Many plant managers and engineers worry about when to replace industrial hoses. This concern stems from two key risks:
Delaying Replacement
Waiting too long to replace a rubber hose raises the likelihood of failure, which can cause safety hazards and unplanned downtime.
Premature Replacement
Replacing hoses too early, while avoiding safety risks, wastes time and increases costs.
The Power of Preventive Maintenance
A preventive maintenance program addresses these issues by tracking each hose’s lifespan and performance. This involves:
Regularly inspecting hoses for wear or damage.
Replacing rubber hoses proactively based on data, not guesswork.
Identifying critical components that require closer monitoring.While creating such a plan may seem time-consuming, the long-term cost savings far outweigh the initial effort.
Tailor Replacement Schedules to Work Conditions
No two hoses face identical demands. Pressure, temperature and chemical exposure dictates how often a hose needs replacement.
Real-World Example:
Consider a facility using 60 identical hoses in a process application:
Group 1 (30 hoses): Steam-cleaned regularly, showed significant wear after 1 year.
Group 2 (30 hoses): Not steam-cleaned, remained functional for 5 years.
Risk of a Fixed Schedule:
A 5-year replacement cycle would fail Group 1 hoses prematurely, risking costly shutdowns.
A 1-year cycle would waste 60,000 by replacing.
By tailoring schedules to actual usage, plants can avoid both safety risks and waste.
Partner with Everflex for Durable Solutions
Everflex specializes in cost-effective industrial hoses designed for longevity. Our rubber hoses—including air, water, and oil hoses—are built to withstand harsh conditions, reducing replacement frequency and saving both time and money.