Compressed Air Hose

How to choose the right compressed air hose for your application

hose lenth

All lengths are good. The important thing to remember is to choose the length that you actually need.

Calculate the distance from the hose connection to the wall to the farthest point of use. The longer the hose, the greater the pressure drop. Choose the shortest hose possible for maximum performance and minimum pressure drop. But, still, make sure the hose is long enough to reach its full working range without being stretched, and allow for an extra meter or two of clearance for unexpected situations.

To minimise the risk of a pressure drop, you should never use a longer hose than you need. For example, a carpenter working at the same bench all day using a nail gun will only need a small hose length, whereas a tyre fitter who needs to manoeuvre around large vehicles while using an impact wrench, will require a longer hose length.

We recommend that you use a longer air hose rather than an extension lead with an air compressor, as the voltage drop from using an extension lead can cause the motor to overheat which will eventually lead to the compressor motor burning out.

hose size

Hose specifications usually list both the hose Outer Diameter (O.D.) and the Internal Diameter (I.D.). However, hose size refers to the hose I.D., rather than the hose O.D.

The hose O.D will depend on the thickness of the hose and reinforcement layer, while the hose I.D. determines the capacity of air the hose can carry.

Choose the inside diameter sizing based on the length of the compressed air hose and on the air consumption of the pneumatic tool or equipment. Do not oversize the hose: a larger hose is also more rigid and heavier.

working pressure

This will depend on the maximum pressure relevant to your air supply. The maximum working pressure of the hose must be equal or greater.

The hose specification may also list the burst pressure, which is the maximum pressure before the hose will rupture. Most hoses range offer a 3:1 Safety Factor, this means if the hose is rated at 21 bar / 300 psi working pressure, the burst pressure will be 63 bar / 900 psi. You should not use the burst pressure as an indication that the hose can be used above the maximum working pressure, the burst pressure is for manufacturing test purposes only.

HOSE MATERIAL

Hybrid Hose – The hybrid blend of polyurethane, PVC and rubber allows hybrid hose to be extremely flexible and durable, even in frigid temperatures. If you’ve ever been frustrated by air hose that kinks and is generally difficult to unravel, this is the choice for you.

Polyurethane Hose – Sometimes referred to as poly hose, polyurethane air hose is considered an “all-around” option. It weighs less than comparable hybrid and PVC options, which is a factor you’ll appreciate after you’ve dragged it around a job site all day. It also stays flexible in most conceivable working temperatures.

PVC Hose – PVC hose is very durable and abrasion resistent. It’s considered to be the economical option. While not as flexible as the above varieties, it’s great when working in warm weather. It’s also easy to maneuver around corners and obstacles without getting hung up.Type of hose (Standard or Coiled)

There are two types of hoses, Standard or Coiled, your application will determine which type of hose you require.

The material of the hose will affect the flexibility, weight, longevity, and performance therefore you will also need to ensure that the material is suitable for your application.

What is Coiled Air Hoses

Available in Polyurethane or Nylon, PCL’s coiled hoses are ideal for applications where space is tight. The coils are tensile and have a memory so when you let go of the hose, it shrinks back for easy storage, and leaves the work area clear of entanglements and trip hazards. Many factories use coiled hoses as they spring out of the way when they are not in u

The polyurethane (PU) hose product series are robust and durable, making them ideal for applications requiring a smaller bending radius, such as robots and pneumatic control machinery. PU hoses possess excellent resistance to fuels, oils, and abrasion, and are commonly used in medium-pressure applications.

Nylon also has excellent resistance to fuels, oils and abrasion. However, its heat resistance and chemical resistance are stronger than those of polyurethane (PU), and it can withstand higher working pressure. Therefore, it is recommended for high-pressure applications.

What is Standard Air Hoses

standard hoses lie flat, without bends or coils, some prefer standard air hoses because they don’t like the resistance in coiled hoses. You can loosely wrap the hose into loops for storage. Alternatively, you can mount them in a hose reel that can be wound up with a crank handle and mounted on a wall.

replace Air Hoses

Hoses naturally wear over time, the service life depends on several factors including the hose’s quality, material, frequency of use and maintenance. It is important to inspect your hose and fittings for damage regularly and before use. If there is a defect, you will need to replace the hose.

can i use hydraulic hose for compressed air

Its perfectly fine to use a hydraulic hose for air or water, but its cost preventive. Good hyd.hose will cost $7 a ft whereas a regular air hose may be less than $1 ft because you only need it to hold less than 200psi for most air applications.

Explore the full range of Air Hoses with Fittings