Keeping your hydraulic hoses in good working order ensures they can perform as expected. There are several ways to ensure they are properly functioning and will not break down.
Hydraulic Hose Failures
Despite their high pressure and durability, hydraulic hoses are not immune to failure. When a hose breaks, it can shut down production schedules and cause expensive repairs. It can also cause serious bodily harm.
There are several reasons why hydraulic hoses fail. One of the most common is abrasion. Abrasion happens when the outer cover of a hose wears away. This results in the exposure of the reinforcing steel wires and a potential leak which may need an immediate Hydraulic Hose Repair Charlotte, NC.
Other common hydraulic hose failures include kinking and crushing. Crushing can damage the hose and cause the hose to rupture. Kinking is usually caused by incorrect routing. Kinks can be repaired if caught early.
Signs of a Hydraulic Hose Leak
Identifying signs of a hydraulic hose leak can save you money and downtime. If you aren’t familiar with what a leak looks like, it can be challenging to determine if it is present.
Some of the most common hydraulic hose leak signs include a leaky fitting, a broken hose, and a faulty connection. Identifying these signs of a leak as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage to the hydraulic system. It would help if you repaired a leaky hydraulic hose to avoid costing you a lot more in the long run.
Hydraulic oil is also a good indicator of a leak. Hydraulic oil is usually composed of water, glycol, mineral oil, and vegetable oil. The color of the oil helps you determine if a leak is present.
Kinks and Cracks in the Hose
Having kinks and cracks in hydraulic hoses can be dangerous and lead to leaks. These are signs that you need to take action before they lead to serious problems. The best way to prevent this is to inspect your hydraulic hoses regularly. This will allow you to identify problems before they become serious and save time and money.
Kinks and cracks are often the results of improper routing. They can be rerouted if caught early enough. They are not a permanent fix, though, and can cause structural damage to the hose. If a kink or crack is causing a leak, it is best to remove and replace it.
Preventing Dust, Dirt, and Grime From Falling into The Hose
Having the appropriate level of care and attention to detail can go a long way in ensuring a trouble-free hydraulic hose. A good start is ensuring that the hose has the requisite elasticity and stiffness. Ensure that the hose is properly secured and that the fittings are inspected regularly for leaks. This is especially true for hoses used in the oil and gas industry.
Considering that there is a lot of competition for your hydraulic hose dollar, it pays to do your homework and ensure that your hoses are up to the task. For instance, a well-done torque job on the hose can go a long way in preventing hose-related mishaps.
Keeping a Log of Hose Inspections
Keeping a log of hydraulic hose inspections will help you stay on top of your maintenance schedule and prevent potential machine failures. By tracking your hoses’ lifecycle, you can determine when to replace them. You can also track replacements and identify patterns in the way your hoses are replaced.
Hydraulic hoses can be subject to high pressures, chemicals, and extreme conditions. By identifying potential issues before they become costly, you can ensure the safety of your employees and comply with safety standards.
Replacing a Hydraulic Hose
Whether you are a manufacturer, mechanic, or just someone who works around heavy machinery, you are going to need to know how to know if a hydraulic hose needs repair. A broken hose will cost you time and money, and it can cause injuries.
While there is no way to predict when a hydraulic hose will fail, you can prevent it from happening with a regular maintenance program. The best way to do this is to check the hose regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Wear and tear on the hose can include abrasion and crushing. These issues can cause leaks and lead to major failure.