Stainless steel flexible hoses (SS Flexible Hoses) are used in the oil and gas industry, known for their durability, flexibility, and reliability. These hoses are used to create secure connections between piping, ensuring smooth and safe operations in industrial applications. Made from high-quality stainless steel, they offer excellent resistance to corrosion, high temperatures, and pressure, making them ideal for transporting gases, fluids, and chemicals.
The manufacturing of stainless steel flexible hoses begins with stainless steel sheet strips, carefully selected for their chemical composition and physical properties to ensure smoothness, uniform thickness, and high surface quality. Stainless steel grade like 304/304L stainless steel, with 8-12% nickel and 17.5-20% chromium, works well for water and gas in non-corrosive environments. 316/316L stainless steel, which has 10-13% nickel, 16.5-18.5% chromium, and 2-2.5% molybdenum, is used for high pressure applications like salty water because it resists corrosion more effectively.
The prepared stainless steel strips are continuously welded into pipes using advanced methods like TIG, laser, or plasma welding. This ensures a seamless pipe structure with high strength and resistance to leaks.
Corrugation is formed on welded pipes using hydraulic or mechanical processes, transforming them into flexible hoses with the flexibility and pressure resistance needed for various applications. Based on the design, hoses are classified as annular, where the corrugations run perpendicular to the hose axis, offering better resistance to pressure shocks and easier installation, or helical, where the corrugations spiral along the hose.
This stainless flex hose has a corrugated metal core that offers excellent flexibility and vibration absorption. Constructed with high-grade stainless steel, such as AISI 316L or 321, they are resistant to corrosion, extreme temperatures, and ageing. Corrugated hoses are widely used for high-pressure gas transfer, fuel supply lines, and connections in gas-powered equipment.
In the chemical industry, stainless steel flexible hoses play a crucial role in the safe and efficient transfer of gas, including corrosive and hazardous substances. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, these hoses offer superior resistance to corrosion, high temperatures, and pressure.
The flexibility and durability of stainless steel flexible hoses make them well-suited for connecting pipes in tight spaces or areas with frequent movement or vibrations. With corrugated designs, they can absorb pressure surges and prevent damage from thermal expansion or contraction. These hoses can withstand exposure to corrosive gases, such as chlorine, hydrogen, and sulfur dioxide, often encountered in chemical processing.
SS Flexible Hoses for Gas Transfer in the Petrochemical Industry
Stainless steel flexible hoses are an essential component for transferring gases in the petrochemical industry. These hoses are ideal for safely transporting various gases, including natural gas, hydrogen, and other petrochemical products, through industrial systems to handle high pressure. Their flexibility allows for easy installation and adaptability in complex piping systems, reducing the risk of leaks and failures.
Many of these hoses are reinforced with materials such as wire braiding, fabric, or additional metal layers for enhanced strength and protection. This reinforcement helps prevent issues like hose kinking, bursting, or twisting under pressure, ensuring long-term durability.
The hose must be compatible with the gas's chemical properties and capable of withstanding the expected pressure and temperature ranges. 316/316L stainless steel hoses are often preferred for their superior corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use with gases that may have aggressive properties.
Installation should be performed by experts to understand the operational demands and the hose’s specific requirements. The hose must be installed in a way that avoids sharp bends or kinks. It should be secured properly to prevent movement and ensure leak free connections.
Stainless steel flexible hoses are often reinforced with layers of wire or fabric to prevent twisting or bursting. It is vital that these reinforcement layers are maintained in good condition. Additionally, protective coverings may be used to shield the hoses from mechanical damage and external environmental factors that could weaken the hose material over time.
Before and after installation, hoses must undergo pressure and temperature tests to verify that they can handle the high pressure. The gas industry involves extreme operating environments, so the hoses must be able to endure fluctuating pressures and temperatures without compromising safety.