10.
Will the
Hose’s
Weight
Be an Issue?
EPDM hoses are very dependable products;
however, the larger these hoses become, the
heavier they get.
If weight is an issue, then look for alternatives
that weigh less. If heavy hoses are required
for specific applications, then you can install
proper supports according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
11.
What Type of
Hose
Clamps
Are Needed?
Like hoses, clamp designs serve specific purposes
and the best clamp to choose depends on the
application. This is especially true as pressures
increase. Without the right clamps securing
hoses to the fittings, high pressures can blow
hoses off fittings — leading to potentially
dangerous situations.
Hose clamps are sized to fit over a hose’s
external diameter, and are categorized by the
minimum and maximum hose diameters they
fit. For example, a clamp may be described as
fitting hoses with an outside diameter between
1/2
inch and 29/32 inch. Another clamp may
fit hoses with outside diameters between 1 3/8
inches and 1 9/16 inches.
Remember that clamps have to slide over
the hose and fitting barbs. This means clamps
have to fit over a slightly larger outside diameter
than what the hose alone calls for. Make sure to
account for this when selecting the appropriate
hose clamp.
Two other factors to consider when selecting
clamps are the corrosiveness of the material
and the working pressure.
The five most common kinds of clamps are
described in more detail on following pages.
Types of hose clamps (from left):
worm gear, T-bolt, band-it clamps.
Mild Steel Worm Gear Clamp
Mild steel worm gear clamps are among the least
expensive all-purpose clamps in the marketplace.
These clamps are especially effective when they
will be permanently placed on hoses. Removing
and refastening these clamps weakens the metal.
Over time, the gears and teeth no longer fit snuggly
into the grooves and the clamps become ineffective.
Do not use mild steel clamps with corrosive
materials such as fertilizers. Corrosion on any
part of the clamp means part of the metal is worn
away, which decreases its holding power. Always
replace corroded clamps.
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