Hose selection guide
The S.T.A.M.P.E.D. method: your guide to precision hose selection
Navigating the maze of hose options? The internationally renowned S.T.A.M.P.E.D. framework offers a systematic approach to identifying the ideal hose. This acronym outlines seven pivotal criteria: Size, Temperature, Application, Material, Pressure, End-Fittings, and Delivery. Utilizing these factors, you can seamlessly pinpoint the industrial hose and associated fittings that precisely match your operational requirements.
Adherence to this comprehensive selection protocol minimizes the likelihood of operational failures, mitigating risks of substantial damage or injuries. Employing a hose or fitting in a manner divergent from its intended use, or neglecting proper maintenance could potentially lead to unsafe conditions.
For additional insights on optimizing hose selection, or to avail yourself of our expert consultation, feel free to contact us.
How to choose a hose?
S - SIZE
When crafting custom hoses and fittings, the size remains a paramount criterion. It’s not just about the internal diameter and the length; one must also factor in external conditions to achieve an ideal fit for a specific use-case.
Precision in matching the inner diameter between the fitting and the hose is crucial. This alignment is foundational for maintaining an uninterrupted flow, a cornerstone for efficient system performance. In space-restricted scenarios, the outer diameter gains considerable importance.
Note the distinction between hose length and total length. While seemingly minute, ignoring the length added by fittings could result in an ill-fitting hose, especially when space for installation is limited. In smaller hoses, fittings may contribute an additional 5-8 cm, whereas in larger industrial applications, the extra length could range from 8-25 cm.
T - TEMPERATURE
Understanding temperature requirements is essential for choosing the right hose. To guarantee durability and performance, it’s crucial to factor in the specific conditions of your operation.
Three key thermal elements must be considered:
- The ambient working temperature, which could be either hot or cold, affects the hose material’s resilience.
- The temperature of the substances being transported; some hoses are engineered to function even in extremely high-temperature conditions.
- The temperature specifications for cleaning; hoses generally operating at room temperature may need to withstand high-temperature, high-pressure wash cycles, as per industry standards.
Taking these aspects into account ensures the hose will meet your operational needs while preventing premature wear and failure.
A - APPLICATION
The application landscape dictates not only the types of materials flowing through the hose but also the environmental factors it will encounter, such as chemical exposure or harsh climates.
For example, in steel mill operations, safeguarding the exterior of the hose from molten metal splash is non-negotiable. Similarly, if hoses must navigate tight turns, the bend radius becomes a crucial selection criterion. Some applications may even require grounding features to mitigate static electricity accumulation.
Failing to address these environmental challenges compromises hose integrity, making failure inevitable over time. To deliver a hose that perfectly aligns with your operational needs, we analyze the performance of previously installed hoses and assess whether a more appropriately specified product could mitigate potential failures.
M - MATERIAL
The choice of lining material for your hose is crucial and should align seamlessly with the chemical and physical attributes of the substances being conveyed. Different mediums necessitate specialized inner linings due to their immediate contact with the hose interior. For instance, abrasive materials like rocks or aggregates require linings designed for high wear resistance.
In chemical hose assemblies, knowing the exact chemical and its concentration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. The chemical’s concentration dictates the type of lining needed to endure specific exposure levels.
It’s also imperative to account for the external factors that the hose might be subjected to. For oil hoses, where the external sheath may continuously interact with petroleum-based fluids, the sheath should be designed for chemical resilience. Prior to making a purchase, it’s important to validate that the hose can withstand external damages resulting from exposure to petrochemical elements.
P - PRESSURE
When selecting a hose, it’s essential to account for both the upper and lower limits of internal pressure, which can range from a modest 1 bar to an extreme 150 bar.
Typically, hoses are engineered to withstand pressure levels up to 1.5 times their specified operational capacity. However, it’s crucial to ensure that no hose unit ever surpasses its prescribed operating pressure. This safety margin is intentionally incorporated to manage unexpected pressure surges, mitigating the risk of catastrophic failures.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize the nature of the pressure within your application – either dynamic or static. Dynamic pressure is characterized by variable operating pressures that can induce shocks, vibrations, and even temperature fluctuations. In contrast, static pressure remains stable and unchanging. When dealing with dynamic pressure environments, hoses must be designed to resist the cumulative effects of both operational and impulse pressures, thereby providing a robust safeguard against any unforeseen pressure spikes.
E - ENDS
The quality of hose fittings should match the impeccable standards set by the hoses themselves. It’s vital to carefully select the right type, design, material, orientation, and attachment techniques tailored to each specific application.
Different applications necessitate various methods of linking hose sections to fittings. For instance, in the realm of food processing, the focus lies on hygienic materials and design. In contrast, couplings for tanker trucks prioritize durability and robustness. The materials for these fittings can vary widely, encompassing options such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, polypropylene, and polyamide.
Equally important is the directional orientation of the fittings. When individual fittings are oriented at unique angles, it becomes essential to ensure they align precisely as needed; otherwise, the entire installation could be compromised.
D - DELIVERY
We prioritize a meticulous approach to transport, driven by our clients’ specialized requirements. For hoses designed for use in pressure-sensitive industrial applications, we conduct rigorous pressure tests. These tests, substantiated by comprehensive documentation, utilize either hydraulic or pneumatic methods depending on the type of material the hose will carry.
Despite the inherent resilience of our hoses, specific production environments mandate unblemished cleanliness and integrity. To meet these exacting standards, we offer tailored packaging and transportation solutions.
Additionally, we provide optional custom labeling for each hose assembly. This feature is invaluable in complex industrial settings, allowing for precise identification and tracking within the production workflow.
Contact
If you are interested, please get in touch with us.