, download the product catalogue here!

Most PTFE-lined hose failures are due to factors that can be controlled. By avoiding one or all of these pitfalls you can maximize the life of your hose.

1. Right hose, wrong application 

Hoses generally fail within a few inches of the end connections. Choosing the proper end connections and designing a suitable layout should eliminate a high percentage of these failures. Avoid applications with pressure surges, which challenge the rated working pressure, or temperatures that exceed the rated limits.

2. Right application, wrong hose

PTFE is one of the most chemically inert and compatible materials on earth. However, use of rubber, metal, or even PTFE-wetted parts in the wrong service can be prevented by checking fluid compatibility with wetted hose material before installation. PTFE-lined hoses are permeable and mostly unable to achieve more than moderate vacuum service in light gas service.

3. External damage

Abrasion can reduce the useful life of a hose. Abrasion will even compromise the stainless steel outer braid of our PTFE-lined hoses, drastically reducing the pressure containing capabilities. Proper routing can reduce abrasion. Consider the least hazardous path for your hose and make use of protective jackets or spring guards

4. Electrostatic discharge

PTFE is not a good conductor of electricity. The flow of electricity can be impeded when fluids that are good conductors, like steam or fuels, come in contact with each other. Static electricity can be generated by fluid passing through the hose. Although PTFE is non-conductive it can be modified with sufficient conductivity to ground the static electric charge, eliminating a risk of catastrophic failure from charged particles arcing through the PTFE core.

5. Tested hose works better

Poor quality components or choosing a hose solely on low bid can lead to high costs associated with maintenance, safety, lost fluid or compromised equipment.  Choose your hose wisely! You should expect your hose to work well. Check out our hose catalogue to take a look at our hose selection, or contact us to discuss your hose application.

Subscribe by email