In industrial environments, temperature regulation is often one of the most important concerns, especially when you're dealing with materials that have to be kept at a certain temperature while they're in use. That's why many industrial facilities invest in heated hoses. If you're looking into heated hoses for the first time, here's a look at what you need to know.
Choosing Your Heating Source
The first thing you need to think about when you're choosing a heated hose is what kind of heating source you're looking for. Industrial heated hoses are available in two forms. You can opt for electric heating or heating agent systems.
With electric heating, the hose itself is plugged into an electrical source and the heat is generated through an electrical heating element that runs through the entire length of the hose. There's usually a temperature sensor as well, allowing you to manage the temperature of the heating element to keep the hose contents at a specific and regulated temperature.
Heating agent systems are hoses that are crafted with an additional heating agent between the outer hose and the inner tubing where your material flows. In most cases, the heating agent is either steam or oil. These are an ideal option when you need a heated hose in an environment where you don't have access to enough electrical outlets for an electrically heated hose system.
Selecting Your Base Hose
Heated hoses are crafted from a variety of different base hoses depending on the application. The base hoses are the portion that actually carries your fluid from one end of the hose to the other. You'll need to choose a base hose as part of your heated hose selection.
If you're looking for a hose with a vapor barrier and resistance to corrosion and all sorts of other chemical damage, you may want to ask for hoses that have a PTFE base. PTFE is great for containing odors, sealing vapors, and standing up to some pretty demanding environments.
When vapor and odor containment aren't a concern, but durability is, you should ask about steel braided hose. Steel hose can stand up to a lot of abuse, and will still flow consistently. Steel will conduct temperature well, helping to keep the contents consistently heated as it flows.
Additionally, some systems use a rubber base hose. You'll want to avoid the rubber base hose if you're using a heating agent system, though. Usually, PTFE is the preferred choice for heating agent systems with steel hose running a close second.
For more information, contact a heated hose supplier.
You can't have an industrial plant without the right equipment. What equipment you need, exactly, depends on the industry you are in. If you make granite counters, for instance, you will need some saws and cranes. If you make plastic straws, you will need molds and mixers. One thing is true across all industries, however. You need to take care to source the materials from good suppliers who stand behind their products, and then you need to take good care of your equipment. Learn more about the equipment and supplies used in industrial settings as you read this blog on the topic.