Causes of steam hose failures
A steam hose that is not maintained properly can lead to a variety of problems, including leaks or bursts. Failures can be prevented by proper care. First, ensure that the hose does not exceed its maximum bend radius. It is also important to store the hose in a clean and dry place.
Another cause of failure is improper routing. The hose may bend to the point where the assembly does not fit properly. Routing the hose properly can avoid this problem. It is important to route the hose straight, with a bend radius of two times the hose ID from the fitting. Use the correct clamps. You should also inspect the inner tube of the hose for any signs of deterioration. It may show signs of delamination, swelling, or partial washout.
You might also get the hose chafed against something. In some cases, this will cause a burst. In other cases, the hose may have been kinked and crushed. If this is the case, it is necessary to reroute the hose and install proper clamps.
The steam source should be shut off by a valve to avoid damage to the hose. Vacuum should not be used on the hose. The assembly will be damaged if the hose is bent too much.
There are ways to prolong the life expectancy of steam hoses
It is important to drain your steam hose completely before you store it. If you fail to do this, the hose may develop a problem known as popcorning. Popcorning is caused when water vapor is trapped. This water cools down when it isn't being used, but it expands and damages its inner tube when it comes into contact with high-temperature steam.
Wrapping the steam hose layers with a thermoplastic or nonwoven film can extend their life. A polyurethane film or fabric that is thermally stable during curing is more suitable for this application. The material should have a vulcanization temperature of about 59 psi. It should also be thermally stable at the melting point, which is important during steam curing.
Reinforcement layers 17 may be knitted, braided, or spiraled, and can be wrapped around the inner tube 20. Reinforcement layers 17 are made of one or more filaments, such as monofilaments, continuous multi-filament fibers, yarns, and cords. Reinforcement layers can also be made from a short "staple strand" made from one or several fiber materials.
A steam hose can also fail if it is not properly handled. Proper handling of the hoses can lead to a failure due to high internal pressure, high temperatures, or moisture. Properly caring for steam hoses will prolong their lives and increase safety for employees.
Steam hoses have a minimum radius of bend
In hose selection, the minimum bending radius is one important factor. This is the distance from the inside edge of the hose to the centerline of the bend. A hose with a narrow bend radius will likely have a shorter service life. There are two types of bend radius: the inside radius and the centerline radius.
A hose can rupture or split if it is not bent correctly. It can also cause leakage or crimps. It may also lead to improper assembly or installation. Incorrect bending can also cause over-bending or kinking, which can reduce the flow.
When bending a metal pipe, make sure to not exceed the maximum radius. To calculate the length of the hose, you can use a formula. Also, if the hose is being exposed to high levels of vibration, make sure that it has a minimum bend radius that is not exceeded. Otherwise, the hose may be subject to kinking, which can damage its external braid.
In addition to determining the bending radius, force-to-bend should also be considered. This measure determines how much stress is necessary to cause a specified bend. Thick walls, large bores, and short lengths are all possible reasons for a low force-to-bend.