In industrial applications there are different operating variables that must be taken into account when selecting a metal hose:
- Fluid: The fluid must be compatible with the material that comes into contact with the hose.
- Temperature: The operating temperature should not exceed the design parameters found in the tables of each of the manufacturers, there is a relationship between temperature and pressure, these are inversely proportional, if the temperature increases, the hose’s resistance to pressure is lower.
- Pressure: Depending on the process, pressure is classified as low, medium and high pressure; In boilers, for example, the following classification is found:
- Low pressure: Boilers that produce steam at low pressure, around 5 bar (73 psi).
- Medium pressure: They produce steam up to 20 bar (290 psi). They generally produce saturated steam, used in industry in general.
- High pressure: Associated with power cycles, they work with pressures of 20 bar (290 psi) up to critical pressures of 207 bar (3000 psi). The steam generated by high-pressure water tube boilers is generally used for power generation.
- Permissible movements: Vibration; Caused by rotating equipment, it is important that the movements of the equipment do not exceed the movements allowed by the hose. Thermal expansion; Caused by temperature change in a pipe line. The hose must be installed correctly so that it absorbs these movements following the parameters in the manufacturers’ catalogs. The movements allowed by the hose must not be exceeded.
Exceeding the allowable movements of the hoses reduces their useful life, causes premature failure and can cause an accident or environmental damage.
Flexilatina from Colombia has three types of hoses:
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Flexible metal hoses for low and medium pressures, Flexihose reference. They are manufactured with bellows in 300 series stainless materials type 304, 316 or 321 and standard type 304 mesh, with generally threaded, slotted, beveled or flanged connections class 150 and 300 according to ASME B 16.5 in carbon steel or stainless steel.
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Flexible metal hoses for medium and high pressures, reference Flexihose HP (High pressure). Manufactured with thicker bellows than the standard and double or triple high-caliber mesh to provide greater resistance to pressure. It is constructed with 300 series stainless steels, and typical high pressure resistance connections such as: sch 40, 80, 120 and 160 slotted or beveled nipples, 3000 lbs series threaded couplings or class 600, 900 and 1500 RTJ flanges according to ASME B 16.5, generally.
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Rubber and canvas hoses for medium, high and critical pressures, and for temperatures not exceeding 90 °C. Made of an internal synthetic elastomer tube of EPDM, neoprene or nitrile, reinforced with layers of steel, ideal for working in Oil & Gas, offshore systems and mining. Ideal for hydraulic systems with high pressure peaks in operating conditions, typical high pressure resistance connections such as: grooved or beveled nipples sch 80, 120 and 160, threaded couplings series 3000 lbs or RTJ flanges class 900, 1500 and 2500 according to ASME B 16.5 or API, 2000, 3000, 5000, 10000, 15000 AND 20000 psi, generally. This product has a high safety factor of 4:1.
