As far as components for your hydraulic system go, rubber hoses are quite versatile. They are able to fit into most areas and reach numerous places in which other hosing materials cannot. However, your rubber hose can be subject to failure. Throughout the course of this brief article, you will learn of just a few of the possible reasons why your rubber hose is failing.
Improper Fittings
It should be noted that your hose fittings must match their size. Hose fittings are not a matter of one size being able to fit onto all hosing systems. Before your rubber hose has been installed, take the time to note whether the hose in question requires reusable or crimped fittings. Reusable fittings will not work on hoses fitted for crimped fittings, and vice versa.
Improper Routing
Clamps can significantly change the way your hose bends or is "routed." If inappropriate clamps are used for your hose, this can cause the hose itself to to become taut and lose its elasticity, or in other cases it can cause leaks to form in the hose's casing. These deformed, leaky hoses are ultimately unusable.
Chemical Issues
Although rubber hoses are resilient and are made to withstand industrial environments, this does not mean that they should be subjected to chemicals. Fuels, alkalis, oils, acids, and cleaning solvents can all be the source of a significant amount of damage to your rubber hose. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can begin to erode the performance and integrity of your o-rings, hose covers, and fittings.
Exceeding Working Pressure
Depending on the strength, brand, and model of your rubber hose, you will have a recommended working pressure. It is highly recommended that you never go over this allotted amount. The higher you go over this working pressure, the much more likely it is that your casing and fitting will begin to erode and snap.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature refers to the temperature in which the hose is being used or stored. Each rubber hose model has a different ambient temperature recommendation. By going over (or in some cases, significantly under) this recommended amount, you can wind up damaging an array of the parts associated with your rubber hose.
Throughout the course of this guide, you have hopefully learned a bit about some causes for worry when it comes to your rubber hoses. Although strong, it is best to err on the side of caution whenever employing the use of rubber hoses in a hydraulic system.
