Stainless steel metal flexible hoses, with their excellent flexibility, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature resistance, are widely used in water supply and drainage, HVAC, chemical, and power industries. Their installation quality directly affects performance, service life, and system safety. Following scientific installation requirements is key to avoiding leaks and damage. Below is a detailed summary of installation points based on industry standards.
I. Pre-Installation Preparation: Essential Foundation
First, verify the hose specifications to ensure the nominal diameter, pressure rating, and length match the design requirements, avoiding incorrect use that could lead to insufficient pressure resistance or poor compatibility. Second, inspect the hose's appearance, confirming that the corrugated pipe is free of dents, deformation, and cracks, and that the flanges or threaded joints are undamaged and uncorroded. Ensure the seals (gaskets, O-rings) are intact and properly matched. Simultaneously, clean the installation site, removing debris and burrs from pipe joints to prevent scratches on the sealing surface or blockages caused by burrs entering the pipe during installation. Additionally, prepare appropriate auxiliary tools according to the installation environment and ensure proper connection and tightening procedures.
II. Key Installation Points: Avoiding Common Mistakes
1. Length Compatibility: Sufficient allowance must be made for expansion and contraction during installation to avoid excessive stretching or compression. Stretching should not exceed 10% of the total hose length, and compression should not exceed 3%, otherwise the corrugated pipe structure will be damaged, reducing its service life. Avoid twisting the hose during installation; after installation, ensure the hose axis aligns with the axes of the pipes at both ends. Forcibly twisting the joints during connection is strictly prohibited.
2. Connection Tightening: For flange connections, bolts must be tightened symmetrically and evenly to avoid uneven force causing leakage due to tilting of the sealing surface. For threaded connections, the tightening force should be moderate to prevent thread stripping or joint deformation. If necessary, sealant tape or sealant can be added to enhance sealing.
3. Route Planning: The hose installation route should be smooth, avoiding sharp bends or acute angles. The minimum bending radius must meet the requirements of the product manual (usually not less than 6-10 times the nominal hose diameter). If used in vibrating pipelines, ensure the hose maintains a reasonable distance from the vibration source to avoid resonance and increased wear. 4. Environmental Adaptability: When installing in high-temperature environments, keep away from open flames or high-temperature heat sources, and install a heat insulation layer if necessary. In outdoor or humid and corrosive environments, anti-corrosion treatment must be applied to the joints to prevent rust from affecting sealing performance.
III. Post-Installation Inspection: Ensuring Safe Use
After installation, a pressure test must be performed. Conduct a water pressure or air pressure test at 1.5 times the system's working pressure. The test is considered qualified if no leakage or abnormal deformation is observed within the specified time. Simultaneously check the hose and joints for looseness or displacement, confirming that the hose operates in its natural state without additional stress. Additionally, organize the surrounding pipelines to prevent other pipes or equipment from compressing or rubbing against the hose; install protective sleeves or supports for fixation if necessary.
In summary, the installation of stainless steel metal hoses requires strict control of three key aspects: "pre-installation verification, in-process standardization, and post-installation inspection." The core is to avoid excessive stretching, compression, and twisting, ensuring reliable connection sealing and proper routing. Following these installation requirements can effectively reduce leaks, damage, and other malfunctions, extend the service life of stainless steel metal hoses, and ensure stable system operation.