Used across various industries, including mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction, air hoses are used to transport compressed air, gases, and bulk solids for various regulated applications. The main purpose of an air hose is to carry air from the air compressor to the tool.
Choosing an air hose may seem simple, but buying the right one for your job could be overwhelming sometimes. With a number of options ranging from different hose materials, sizes, lengths, internal diameters, and fittings available to choose from, how would you know the right one for your project?
Air hose dimensions
Dimensions are one of the most basic and essential factors in air hose selection. Here, by dimensions, we mean the inner diameter, outer diameter, and length.
Air hose length: The length of the air hose depends on the type of application, the maneuverability of the pneumatic tool, the size of your workspace, and even the distance between the air compressor and the tool. For instance, though a hose that is longer will allow you to move around easily, some of the air pressure will be lost in the process. For a smaller space, a shorter hose will maintain the optimal pressure.
Air hose diameter: The supply of air per minute depends on the inner diameter (ID) of an air hose. Air hoses come in a number of IDs, ranging from 1.2mm to 25mm. To calculate the inner diameter dimensions you require, find out the supply of air per minute your application needs. One thing you need to factor in is the air pressure; an oversized ID can cause slower performance, while an undersized ID can cause low pressure.
Air hose material
Air hoses are manufactured from a number of materials. The type of material plays a vital role in the performance, durability, flexibility, and bulkiness/lightness of the air hose. Some of the commonly used materials are metal, neoprene, nylon, nitrile rubber, plastic, PVC, polyurethane, and hybrid hoses, among others.
Your in-house application would only need a portable and light material like nylon. On the other hand, if a sturdy and resistant air hose is what you need, neoprene is the best choice. Polyurethane air hoses are suitable for high-pressure applications and work in most temperatures. PVC hoses are not only durable and abrasion-resistant but are also considered to be economical.
Air hose application
Pneumatic tools, air compressors, and air hoses are used in a number of applications that include smaller applications like metalwork, spray painting, sawing, polishing, sanding, and nailing, to larger industrial, medical, and semiconductor applications.
Air hose specifications may differ based on the type of media they convey – bulk solids, compressed air, granular solids in air, and other gases. Air hoses carrying granular or pelletized solids in an air or gas stream should be tough enough to bear their abrasive nature. Compressed air is used in a number of larger pneumatic systems and the air hoses should be strong enough to prevent leaks, avoid damage, and resist oil mist corrosion. If an air hose is used to convey different gases in a variety of temperatures and pressures it will also be required to be resistant to the corrosive nature of the chemicals they transport.
To buy air hoses online from RS components or other common fittings, materials, and applications, visit their website.
