What is stainless steel braided hose?
A hose consisting of a corrugated stainless-steel core with stainless steel braid, each working together with their own function. While the corrugated stainless hose carries the pressure and has great hoop strength. It needs the tensile strength of the braid to keep it from elongating.
Every hose has its own pressure rating. There are several variables that effect a hose pressure rating.
Always make sure the hose you select has a pressure rating that will handle the application.
The bend radius of a hose is the minimum radius a hose can be bent in without compromising its integrity. The bend radius is used to determine the length of hose (life length) needed for a specified movement. There are generally two types of bend radii indicated for a hose and braid product. A “Static” bend radius used to determine hose length for an offset in the piping that will not see movement. The other bend radius is the “Dynamic” bend radius, and this is used to determine the length of hose needed for application that will see cycling movement such as in a HVAC system.
Always used the bend radius of the specific hose you will be using. Each hose has its own bend radius.
ISO 10380 should be used to determine the bend radius.
What is live length when referencing stainless steel braided hose product?
The live length is the length of hose between the braid collars.
Corrugated stainless steel braided hoses incorporates time tested and proven technology that have several advantages over rubber hoses including:
Metal hoses are also available with a wide range of end fittings:
Braid used with corrugated stainless steel hose has two functions. The first is to restrain the hydrostatic end load of the hose under pressure. The second is to restrain the hose from squirming under pressure and stay flexible. The braid basically acts like a “Chinese finger trap” around the hose.
Braid is available in two styles. Single braid as shown in Picture 20a. and braided braid as shown in. Single braid is made up of groups of wires called carriers or bands. Braided braid is made up of wires braided together to form the carriers or bands.
Braid is described in the following format, 72 x 8 x .020 where 72 is the number of carriers or bands in the braid, 8 is the number of wires per carrier, and .020 is wire diameter,
Braided braid is described with the same format but with brackets. For example, 96 X (13 X .025)
The pressure rating of a hose and braid assembly are dependent on several factors that include:
The list of applications for hoses is just about endless. The reasons for needing hose and braid products can range from making up for offsets in the piping to compensating for thermal / seismic / building movement. Some of the most common includes:
Always consult Metraflex to review your application. We offer Delegated Design services and are happy to help.
A properly installed and applied hose and braid product should be considered a life of building product that will last 20 years.
However, there are several factors that can adversely affect the life of hose and braid products: