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HOSE MAINTENANCE

Hose assemblies in operation should be inspected on a regular basis for leakage, corrosion, abrasion, kinking or any other signs of wear or possible damage. Worn and or damaged hose assemblies should be replaced immediately.

CLEANING
Clean out hose assemblies by using compressed air. Assemblies may be rinsed out with turpentine if the hose is compatible with oil. Otherwise, rinse with warm water being careful that the water does not exceed the maximum temperature rating of the hose.

INSPECTION
Inspect and examine the hose end assembly internally for cut or bulged tube, obstruction’s and debris. For compression type fittings be sure that the socket nut to hex gap is sufficient (see hose end assembly videos if you are unclear). If the fitting is a swivel type, check swivel and drag as nuts should swivel freely. Check the lay line of the hose to be sure the assembly is not twisted. Cap the end of the assembly with plastic covers to keep them clean and free on dirt and debris for storage.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TESTING
The hose end assembly should be hydrostatically tested at twice the recommended working pressure of the hose. Test pressure should be held for not more than 60 seconds and no less than 30 seconds. When test pressure is reached, visually inspect the hose assembly for any leaks or signs of weakness and any movement of the hose end in relation to the hose. If any one of these are a concern that is cause for rejection.

CAUTION
Testing should be conducted by appropriately trained personnel in an approved environment with barriers to protect the operator.

SERVICE LIFE FACTORS
Hose assemblies like other products, have a service life. The specific service life of a given hose assembly in a given application is dependent on many variable factors, including the following.

BEND RADIUS
Recommended bend radius is based on the maximum operating pressure with no flexing of the hose assembly. Safe operating pressure reduces when the bend radius is reduced below the recommended minimum. Flexing the hose to less than the minimum bend radius will shorten hose life.

VACUUM SERVICE
Increased negative pressures needed for -12 hoses and larger are suitable for a hose that has not suffered external damage, kinking or tight radius bends. If greater negative pressures are required for -12 and larger hose, the use of an internal coil support spring is needed.

OPERATING PRESSURE
Aeroflow performance products hose end assemblies are pressure rated for continuous operation at the maximum operating pressure specified for the hose. Typically, the operating pressure is 1/4 of the minimum burst pressure.

BURST PRESSURE
These are test values only and are valid to hose assemblies that have not been in the field and assembled for less than 4 weeks.

PRESSURE SURGES
A common issue in hydraulic systems is pressure surges which may exceed the maximum operating pressure of a hose and will shorten life and must be taken into consideration. A rapid rise in pressure will not be indicated on many common pressure gauges but can be measured using electronic gauges. In fluid systems where surges are severe choose a hose that has a higher operating pressure.

HIGH PRESSURE
High pressure fluid systems especially over 250PSI should be treated as hazardous and extra care taken when routing and securing lines to prevent whiplash in the event of a failure or crash. Adequately protected from external shock and mechanical or chemical damage.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
Extremely high or low ambient (outside of hose) temperatures will affect the hose cover, strength and structure of the hose, thus leading to a reduced hose life. Ambient Temperatures combined with internal fluid temperatures are a very important factor. Aeroflow Performance offers many heat insulation solutions. Please contact the Aeroflow tech department for recommendations.

OPERATING TEMPERATURES
Operating temperatures specified in our chart reflect that of typical heat ranges found in certain applications. High heat conditions may have a damaging effect on rubber hoses and cause degradation, also reduce the fitting retention. It is extremely import to choose the correct hose for the application. If heat is a concern, choose a PTFE lined hose or Hard Line that is suitable for the application. Continuous use of hose assemblies at or close to maximum temperature ratings will shorten life of your hose assembly.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Always take into consideration the chemicals used to clean an engine bay and or undercarriage, remembering that the hose end and hose make up includes O-rings, anodising and the hose cover. Too harsh of a chemical can damage the function and appearance of the hose assembly and may reduce life.

IMPORTANT :

HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTION
Hose assemblies in operation should be inspected on a regular basis for leakage, corrosion, abrasion, kinking or any other signs of wear or possible damage. Worn and or damaged hose assemblies should be replaced immediately.

CAUTION ABOUT FUEL INJECTION
All hoses in the Aeroflow range are suitable for use with leaded and unleaded fuel. However, caution must be used in fuel injection systems that recirculate fuel. This causes fuel to oxidize which can attack the hose inner liner and reduce life of the hose assembly. To increase service life, keep the time of exposure to oxidised fuel to a minimum. Drain and flush the fuel system with fresh fuel.

CAUTION ABOUT METHANOL AND ETHANOL FUELS
All hoses in the Aeroflow range are suitable for use with methanol and ethanol fuel. However these fuels are extremely corrosive and will attack the fuel system if the system is not flushed and prepared for storage correctly. Methanol and Ethanol is also hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb water vapour directly from the atmosphere and contaminate the fuel system and shorten the working life of entire fuel system components. Fuel additives and stabilizers help but the best way is to flush and store with unleaded fuel.

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