If you work in an industry requiring a high-purity environment, such as pharmaceutical, electronic, or food industries, then you’re probably all too familiar with silicone hoses.
These small but mighty components diminish the risk of contamination. So, when these hoses start to show signs of degradation, the clock is ticking for you to replace them.
How do you know when your hose needs replacing, you ask? Well, there are a few tell-tale signs that can let you know your hose is nearing its end. Today, Pure Transfer will walk through each one to help maintain safety and efficiency in your operations.
1. Visible Cracks or Abrasions
One of the most obvious signs of decline is visible cracks and abrasions on the surface of your hose. This is like your hose screaming that it’s had enough!
Constant exposure to challenging conditions can start to impact the integrity, causing wear and tear. For example, silicone hoses used for automotive engines, industrial machinery, or HVAC systems are constantly exposed to high temperatures. This can cause the material to expand and contract, leading to small cracks.
In the food or pharmaceutical industries, exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the surface. This can cause fluid to leak or the hoses to rupture, resulting in contamination. Any flexing or rubbing of the hose on other components can also lead to damage.
How to inspect:
- Regularly inspect for cracks in areas that experience the most stress, such as bends or connection points.
- Feel the hose for any scuffs or roughness that could indicate damage.
2. Softening or Stiffening of the Hose Material
Silicone hoses are like superheroes in the hose world—flexible, strong, and able to handle extreme conditions!
However, the hero doesn’t always overcome the villain; in this case, wear and tear. If your silicone hose is starting to soften or stiffen in certain areas, it’s time to start paying attention.
The material’s softening can be caused by one of two things: it’s soaked up too many chemicals (oil, fuels, or cleaners), or it’s been exposed to high temperatures for too long. Think of it like a sponge left in water for too long or laying in the sun until you end up with extreme sunburn.
If your hose has started to stiffen up like a board, there are three common explanations. First, this is the result of general ageing from a lifetime of chemicals, abrasion, and temperature changes. Second, it’s been exposed to cold temperatures for a long time. Last but not least, some of the chemicals have stripped away the good stuff inside the silicone, leaving it rigid and tough.
How to inspect:
- Run your hands along the hose. If it feels soft or too hard, then something is up!
- Keep an eye on how your hose reacts to cold and hot temperatures. If it doesn’t return to its original state, it needs to be replaced.
3. Signs of Discolouration
Is your hose looking a little blotchy and run down? This may be a sign that it’s been exposed to harsh conditions for too long and needs a break.
If the colour of your silicone hose has turned from bright and healthy to a lighter or dull colour, it’s been exposed to extreme temperatures or too much UV light. This can also happen when it’s dealt with harsh chemicals for too long, causing the material to break down.
If you spot any signs of discolouration, it’s time to act! A change in colour indicates that your hose is beginning to weaken, eventually leading to cracks, leaks, and contamination.
How to inspect
- Look for signs of lightened or darkened colours and cracks or damage. If more than one issue is identified, replace it ASAP.
4. Bulging or Blisters Along the Hose
If your hose is looking a little bumpy, this could indicate it’s under too much pressure.
Excessive pressure can create small blisters or bulges to emerge on the surface. This is caused by high or uneven pressure pushing against the material, causing it to become misshapen. Harsh chemicals can also cause the inner layers of the hose to weaken and blister. Ouch!
Once this starts, you’re on a countdown to act until a leak or rupture happens. So, it’s best to get ahead of the game by replacing your hose immediately!
How to inspect
- Check whether your hose was designed to handle as much pressure as the environment calls for. If not, switch to a higher-pressure-rated hose.
- Make sure the hose material is suitable for the fluids running through it. A mismatch could be causing internal damage.
5. Leaks or Reduced Flow Rate
Is your silicone hose leaking, or has the flow rate slowed to a trickle? If so, it might as well be waving a big red flag at you!
Leaks and reduced flow rate are your hose’s way of telling you that it’s under too much pressure (we’ve all been there). Leaks can be caused by small cracks developing over time from harsh chemicals or too much twisting of the material.
Occasionally, the connections cause more trouble than the hose itself. If the fittings are loose or the seals are old, leaks may occur where the hose joins the connector.
Reduced flow is often caused by a blockage somewhere in the hose. Particles or residues that are prone to thickening can get caught in the hose, causing a traffic jam. Kinks and collapses can also occur when a hose becomes too soft and is bent awkwardly.
Think of it like drinking from a bent straw. One area becomes blocked, and little can get through. This can lead to longer processing times, reduced productivity, and equipment damage.
How to inspect
- Search for any tiny holes, cracks, kinks, or spots where fluid is escaping.
- Sometimes, a leak only requires a quick fix. Check that the fittings are tight and the seals aren’t damaged, and replace any parts necessary.
- Flush out your hose with a suitable cleaning solution to clear out any blocks.
Upgrade to Silicone Hoses at Pure Transfer
If your silicone hose is showing one or more of these signs, then it needs a replacement pronto!
At PureTransfer, we offer a selection of high-quality silicone hoses and high-purity components to keep your business running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
You no longer have to put up with subpar operations!
