Installation &Maintenance
331
Hose Maintenance & Storage
Hose Maintenance
Hose Storage
A hose and fitting maintenance program can reduce equipment downtime
and maintain peak operating performance of the hydraulic system. Here
are a few maintenance reminders.
1.
Hose assemblies should be inspected on a regular basis with frequency
based on prior history of the equipment, a set maintenance/inspection
program, and the severity of the application or risk potential.
2.
Always use Safety Considerations (page 618) when inspecting hose
assemblies. To avoid personal injury during system checkouts, do not
touch the assembly and be aware of the potentially hazardous area
surrounding the hose assembly.
3.
Inspect hose and fittings for the following:
a.
Exposed, broken or corroded reinforcement wires.
b.
Leaks in the hose or at the fitting.
c.
Cracked, damaged or corroded fittings.
d.
Other signs of significant deterioration.
If any of the above conditions exist, the hose assembly should be
replaced immediately.
4.
The hydraulic system should also be inspected for the
following:
a.
Leaking ports.
b.
Damaged or missing hose clamps, guards or shields.
c.
Excessive dirt or grease on the assembly.
d.
Condition of system fluid, fluid temperature, contamination and air
entrapment.
If any of the above conditions are found, appropriate corrective action
should be taken.
5.
Functional tests should be conducted to determine if systems are
leak-free and operating properly.
6.
If hose assembly can be inspected and detached from the hydraulic
system, additional steps can be taken to ensure a properly maintained
assembly.
a.
With hose assembly detached, clean assembly by blowing out with
clean, compressed air or rinsed with a compatible cleaning fluid.
b.
Inspect hose tube for cuts, obstructions and cleanliness.
c.
Check layline of the hose to make sure the hose is not twisted.
d.
Check fittings to ensure they are in good condition and properly
crimped or attached to the assembly.
If any of the above conditions are found, the hose assembly should be
replaced.
7.
The hose assembly should be hydrostatically tested, using the
approved test stands and procedures as outlined in SAE J517. Test
at proof pressure, or twice the working pressure of the hose, for 30
seconds to one minute. When test pressure is reached, visually inspect
the hose for any signs of weakness, leaks or any hose movement
relative to the fitting that would indicate a loose fitting. If any of these
conditions exist, the assembly should be replaced.
8.
Specific hose assembly replacement intervals must be considered
based on previous service life, government or industry
recommendations, or when failures could result in injury risk or
property damage.
Temperature, humidity, ozone, sunlight, oils, solvents, corrosive liquids,
insects, rodents and radioactive materials can adversely effect hose
products. Hose should be stored in a dark, dry atmosphere away from heat
sources, electrical equipment and the above adverse elements. The ideal
storage temperature for rubber hose is 50˚F to 70˚F (10°C to 21.1°C), with
a maximum of 100˚F (37.8°C).
Appendix
Installation & Maintenance
Assemblies
Equipment & Accessories
Fittings
Hoses