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| Our composite
hoses are designed to ensure the highest
levels of reliability, durability and
safety but, to maintain these levels,
regular inspection, cleaning and testing
are essential. |
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Worn or
damaged hoses may be dangerous, so they
should be visually checked before each
operation and given a more rigorous
examination at least every six months.
The inspection should pay attention to:
1- Dents or kinks.
2- Displacement of inner and outer
reinforcing wires from their normal
pitch.
3- Corrosion or abrasion of the outer
wire.
4- Displacement of end fittings or signs
of leakage from the ends.
5- Other abnormal features including
wear or damage to end fittings.
6- Chemical attack. Deterioration or
physical damage to outer cover and
carcass generally.
Hoses with any significant defects of
the above type should be retired from
service. Moderate abrasion of the outer
cover is acceptable if the reinforcing
fabrics below the cover are undamaged. |
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Hoses should
be cleaned after use and always before
testing or prolonged storage . The most
appropriate method will depend on the
hose use and its location.
Flushing out is often sufficient with
fluids such as clean water , hot water ,
detergents, common solvents at ambient
temperatures and sea-water. if sea-water
is used, it must be thoroughly drained
afterwards to minimize risk of corrosion
on carbon steel end fitting or
galvanized steel internal wires.
It is essential that any strong acid
convey ants are thoroughly drained prior
to cleaning, to avoid exothermic
creation. It is also important to fully
drain the hose afterwards to ensure
puddles of cleaning fluid are not left
within the assembly. This avoids any
possibility of chemical reaction when
the hose re-enters service.
Lose steam may be used but the hose must
be open-ended and its maximum working
temperature must not exceeded, since
damage to the fabric or film may occur.
Compressed air may be used, but again
the hose must be open-ended.
During cleaning the hose must be
electrically earthed it avoid static
charge build-up especially near
flammable areas. Pigging must not be
used under any circumstances. |
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At least
annually, hose should be hydraulically
tested as follows.
1- Drain and thoroughly clean hose and
check end-to-end electrical continuity.
2- Inspect visually. Hoses failing
visual inspection should not be tested.
3- Lay hose straight out on supports or
roller bed that allows free movement
under pressure.
4- Blank off ends and fill the hose
completely with water. Ensure trapped
air is released by tilting slightly.
5- Pressurize the assembly to 1.5 times
the maximum rated working pressure for
10 minutes while examining for leaks.
Also test electrical between ends to
ensure that it is the same as initially
checked.
6- Release pressure and drain hose.
7- On completion of the test, the hose
should again be tested for electrical
continuity.
It should be noted that with
thermoplastic composite hose, elongation
under pressure can be high relative to
rubber. This is a feature of composite
hoses and unlike rubber hoses. It cannot
be taken as an indication of failure or
used to assess the condition of the hose
reinforcements. |
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ELECTRICAL
CONTINUITY TESTS |
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To prevent the
accumulation of static charge generated
in use, all metal parts of the assembly
have been electrically bonded during
manufacture. At intervals not exceeding
six months, the following test should be
carried out.
1- Lay hose flat on the ground.
2- Check that it is electrically
continuous end-to-end with a simple
battery and bulb test or an ohm meter.
Hose not having electrically continuity
should be retired from service. |
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To prevent the
accumulation of static charge generated
in use, all metal parts of the assembly
have been electrically bonded during
manufacture. At intervals not exceeding
six months, the following test should be
carried out.
1- Lay hose flat on the ground.
2- Check that it is electrically
continuous end-to-end with a simple
battery and bulb test or an ohm meter.
Hose not having electrically continuity
should be retired from service. |
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| Our composite
hoses are noted for their durability but
their life can be determined by how they
are used in operation. To ensure maximum
service life, follow these simple
guidelines. |
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1- Support
hose at appropriate points with slings.
2- Support hose near manifold
connections.
3- Support hose against sharp edges such
as jetty edges and a ship’s guard rill.
4- Store hose in a straight line raised
off the ground, preferably in a cool,
dark area. |
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1- Use hose
unsupported.
2- Support hose with a single rope.
3- Allow hose to drop between ship and
jetty.
4- Over bend hose. |
