Stainless Steel

Opened in January 2010 our metal hose division is located in a 6,000 sq ft modern industrial unit located in Bolton, Lancashire in the North West of England. The addition of this manufacturing facility continues and strengthens HYDRAQUIP’s position in the braided hose market and allows the company to offer a superior level of service combined with a quality product to our customer base.

To ensure that the high standards are met the team employed to operate this part of the business have a wealth of experience and knowledge in this field having worked together at Flexible Hose Supplies’ Bolton office for many years. During this period they have designed, manufactured and supplied metal and ptfe hose assemblies to a large and diverse customer base both in the UK and Globally providing solutions to numerous challenges.

Metal hoses

In order to stand out from the rest we are pleased to have been appointed as the sole UK distributor for Aeroflex Industries Ltd who are one of the largest manufacturers of stainless steel corrugated hose and assemblies in the World. Aeroflex’s policy of continuous investment and product development will ensure that what we can offer is amongst the leading products currently available.

Our capacity and stocks will allow for the manufacture of single hose assemblies with a choice of end terminations in bore sizes up to DN200 (8”) and also allow us to supply loose hose for distributors straight off the shelf. Bore sizes up to DN300 (12”) are also available on request. In addition to the loose components we will be stocking a number of the more popular finished assemblies, which will allow for large quantities of hoses available for immediate despatch.

Stainless steel convoluted (metal) hoses are used in a number of industries covering a wide range of applications where a hose with a higher degree of resistance and durability is required as opposed to a rubber hose. Demand for this type of hose ranges from single applications to OEM listed components and is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years as companies demand longer life expectancy from their purchased products or as part of a total package.

Metal Hose Terminology

Annular – A hose profile that is designed so each convolution is a separate circle or ring.
Braid – Woven wire cover placed over hose which prevents elongation of the hose and permits higher working pressure.
Close Pitch – More corrugations per foot, which renders the longest fatigue life and minimum bend radius.
Constant Flexing Bend Radius – The minimum radius to which a hose can be repeatedly bent and render satisfactory flexure life.
Constant Motion – Motion that occurs on a regular cyclic basis at a constant travel.
Fittings – Parts attached to the ends of metal hose so that it can be connected to other components. Such as flanges, unions, nipples etc.
Flow Velocity – When the flow velocity exceeds 75 ft./second liquid, 150 ft./second gas in braided hose, a flexible metal liner should be used.
Intermittent Motion – Motion that occurs on a regular or irregular cyclic basis.
Maximum Test Pressure – Maximum pressure hose assemble should be subject to for testing purpose. Based on 150% of the Maximum Working Pressure.
Media – Conveyant in a hose assembly such as gases, liquids, etc.
Operating Conditions – Temperature, Pressure, Media, Motion and Application involved.
Random Motion – Uncontrolled motion that occurs usually from manual handling of hose.
Rated Burst Pressure – Pressure at which hose can be expected to fail. Braid will normally fail before core burst.
Safety Factor – Difference between working pressure and rated burst pressure.
Shock or Pulsating Pressure – Shock, pulsating or surge pressure can cause premature failure of hose.
Static Bend – Minimum center bend radius to which flexible metal hose may be bent for installation.
Vibration – High frequency, low amplitude motion.
Working Temperature – Temperature to which hose will be subjected during operation.