Home > How To Pick the Perfect Hose

How To Pick the Perfect Hose

Here at Hose & Fitting Supply, our goal is to provide you with high-quality industrial and personal-use hoses to make your business a success. We understand that hoses play an important role in your day-to-day operations, and while you are an expert in your field, you might not be an expert in hoses. Thankfully, we are, and we intend to share our knowledge with you to help you ensure that your equipment continues to perform optimally. There are so many more types of hoses than the standard push-lock hose most people are familiar with. In this article, we will look at some of the different hoses we offer and compare their strengths and weaknesses so you can find the right hose to fit your specific needs.

What Is the Hose Being Used For?
The first question you should ask yourself before buying a hose is, “What will this hose be used for?” Are you transporting a simple liquid like water? Are there potentially corrosive chemicals that could eat away at the hose and cause a spill? Is the liquid heated, under high pressure, or a gas? All of these questions should be considered before you start looking for the perfect hose. For most non-high-pressure hydraulics, a standard hydraulic rubber hose will work. If you need to transport high-temp fluids or need an electric current running through the liquid, then a thermoplastic hose might be your best choice. PVC hoses are an excellent choice for agricultural work or if you need to discharge large amounts of water or chemicals. Remember, not all hoses are built the same, and some will perform better with certain tasks or are designed to meet specific needs. Let's take a deeper look into some of the complications of fluid transport and how these hoses solve any issues.

How Much Pressure?
One of the worst things that can happen when using a hose is for it to burst. While high temperatures or corrosive chemicals can wear away at a hose and cause an unsafe environment, one concern you don't want to overlook is how much pressure the fluid or gas inside the hose will be under. The more pressure inside the hose, the more pressure is exerted on the walls of the hose. Think of it like filling up a balloon: If you push too much air inside of it, it will pop. But industrial-strength hoses are a lot tougher than your average balloon. While most standard rubber and air hoses can handle up to 300 psi, heavy-duty PVC hoses can withstand up to 800 psi over long periods of time. It is important to note that getting the hose that can handle the most PSI is not always the best choice. Other key factors, such as the temperature of the fluids and the chemicals being transported, are also just as important to consider. Before buying industrial hoses for your business, figure out how much pressure they will be under and find the right match for the task.

What's the Temperature?
It's hard to imagine a less safe environment than an area with scalding-hot fluids being sprayed all over the floor. When picking the right hose, it's always important to choose material that can handle all the aspects of your fluids. If you are transporting room-temperature products, then most hoses will meet your needs. If you are moving liquids far beyond room temperature, then consider looking into thermoplastic hoses. These hoses are designed to handle the hot stuff. Rated for high temperatures, they can easily manage up to 212°F (100°C).

Are There Chemicals?
Not all hoses are resistant to the chemicals your industry uses. Be sure to check the hose materials and what they can handle to avoid corrosion and leaks. Most rubber hoses are resistant to oils, while thermoplastic and PVC hoses are built to resist a wide array of chemicals. However, this is a general rule of thumb, and more research should be done if you are planning to transport any potentially hazardous materials.

How Much Outflow?
It is also important to consider how much liquid you are looking to move at once and how quickly. If you need to spray a lot of water or chemicals, then a wider hose is your best option. Consider the internal diameter of the hose to find one that meets your needs. It's important to note that the larger the diameter, the less internal pressure the hose will have.