In our last post, we gave you an introduction to 3A Hose Assemblies and uncovered the elements and benefits of 3A certifications. In this post, we will focus on preventative sanitary hose maintenance and the main issues associated with maintaining your sanitary hose, while also illustrating solutions to help prolong the life of your sanitary hose.
In our last blog, we explained the features that comprise a standard Sanitary Hose and how certain FDA certifications can designate a Food Grade Hose. In this post, we will give an introduction to 3A, the benefits of your equipment displaying the 3A symbol, and will uncover the elements of 3A standards for hose assemblies. 3A Standards, a platinum-level set of guidelines, are important to understand because they provide a high standard for the hygienic qualities of the equipment used to produce products that we all use.
Welcome to Food Grade Hoses 101. During this crash course we’ll cover the basic construction of a sanitary hose, the building blocks of FDA compliance, and specific certifications.
You likely have an understanding of hose construction. But, if you need to brush up, allow me to provide the basics. Most hoses are comprised of 3 elements:
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Inspect hose completely for signs of obvious damage. Possible damage may
include cuts to cover, kinking, broken braids and crushing. This damage can reduce hose life and pressure rating.
Hose should be application specific. Review materials, pressures, chemical compatibility, temperature and environment to ensure proper selection of hose.
- Failure of hose will occur when hose is bent (Fig. 1) beyond minimum bend radius. Bend radii are given for individual products and sizes. The bend radius values must be observed (measure to inside radius of fluoropolymer-lined hose and the centerline for stainless steel metal hose) for hoses to be installed properly. Occasionally, vacuum and pressure ratings are based on not to exceed 2% minimum bend radius. The manufacturer should be contacted for specific hose rating and data.
- Restrict hose movement to a single plane (Fig. 2) to minimize resultant twisting or torque. Within the bending plane is where flexing should occur. Stress fatigue increases with excessive bending of hose.
- Axial or twisting movement (Fig. 3) should be eliminated. The likelihood of leakage or failure increases for hoses that are twisted (torqued) during assembly. Floating flanges or swivel-type fittings (i.e., JIC) can eliminateimproper twisting.
- Avoid stretching or compressing the hose (Fig. 4) along its longitudinal axis with in-line installation.
Motion that occurs when a hose is compressed along its longitudinal axis. Axial motion is only applicable in very short lengths of annular hose only. Fluoropolymer lined hose should not be subjected to axial motion.
Motion that occurs when one end of the hose is defected in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis with the ends remaining parallel. In offset applications where motion is repeated, the offset should never exceed 25% of the minimum bend radius. To calculate the required live length to achieve a desired offset, use the following calculations:
LL = √ 6YR + Y2
LL = Hose live length, inches
R = Min. Bend Radius, inches
Y = Offset, inches
OAL = LL + Fittings Length + (2x nominal hose diameter)
Note: Where offset motion “Y” occurs on both sides of hose centerline, the hose live length should be based on total travel, or 2Y. The modified calculation will be:
LL = √ 12YR + (2Y)2
Bend Radius (fluoropolymer hose and all rubber hose)
The radius of a bent section of hose measured to the innermost surface of the curved portion (R1)
Bend Radius (metal hose)
The radius of a bent section of hose measured to the hose centerline (R2) Minimum Bend Radius
Minimum Bend Radius
The smallest radius at which a hose can be used
Force to Bend
The amount of stress required to induce bending around a specific radius - a measure of stiffness
Maximum Rated Working Pressure
The maximum pressure hoses should be subjected to on a continuous basis
Maximum Rated Test Pressure
The maximum rated pressure is multiplied by 150%
Nominal Rated Burst Pressure
The average pressure at which the core of braid will rupture at ambient temperature
Pressure / Temperature Correction
Hose pressure capabilities decrease as the temperature increases. Consult factory to determine pressure rating at elevated temperatures
Reprinted from RMA Hose Handbook IP-2 Fourth Edition
Flexibility and minimum bend radius are important factors in hose design and selection if it is known that the hose will be subjected to sharp curvatures in normal use. When bent at too sharp an angle, the hose may kink or flatten in the cross-section. The reinforcement may also be unduly stressed or distorted and the hose life thereby shortened.
Adequate flexibility means the hose should be able to conform to the smallest anticipated bend radius without over-stress. The minimum bend radius is generally specified for each hose in this catalog. This is the radius to which the hose can be bent in service without damage or appreciably shortening its life. The radius is measured to the inside of the curvature.
Reprinted from RMA Hose Handbook IP-2 Fourth Edition
Flexibility and minimum bend radius are important factors in hose design and selection if it is known that the hose will be subjected to sharp curvatures in normal use. When bending at too sharp an angle, the hose may kink or flatten in the cross-section. The reinforcement may also be unduly stressed or distorted, and the hose life thereby shortened.
Adequate flexibility means the hose should be able to conform to the smallest anticipated bend radius without over-stress. The minimum bend radius is generally specified for each hose in this catalog. This is the radius to which the hose can be bent in service without damage or appreciably shortening its life. The radius is measured to the inside of the curvature.
Due To Instantaneous Pressure Increase:
Ace Sanitary is committed to satisfying our customers’ need for sanitary hose, hose couplings, assemblies, and accessories. Our aim is to achieve customer satisfaction with on-time delivery, quick turn-around, and quality products. Lean methods and continual improvement are used to ensure our customers receive a competitive price.
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Phosfluorescently e-enable adaptive synergy for strategic quality vectors. Continually transform fully tested expertise with competitive technologies. Appropriately communicate adaptive imperatives rather than value-added potentialities. Conveniently harness frictionless outsourcing whereas state of the art interfaces. Quickly enable prospective technology rather than open-source technologies.
Phosfluorescently e-enable adaptive synergy for strategic quality vectors. Continually transform fully tested expertise with competitive technologies. Appropriately communicate adaptive imperatives rather than value-added potentialities. Conveniently harness frictionless outsourcing whereas state of the art interfaces. Quickly enable prospective technology rather than open-source technologies. Seamlessly procrastinate proactive outsourcing whereas wireless products. Progressively leverage existing 24/365 experiences through timely initiatives.
