Hose failure has conferred a persistent problem to hydraulic equipment operators. Careful and thorough visual inspections are not always able to prevent hydraulic hoses from failing. When a hose failure occurs, identifying the cause of the issue and taking the necessary steps to correct the issue will help operators and engineers minimize system downtime in the future.
Hydraulic hose failure can lead to significant financial losses for a business or organization. Depending on the industry you are a part of, some costs may be more pivotal to acknowledge than others. However, the all failures will be an issue regardless of the size of the problem.
Causes of Hose Failures
When a hydraulic hose fails in service, the cause of the issue can usually be accredited to more than one factor, including the following:
- The assembly procedure was completed incorrectly
- Poor or incomplete installation practices
- Unsuitable component selection
- Mixture of all the above
Regardless of the reason behind the hydraulic hose failure, one should be able to locate visible clues that can be used to detect the root of the problem. The majority of the failures can be prevented.
Impact of Hydraulic Hose Failures
Hose failures can also lead to consequential safety concerns for employees, the public, and the environment. Also, can you imagine the consequences you will face after hydraulic hose failures leads to personal injuries and a neighborhood clean-up? Not only will it result in a significant financial loss, but it can also have a negative impact on the reputation you have worked so hard to maintain for so many years.
If a hydraulic hose failure at a moment that proves to be critical, the failure can lead to major damages to nearby areas. One hydraulic hose failure can result in damages to other key pieces of equipment and buildings. A hydraulic hose failure can also require the maintenance and repairs of the other equipment.
We know that it has been extremely common to continue using equipment and components until it breaks down, but using hydraulic hoses until they fail can create extra costs.
Common Hose Failures
Some common causes of hydraulic failures include the following:
- The fitting was blown off the hose because it was not fully inserted into the shell during the assembly process
- There is leakage that could be a result of the fitting coming off because of improper crimping of the shell
- The hydraulic hose can shatter easily. Also, the cover of the hose will crack easily when it bends
- The hydraulic hose burst because the hydraulic hose needs to be replaced
- There are bubbles or leaks in the hydraulic hose
- The hydraulic hose has damage to the outside
- The hydraulic hose has damage to the inside
Solving Hydraulic Hose Failures
Preventative maintenance and predictive maintenance solutions can be used to address the damages and costs resulting from hydraulic hose failures. Hose condition monitoring systems can be implemented to deliver hydraulic hose diagnostics in real time.
A monitoring system is designed to provide a maintenance option that will provide you with information on your hydraulic equipment. With a hydraulic hose condition monitoring system, sensors can be used to send electrical signals. The hose diagnostic unit will be able to provide you with alerts showcasing the condition of the hoses. You should be able to use the alerts to determine if a hose failure is imminent.
If you have experienced hydraulic hose failures in the past, you are aware of the struggles and headaches it can cause. With the right maintenance and diagnostic tools, it should be easier for you to implement a program that will be worth your time and effort. Due to the long list of uses for hydraulic hose and fittings, it is important to ensure your hoses and fittings are suitable for all your systems.
If you want to learn how to make sure your hoses and fittings will not present any health hazards or safety hazards, feel free to contact Custom Hose Tech today for more information.