What are the maintenance and upkeep methods for rubber hoses?

一、 Pre use inspection
1. Appearance inspection
Before each use of the rubber hose, carefully inspect its appearance for any abnormal conditions such as cracks, wear, deformation, bubbles, etc. If any signs of damage are found, immediately stop using and replace the hose with a new one.
Check whether the connection parts of the hose are firm, and whether the joints are loose or leaking. Ensure tight connection to prevent leakage during use.
2. Stress testing
For rubber hoses that can withstand pressure, such as hydraulic hoses, a pressure test can be conducted before use. Slowly increase the pressure within the specified range and observe whether the hose can withstand the corresponding pressure without leakage or rupture.
二、 Correct installation and use
1. Avoid excessive bending
When installing rubber hoses, excessive bending should be avoided. Excessive bending can cause stress concentration inside the hose, reducing its strength and service life. Generally speaking, the bending radius of a hose should not be less than its specified minimum bending radius.
During use, care should also be taken not to forcefully bend the hose to avoid permanent damage.
2. Prevent distortion
Ensure that the rubber hose does not twist during installation and use. Twisting can affect the internal flow of the hose, increase resistance, and may even lead to hose rupture.
When connecting hoses, ensure that the joints at both ends are aligned to avoid twisting of the hoses after connection.
3. Keep away from heat sources and sharp objects
Rubber hoses should be kept away from high temperature heat sources such as open flames, heaters, etc. High temperatures can cause rubber to age and harden, reducing the performance and lifespan of hoses.
At the same time, avoid contact between the hose and sharp objects to avoid being punctured or scratched. During storage and use, attention should be paid to protecting the hose to avoid mechanical damage.
三、 Regular maintenance
1. Clean the hose
Regularly clean rubber hoses to remove surface dirt and impurities. Gentle cleaning agents and soft cloths can be used for wiping, avoiding the use of highly corrosive cleaning agents.
For hoses used to transport special media such as food and medicine, it is even more important to keep them clean to prevent contamination.
2. Check pressure and flow rate
Regularly check whether the pressure and flow rate of the rubber hose are within the specified range. If the pressure is too high or the flow rate is too large, it may cause damage to the hose.
Tools such as pressure gauges and flow meters can be used for testing to ensure that the hose operates under safe working conditions.
3. Replace the aging hose
Rubber hoses will age over time, resulting in hardening, cracking, and loss of elasticity. Generally speaking, the service life of rubber hoses is several years, depending on the usage environment and frequency.
Regularly check the aging degree of the hose. Once severe aging is found, a new hose should be replaced in a timely manner to ensure safety.
四、 Storage precautions
1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure
When storing rubber hoses, direct sunlight should be avoided. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can accelerate the aging of rubber and reduce the performance of hoses.
You can store the hose in a cool, dry place or cover it with a blackout cloth.
2. Stay away from chemicals
Rubber hoses should be kept away from chemicals such as acids, alkalis, solvents, etc. These chemicals can corrode rubber and damage hoses.
If it must be stored in an environment with chemicals, corresponding protective measures should be taken, such as using sealed containers or protective covers.
3. Proper winding and storage
When rubber hoses are not in use, they can be coiled up for storage. When winding, be careful not to be too tight to avoid deformation of the hose.
Special hose reels or hooks can be used for storage, making it convenient for future use.
In short, proper maintenance and upkeep methods can extend the service life of rubber hoses, improve their safety and reliability. When using rubber hoses, you should strictly follow the above methods for maintenance and upkeep to ensure that they function well in various fields.