Whether you own a restaurant, a drilling rig, a contracting company or any other types of company, you may have to buy or hire industrial equipment and supplies. However, the best equipment and supplies vary based on your industry. Hi, my name is Joe, and as a jack of all trades, I have worked in countless industries. As I am the type of person to notice everything, I have picked up a lot over the years. In this blog, I am going to share that wealth of knowledge with you. Here, I am going to discuss how to pick the best industrial equipment for your industry and help you make tough decisions about repairs, buying-versus-hiring and much more. I hope you enjoy my blog, and I'm glad you found it.
Hydraulic hose is an essential part of the heavy machinery in many industries. To prevent loss of working hours and production time, here are 5 tips to keep your hose working harder for longer.
Purchase quality hose
When purchasing hydraulic hose, ensure it meets the required Australian standards for your industry, particularly if buying from an overseas manufacturer. The testing facilities in foreign manufacturing plants are not always as comprehensive as they should be. You may find hose that appears to be a bargain, but it has not been pressure tested to extreme limits or endurance testing for aggressive abrasion of the outer sheath. A higher number of bursting incidents over a shorter time period would make these poor quality hoses a false economy.
Regular inspections
In the majority of cases, a hose will fail due to external physical damage, not because of a defect or internal pressure. If the hose has been treated roughly and become twisted, crushed or badly abraded, this could lead to a leak or blowout. A regular visual inspection will pick up these issues. Fittings should also be checked for cracks and corrosion. The NSW government's Guidelines for Fluid Power System Safety suggest that any hydraulic hoses over 8 years old should be replaced automatically, regardless of their condition.
Proper storage
Extended exposure to the elements will have detrimental effects upon hydraulic hose. Using appropriate storage containers or racks when the hose is not in use will prolong its lifespan. When the hose is in use, a sling or handling rig for a longer hose can avoid kinking and stop it from being dragged over abrasive ground.
Immediate repairs
Where possible, onsite repairs of hydraulic hose should be avoided to lessen chance of accidents. However, strategies should be put in place to handle temporary repairs in emergencies. If you intend to carry the relevant tools (such as hydraulic hose crimpers), ensure you have qualified personnel to use them. If a damaged hose is swapped out for another, make sure the temporary hose is replaced with a new one as soon as possible and keep a log of hose replacements.
Safety first
It is not worth sacrificing your or your employee's safety for the sake of fixing a badly damaged hose. Hydraulic hose injuries are notoriously horrific. According to a recent review of fluid power system safety in Australia, a pinhole sized leak can puncture skin with poisonous hydraulic fluids at more than 300psi. If you are not qualified or experienced in hydraulic hose maintenance, shut the equipment off immediately and call a professional to perform the necessary repair work. Invest in hose sleeves to contain any blowouts and never touch pressurized hose with your hands, even when wearing heavy-duty gloves.
For more information, contact a business such as Hydraulink.
Share25 March 2015
