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The 7 Key Factors to Select the Right Industrial Hose

Aug 07, 2023

Selecting the right industrial hose is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of many industrial processes. There are several key factors to consider when choosing an industrial hose. Here are seven that cannot be compromised if you want to optimize their use.


1. Size and Length

Using the wrong size or length of the hose can lead to pressure drop, reduced flow rates, or excessive stress on the hose.


  • Inner Diameter (ID). Proper ID ensures efficient fluid transfer, prevents clogging, and enhances hose performance for specific applications. This promotes safety and functionality.
  • Outer Diameter (OD). OD measures its entire cross-sectional span, including the inner tube, reinforcement, and outer cover. The difference between the ID and OD determines how thick the hose is.
  • Length. The length determines how far the hose can extend, allowing it to reach specific areas or provide adequate coverage. Longer hoses offer greater flexibility and maneuverability, enabling easier handling and positioning in various applications. However, if a hose is too long, it can result in pressure drops, friction damage, tripping hazards, and other issues.


2. Temperature

Selecting a hose that maintains its integrity at the intended temperature is crucial for preventing accidents, leaks, or burst failures. This includes the ambient temperature of the environment. 


  • Fluid Temperature. Fluid temperature can affect the viscosity and flow properties of the material it is transporting. Hoses must be capable of accommodating the specific fluid characteristics at the intended temperature. 
  • Ambient Temperature. Exposure to extreme temperatures, UV, and other environmental factors affects material performance, flexibility, and pressure ratings.


Hoses that are not suitable for the ambient temperature may become more prone to failure, leaks, or ruptures, compromising safety and system performance.


3. Application Compatibility

Make sure the hose is in compliance with your industry’s local and federal regulations for the job. This includes environmental safety and industry standards.


4. Medium

Different hoses are designed to handle various substances, temperatures, pressures, and environments. Ensure that the hose is compatible with the material it will be transporting. This includes the mediums that will be used to clean industrial hoses to avoid chemical reactions and degradation.


5. Pressure Rating

Determine the maximum operating pressure required before making your purchase. While industrial hoses as all made to withstand considerable pressure, some will require higher pressure ratings than others. 


The pressure rating is influenced by the hose's material and construction, so selecting the right hose ensures compatibility with the conveyed fluid and environmental conditions. It also affects other factors like the hose’s flexibility, bend radius, costs, and maintenance.


6. Ends

The type of ends or fittings on an industrial hose is vital for proper installation and functionality. Selecting the right hose ends that match the hose's inner diameter and construction ensures a proper fit and optimal performance. They should also be made from materials compatible with the transported fluid to prevent chemical reactions and contamination.


Different systems require specific end connections based on the system requirements. These could include but are not limited to camlock fittings, flanges, quick-connects, or threaded fittings. 


7. Supplier Reputation and Support

Choose a reputable supplier that offers technical support and assistance in selecting the right hose for your specific application. Here are just a few reasons the supplier is just as important as the hose itself:

  • A reputable supplier is more likely to provide high-quality hoses that meet industry standards, reducing the risk of product defects or failures.
  • Reputable suppliers ensure their hoses meet relevant certifications and regulatory requirements, ensuring safe and compliant use.


Reliable suppliers offer technical assistance with hose selection, installation, and troubleshooting. They also provide excellent after-sales support like assisting with warranty claims, replacements, or maintenance.

Action Supply Offers Over 40-Years of Industrial Hose Expertise

We are committed to providing you with the highest quality customer care and have done so for over 40 years. Our inventory experts will work hard, earn your trust, and help you get the job done right. Contact us today to discuss the perfect industrial hoses for your system.

How to Extend the Life-Expectancy of Your Hydraulic Hoses in The Texas Gulf Coast Area

07 May, 2024
Learn how to maximize hydraulic hose lifespan in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Factors like extreme temperatures, contamination, and fitting compatibility affect longevity. Follow manufacturer guidelines and spot signs of wear for timely replacements. Action Supply offers expert advice and quality parts for optimal performance.

Protecting Your Industrial Hose Assemblies From Flooding

22 Feb, 2024
Spring is rapidly approaching in Houston, Texas. While it brings warmer temperatures, it is also a time for heavy rains and severe weather in this area. Here are practical steps to safeguard your hose assemblies from flooding before the spring storms come into play. Determine Which Areas on Your Sites Are Vulnerable to Flooding If you are working at a new site, you can utilize tools like community records and FEMA’s Flood Map to assess the area’s flood risk. Also, note any low-lying areas on the site where water tends to collect during rain. Also, note which areas are slowest to drain or will require additional equipment to drain in the event of a flood. Elevate Equipment and Parts Inventory Store hose assemblies and related equipment in elevated locations to minimize water exposure. Before the spring storms start, make sure your equipment is positioned out of flash floods and the average flood levels for the area. Utilize elevated platforms, racks, or shelves to keep hoses and fittings above potential flood levels. Designate storage areas away from flood-prone zones Check to ensure all equipment is above areas that collect water, especially any new equipment or assemblies. Keep hoses and pipelines that can not be waterproofed above ground level. Install hangers, clamps, or supports to secure hoses along walls, ceilings, or elevated structures. Make sure they are secured against heavy wind gusts over 35 mph to avoid kinking, scraping, and other wear on suspended parts during heavy weather fronts and other storms. Waterproof Storage Containers Water and humidity can shorten the life of your spare parts and contaminate the hoses with mold, silt, and other materials. Utilize waterproof storage containers or cabinets to protect your inventory. Ensure containers are securely sealed to withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding.  Invest in Flood Barriers When necessary, install flood barriers, berms, or containment walls to divert water away from critical areas of your sites. You can also store sandbags, concrete blocks, or water-inflated flood barriers to quickly create barriers against rising water levels. Regularly inspect and maintain flood barriers and related equipment to ensure they are ready for severe weather events. Make Sure Drainage Systems are Clear Clear debris, sediment, and vegetation from drains, gutters, and culverts to prevent blockages and facilitate unobstructed water flow. If any drainage areas seem sluggish, prioritize inspections and repairs in those areas. Update Your Emergency Response Planning Develop or update your comprehensive emergency response plan so the entire staff and team know what to do and who to turn to during extreme weather events. Define roles and responsibilities for personnel during a flooding event, including electrical safety, shutdown, and evacuation procedures. Establish communication channels and make sure all contact information is up-to-date. Delays due to outdated numbers can be costly. Conduct regular training exercises and drills to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively during flooding incidents. Make sure safety and first aid equipment is inspected and ready for use. Action Supply Has Helped Industrial Sites Stay Equipped since 1981 Don’t let a flood get in the way of your site’s processes. Our experts have decades of local experience on the best ways to protect your inventory from flooding incidents, and our inventory management service ensures you have the parts you need when you need them. Contact us today!

Detecting and Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks

31 Jan, 2024
Hydraulic hose leaks can lead to downtime, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Here is how your team can effectively detect and fix hydraulic hose leaks before they become a large issue. Detecting Hydraulic Hose Leaks Detecting a leak early is critical to reducing the overall costs of cleanup, repairs, downtime, and safety hazards. Here are a few ways to actively monitor your systems for the first signs of a leak and ways to pinpoint its location. Auditory Inspection Sometimes, you can detect leaks by listening for unusual sounds. These include: Hissing or whistling sounds near the hoses that indicate something escaping from a small opening. Ticking, rumbles, or high-pitched whining from the machines as air enters or fluid levels fall. If needed, you can use equipment that amplifies sound to help make detection easier. Visual Inspection Look for oil spots, puddles, or damp areas near the hoses, indicating potential leaks. Check for cracked or bulging hoses, as these are common signs of deterioration. Check fittings and joints for signs of corrosion Gently place a piece of paper or cardboard near the hoses while the system is running. If hydraulic fluid drips onto the paper, it will leave a visible stain Use a specialized fluid dye for hydraulic systems. When it passes through the hose, it will escape and make the leak points more visible. Check with our experts to make sure you use a dye compatible with your system. Pressure and Performance Testing If you notice decreased or erratic performance in the system, the most common and repairable source of this issue could be a leak. Live detection and monitoring equipment can help you catch these issues in real-time. If a leak is suspected but not visible, consider pressure testing the hydraulic system to identify the problem area. Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks Once you've detected a hydraulic hose leak, prompt action is essential. Here's how to fix the issue. Isolate the System Shut down the equipment or machinery and turn off the power source to prevent accidentally turning it on during repairs. Isolate the affected area and reduce the excess fluid pressure to prevent spills, puddles, and other hazards. Replace or Repair If you choose to patch a small leak with specialized epoxies or stop leak fluids, make sure to treat it as a short-term solution, as the integrity of the hose is already compromised. This should only be done to find a better downtime or to allow time for a replacement part to come in. Larger leaks need to be fully repaired to be fully safe. Replacements and repairs will depend on the location of the leak and the hydraulic system. Typically, this will involve removing the line, installing a matching line, and making sure all seals and fittings are secure.  Use high-quality replacement hoses and fittings to ensure longevity. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for hose replacement and repair. Use the correct tools and techniques to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Contact the manufacturer or your inventory supply experts for questions, troubleshooting, and best practices. Test the Repairs After fixing the hydraulic hose, conduct a thorough test to ensure the leak is resolved. Perform regular short-term checks to ensure the repairs are successful, then regular maintenance to continue catching future issues early. Action Supply Experts Offer Inventory Management and On-Site Hose Assembly Reduce downtime and costly errors while fixing hydraulic hose leaks with our expert services. We are driven to meet and exceed industry standards with superior equipment that you can trust to perform the way you need it to every time.
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