Care and maintenance of rubber hoses

 To this end, it is essential to identify:

• Working pressure
• Working temperature
• Chemical compatibility
• Environmental exposure
• Mechanical stresses
• Type of fittings
• Any applicable regulations

For correct use, the following recommendations are suggested:

1.      Storage

It is fundamental to stock the hose properly before use. For this purpose, it is important to store the hoses:

• At temperatures not exceeding 35 °C and not below 0 °C
• Far from heat sources
• Far from wet areas
• In dark environment in order to avoid premature aging
• Far from chemicals

2.     Proper use of rubber hoses

Before assembling the hose, it is necessary to check the hose conditions, in particular:

• Absence of cuts
• Absence of occlusions
• Correct dimensions (inner diameter, outer diameter, length of the hose)

By using the hose, after having checked the technical data sheet, it is important to make sure that the hose:

• • Does not exceed the working pressure indicated
  • Does not exceed the working temperature indicated
  • Only conveys fluids compatible with the materials with which the hose is made
  • Respect the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and sterilization
  • Does not exceed the bending radius stated in the technical data sheet

• Avoids twisting
• Does not vibrate excessively
• Hoses installed between two fixed points must be supported by adequate fixing devices that do not hinder the normal movements of the hoses under pressure

3.     Maintenance

It is necessary to plan periodic maintenance of the hoses, paying attention to:

• Potential damages on the cover: cuts, abrasions, visible reinforcement textile plies
• Hardened and rigid hose: the hose has aged due to temperature or chemical agents
  ⚠️ Warning: if the hose is bent, it might crack
• Changes in colour: they might indicate chemical attacks or ozone deterioration
• Bubbles on the cover: they might indicate permeation of fluids
• Leakages: they might indicate fitting problems or stagnation of materials

In case of anomalies detection as described above, it is necessary to change the hose. It is also important to periodically perform a hydrostatic test of the hose to verify its integrity.

In order to receive a copy of the MTG Chemical Resistance Chart, for assistance in choosing the best rubber hose for each application, or for further information, please contact the MTG Technical department.