Hydraulic Hose Safety Tips
Posted on Jul 21, 2016 by Kathy DeGlandon
Hydraulic Hose Safety Tips Hydraulic hoses are designed not to leak, but unfortunately, with normal wear and tear, they might. The best what to prevent a leak is with regular inspections and maintenance. So how do you keep yourself safe around hydraulic hoses? Read more to discover how to keep yourself safe when using hydraulic hoses.Why Use Hydraulic Hoses to Measure ...
Hydraulic Hose Safety Tips
Hydraulic hoses are designed not to leak, but unfortunately, with normal wear and tear, they might. The best what to prevent a leak is with regular inspections and maintenance. So how do you keep yourself safe around hydraulic hoses? Read more to discover how to keep yourself safe when using hydraulic hoses.
Why Use Hydraulic Hoses to Measure Pressure
Hydraulic hoses are a vital part of many drilling rigs, and they are designed to transmit force the length of a given hydraulic system. As the force travels from one end of the hose to another, little or no power will be lost, making hydraulic hoses a benefit to measuring drilling rig pressures. Because they bend, fit in tight spaces and can travel long distances, hydraulic hoses can also be positioned on a rig conveniently.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Hydraulic Hose Leaks
Hydraulic hoses are designed not to leak. Although hoses have three basic parts, inner tube, reinforced second layer, and protective outer layer, they can fray with normal wear and tear, causing the fluid to leak out of the central inner tube. Abrasions can results from the hose being flexed, twisted, kinked, stretched or crushed. And anytime a hose is improperly assembled, it can cause fluid to seep or discharged from the connection. And over time, if seals or threaded connections wear, fluid can released at the connection, similarly to an improperly assembled connection.
Common Hydraulic Fluid Leak Injuries
• Skin burns
• High pressure hydraulic fluid can puncture skin
• In extreme instances, a leak can cause a rupture, which can cause the hose to whip about and possibly injure bystanders
How to Prevent Problems with Hydraulic Hoses
In order to prevent hydraulic hose leaks, proper installation, regular inspection and regular maintenance should be performed, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
General Inspection — Always use the correct, recommended hose length and diameter to prevent abrasions. Be sure to properly mount hoses with correct supports and restraints and check outer lining for chafing at supports/restraints. An outer, worn lining can be penetrated by water that can cause corrosion to the metal in the reinforced middle layer. Once corroded, fluid can seep from the inner layer through the outer protective layers.
Proper Connections – Be sure when connecting a hose to a hydraulic system that:
A. Both ends are clean inside and out and that there is no physical damage to any components,
B. New seals are lubricated and installed properly,
C. Fittings are not over tightened, and
D. The proper, recommended fittings are used.
E. Crimped hoses are connected correctly and tightly to the fitting
How to Find a Hydraulic Hose Leak
The best way to catch a leak is to prevent it in the first place. Regular maintenance and inspection is needed to catch a potential place for a leak. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and inspection schedule for the best success at preventing leaks. If a leak is found, it is highly recommended to drain the system of fluid before attempting any repairs.
A Potential Leak in a Hose — If there appears to be a leak in the hose, then the best way to check it is to use a piece of cardboard or wood and run it along the suspected area. The cardboard or wood will absorb the fluid, pinpointing the leak’s location. Because hydraulic fluid is hot and can burn you, it is never a good idea to use your hand to check for the leak. Even the smallest hole in a high pressure hose can tear skin.
A Potential Leak in the Connection — If the leak appears to be coming from a connection, do not tighten the fitting. One extra turn of the wrench could cause a greater leak or cause the fitting to fail entirely. It is highly recommended to drain the system of hydraulic fluid before attempting to remove a connection
Hydraulic systems are an efficient way to measure pressures on a drilling rig, and proper inspections and maintenance can prevent hydraulic fluid accidents. When you work with hydraulic systems and you see a leak, be sure to report it. If your job requires that your repair hydraulic leaks, be sure to do it properly and safely. In doing so, you will prevent possible injuries and maintain a safe work environment for all.
References:
http://hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/TechZone/HydraulicHoseTu/Article/False/6417/TechZone-HydraulicHoseTu http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Hydraulic_Hose http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Hydraulic_Hose
http://www.safetymeetingtopics.net
https://www.safetyawakenings.com