Storage/Loading/Unloading - Flexible Hose
April 2, 2008

Introduction Materials Liner Materials Specification Vendors

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Introduction

Flexible hoses are not generally used in a sulphuric acid plant except where absolutely necessary because they represent a weak point in the piping system and there is a higher potential for leaks and accidents involving hoses.  One location that flexible hoses are used is in the offloading of railcars or tank trucks.

Hoses are subject to a lot of abuse and mishandling.  They are often dragged over the ground and are stepped on frequently.   As such they should be inspected often, ideally before each use to ensure the hose has not been damaged and is in proper working order.

Hoses should be well supported and laid in such a way to avoid sharp bends of kinks.

Materials

Hoses will generally be made up of a number of materials with an interior lining in contact with the fluid, an outer covering and metallic fittings.

Fittings and interior lining of the hose should be resistant to the concentration and temperature of acid being handled.  All hoses should be reinforced to achieve the desired pressure rating and the outer covering should be abrasion resistant.  The outer covering should also posses some resistant to the acid being handled since spills in the vicinity of the hose are inevitable.

Braided stainless outer coverings provide the necessary protection from abrasion and provide sufficient resistant to all concentrations of sulphuric acid.

The lining material will depend on the concentration and temperature of the acid being handled.  In most cases, temperatures will be ambient up to a maximum of 40°C.

Liner Materials

< 93%	93 to 100%	Oleum
Hypalon	-	Halon
PTFE Fluorocarbon		-
-	Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene	-

Specification

Proper specification of flexible hoses will ensure that the hose that is purchased will be suitable for the service and will have a suitable operating life.  The hose must be rated for a pressure equal to or greater than the piping system to which it is attached.  A detailed specification for flexible hose can be obtained from NorFalco LLC.

Vendors

Crane-Resistoflex