Hydraulic hoses are designed to handle specific types of fluids, but not all hose materials are compatible with every chemical. When the wrong hose is used with a particular fluid, the inner tube can swell, soften, crack, or break down over time.
Chemical incompatibility is a common cause of premature hose failure, especially in applications involving fuels, solvents, coolants, or specialty fluids.
Understanding the relationship between hose materials and the media inside them is critical for safe and reliable operation.
How Chemical Damage Occurs
The inner tube of a hose is made from a compound chosen for compatibility with certain fluids. When a fluid reacts with the tube material, the rubber can begin to deteriorate.
Possible effects include:
As the tube weakens, the hose may begin to leak or fail under normal pressure.
When Incompatibility Happens
Chemical damage can occur when:
Even fluids that seem similar can affect hose materials differently.
Signs of Chemical Damage
Look for:
In some cases, the hose may look normal on the outside but be severely damaged internally.
Preventing Chemical Failures
Verify Compatibility
Always confirm that the hose material is compatible with the fluid being used.
Compatibility charts are available from hose manufacturers and should be consulted when working with unfamiliar media.
Example below:
Consider Temperature Effects
Higher operating temperatures can increase the rate of chemical reaction and accelerate damage.
Use Specialty Hose When Needed
Some applications require hoses made from special materials such as PTFE or thermoplastic compounds that resist aggressive chemicals.
Avoid Assumptions
Just because a hose worked in one system does not mean it will work in another.
The Fluid Matters as Much as the Pressure
Selecting the correct hose for the fluid being used is just as important as selecting the correct pressure rating. Proper compatibility prevents premature failure and ensures safe operation.