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by Katie Reid on Wed, Feb 22, 2023 @ 08:02 AM
Above: A few examples of what we see in the field. See below for the video. Our Hose Resource Collection (free) delivers a range of content on this topic in one step.
Routing rigid tubing requires careful planning, but routing hose and flexible tubing is relatively effortless—right?
Wrong. In fact, Swagelok has thousands of data points showing a clear pattern: faulty hose routing is the leading cause of industrial hose failure. And short hose service life is costly in several ways. For one thing, too many manufacturers, processors, researchers, and other essential businesses overspend, year after year, on preventable hose repairs and replacements.
Correctly routing hose requires two things:
- Knowledge of best practices (see below)
- Commitment to act on the knowledge
Click above to watch Swagelok's Tech Tips video on best practices when routing and installing your hoses. To dive deeper, consider getting our Hose Resource Collection (free download).
Rule 1: Mind the bend starting point. Before starting any bends, allow a minimum straight length of hose that's at least two times the outer diameter.
The most common outcome of improper routing is kinking: the material is bent beyond its elastic limit and is permanently deformed. Installing a hose with smaller bends than advised by the manufacturer leads to shortened hose life.
Rule 2: Mind gravity. Reduce hose strain with elbows and connectors.
It's common for hoses to be installed without elbows and adapters. Those require forethought, a bit of extra installation work, and a little cost, after all. But if a hose comes out of, say, a wall or fitting horizontally, gravity will constantly pull down and bend the hose at the end connection. Over time, this can damage the hose. Elbows and adapters reduce hose strain from a connection point.
Rule 3: Mind flex. Dynamic bend radii should always be larger than static.
In dynamic applications, a hose can kink if it is too short or has been routed incorrectly. Don't underestimate the length needed. Consider the full range of motion and how system pressure changes during operation. Correct length hose distributes movement, reducing strain by preventing bends smaller than the minimum bend radius.
Rule 4: Mind twist. In dynamic applications, repeatedly bending hose on multiple planes can lead to rapid hose failure.
In static applications, hose can be bent this way and that yet have a long service life. But dynamic motion can cause repetitive twisting in one spot on the hose. That will damage the hose's core material and/or loosen its end connections. Ensure that bending occurs in only one plane by using elbows, adapters, and other methods of securing the hose.
How we can help
Hose fabrication
Our local team can build hose for you. We can combine any of 22 types of hose/flexible tubing with any of 89 end connections, in almost any length, in small or large quantities. Every hose is built and tested here in Edmonton by Swagelok-certified technicians. (Clean room assembly and custom kitting are also available.) Our Hose Resource Collection offers literature on this service.
Local, accessible hose experts
Swagelok Hose Advisors are trained to identify ways to enhance your hose selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance procedures to improve hose life and performance. We go beyond surface examinations to discover the underlying cause of failures or issues like kinking, selection, materials compatibility, length, and connectors. Our Hose Resource Collection offers literature on this service.
Hose training
Understanding the fundamentals of hose and flexible tubing helps to extend hose production cycles, promote safety, and lower total cost of ownership. Instructors introduce common terminology, explain variables impacting hose selection, and show how to select hose for different applications. Coursework includes common practices for conducting hose inspections and best practices for preventive maintenance. Please message us or call us for details.
Hose Resource Collection
This collection includes a Hose Selection & Troubleshooting Technical Briefing Video, our Hose & Flexible Tubing Quicklook, Hose Advisory Services (HAS) Literature, Locally Built Hoses: Introducing Our Hose Cell; links to articles by our local team, more technical briefings, and more.
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