Find the Right Hose for the Job

The folks from Pirtek, the hose-service company, recommend using the acronym STAMPED to get all the information necessary to find the correct hydraulic hose to make a replacement assembly.

S - Size is governed by flow rate and velocity in pressure or suction lines. Check the Flow-Rate Nomograph found in most hose makers' catalogs. Inadequate hose size will cause pressure loss and turbulence that can overheat the hose.

T - Temperature range of the fluid flowing through the hose and of the environment around the hose will influence the hose choice.

A - Application, or what the hose is called on to do, is critical. Is it a pressure, suction, or delivery application? Is the hose assembly subject to pulsations or vibrations?

M - Medium, or fluid, type flowing through the hose will affect the choice. The Chemical Resistance Guide in the manufacturer's catalog will lead you to the right hose type.

P - Pressure, including surges or spikes (or maximum vacuum), is a critical factor.

E - End couplings must meet the requirements of the application. Not all fittings and hoses are interchangeable. Refer to manufacturer's catalogs.

D - Delivery, or when the hose assembly is normally needed, may be the most important issue.