Abrasion resistant hoses

How is an abrasion resistant hose constructed?

Abrasion resistant hose is constructed of several layers that provide them with the right properties:

• inner layer - provides abrasion resistance and antistatic of the hose, so it can effectively cope with the transmission of particulate matter;
• reinforcement - its presence increases the resistance of the hose to working pressure - the more layers of reinforcement, the more durable it will be. 
• outer layer - characterized by resistance to environmental conditions and resistance to potential mechanical damage.

What materials are used for manufacturing abrasion resistant hoses?

Abrasion resistant hoses are most often manufactured from a blend of SBR rubber and NR rubber. Sometimes manufacturers also use PVC plastic or polyurethane, which is characterized by very high abrasion resistance.

On the other hand, reinforcement usually takes the form of braided or corded textile, synthetic or (in some cases) steel.

It is also worth mentioning here that some hoses additionally have a copper wire, which is responsible for the removal of static electricity. It is located in the wall of the hose.

What distinguishes an abrasion resistant hose?

Abrasion resistant hose is distinguished by the resistance to the transportation of highly abrasive medium. The transport of particulate matter has the fact that the medium rubs against the walls of the hose during transfer using a stream of air, water, or semi-liquid mass. In other words, it hits them at different angles, which leads to cavities in the material and wipes off the inner layer of the hose.

This is why abrasion resistance is so important. It is defined by specific standards.

What are the abrasion resistance standards?

ISO 4649 (or the older DIN 53516) is the standard that contains the data on how abrasion resistant a particular abrasion resistant hose is. Each manufacturer reports the test results of a particular hose on this very basis.

The abrasion resistance value is given in mm³. A more durable abrasion resistant hose has a lower abrasion value.

Abrasion resistant hose, which, according to the standard, has an abrasion value of 40 mm³, will be better than a hose characterized by a value of 70 mm³.

What impacts the abrasion resistance in practice?

The abrasion resistance is impacted in practice by:

• type of medium - material, its hardness, as well as mass, particle size and shape; 
• speed and angle of impact of the medium against the hose wall; 
• physical properties of the inner layer of the hose - material, hardness, abrasiveness, etc.; 
• working temperature - affects the physical properties of the hose.

Therefore, the previously mentioned standards are for reference only. The same abrasion-resistant hose will serve you either for a very long time or a short time — it all depends on the type of medium and the nature of the work.

However, it is worth noting that the life of the hose is largely affected by the thickness of its inner layer.

Are abrasion resistant hoses resistant to static electricity?

Yes, abrasion resistant hoses can be resistant to static electricity. Particulate matter rubs and hits the walls of the hose, thus generating an electric charge. This is a very dangerous phenomenon, as it increases the risk of the following situations:

• hose clogging by the accumulation of an electrified substance (such as dust) in one place; 
• fire or explosion with catastrophic consequences, as the voltage of an electrostatic charge can cause a spark.

Since abrasion resistant hoses are made of rubber or plastic (insulating materials), electric charges cannot effectively move or dissipate in them. Therefore, the following solutions are used for the production of hoses in various combinations:

• conductive rubber (R ≤ 10⁶ Ω); 
• antistatic rubber (10⁶ Ω < R ≤ 10⁹ Ω);
• antistatic copper cords (R ≤ 10 Ω).

Remember, however, that when you use wear-resistant hose with a cord, you should permanently connect it to the connectors and ground it. You should also monitor the installation, as the cord will not replace the antistatic inner layer.

If, on the other hand, abrasion resistant hose will work in an explosive atmospheric zone (ATEX), conduct a risk analysis.

What is the best material for abrasion resistant hoses?

The best material for abrasion resistant hoses are a blend of NR/SBR rubber or polyurethane. They perform much better than steel equivalents because the kinetic energy of the medium hitting the resilient wall of the hose is largely reflected and returned to the source, so it does not damage the inner layer.

Therefore, among the most popular materials for abrasion resistant hoses are:

• natural rubber (NR), 
• mixture of natural and synthetic rubber (NR/SBR), 
• polyurethane (PU).

What abrasion resistant hoses are available in our offer?

In our offer, you will find the following abrasion resistant hoses:

• Concrete pump hoses — they are characterized by strong, durable construction. They are resistant not only to abrasion, but also to weather conditions and ozone, so they perform well in harsh construction site conditions. 
• Sandblasting hoses — special hoses for blasting with sand (and more). They are abrasion resistant and suitably reinforced with cord. 
• Shotblasting hoses — Their design is very similar to sandblasting hoses. 
• Plaster hoses — They are characterized by both high abrasion resistance and resistance to weather and ozone. Just like concrete hoses, they are adapted to the harsh working conditions on the construction site.