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How To Order A Metal Hose Assembly
Below is the information we need to quote a hose assembly.

How To Order A Metal Hose

To design a flexible metal hose assembly accurately for a specific application, it is necessary to determine certain parameters initially. In some cases, all the required information may already be provided in a drawing. However, if it is not available, we have devised a helpful mnemonic to remember the necessary details for quoting and fabricating your metal hose assembly. These parameters are organized into the acronym “S.T.A.M.P.E.D.” to aid in memorization.

  • S Size or diameter of hose and end fittings. Also overall length of hose assembly.
  • T Temperatures to which the assembly will be exposed to.
  • A Application the hose will be used in.
  • M Material of hose core and braid as well as end fittings.
  • P Pressure requirements of hose assembly. Includes pressure spikes, pulsation and vacuum.
  • E End fitting type required. Threaded, Flanged or Custom Machined.
  • D stands for DELIVERY; testing, quality, packaging, and delivery requirements
How To Order A Hose
  • What is the inside diameter of the hose?
  • Is the outside diameter critical?
  • Minimum live length required (amount hose between braid bands) ?
  • What is the overall length of the hose assembly?
  • What is the temperature of the medium being conveyed inside the hose?
  • What temperatures will the hose be subjected to in its installed environment?
  • The temperatures inside and outside of the hose has a major impact on the working pressure of the hose. As the temperature gets hotter the material gets weaker. A hose rated at 500 psi @ ambient will not reach 500 psi at 1000°F. 
  • What type of application will the hose be used in?
  • Is there any movement in the hose while in the installed position?
  • Does this hose replace another hose? If yes then why are you replacing it?
  • Does the hose require abrasion protection or firesleeve on the outside?
  • Will the hose experience harsh chemicals that may require special alloys to be used?
  • What materials do you want your hose assembly made from?
  • The medium going through your hose can determine what alloy is required.
  • What material do you want your end connections made from?
  • Is the medium wet or dry? Is it sharp or abrasive?
  • What is your working pressure of your hose assembly?
  • Is your working pressure rated at ambient or working temperatures?
  • Are there any pressure spikes we need to know about?
  • What pressure would you like the pressure test to be preformed at?
  • What type of connections do you want on the end of your hose assembly?
  • Are there any specifications your end connections need to be certified to?
  • If custom machined, do you have a drawing of the end connector?
  • Are you supplying the end connections or are we procuring them for you?
  • What date do you want your hose delivered by?
  • Do you have time constraints where you need a RUSH hose assembly?
  • Does a custom crate or container need to be made for shipping your hose?
  • Is this an international or domestic ship location?

Additional Hose Information

Metal Hose

Common Sizes

Flexible metal hose and braid are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/4″ to 12″ in diameter. This size range enables adaptability to a variety of applications and system needs. When it comes to pressure ratings, the diameter of the hose is extremely important. Smaller diameter hoses can sustain higher pressures, whereas bigger diameter hoses have lower maximum pressure ratings. The interaction is responsible for the structural characteristics of the hose. Given that smaller diameter hoses have a lower cross-sectional area, the force being applied is dispersed over a smaller surface area. This concentrated force enables the hose to properly manage higher pressures.

Metal Hose
Metal Hose

Temperature Range Of Metal Hoses

Various industries use flexible metal hose assemblies widely because they perform well across an extreme temperature range. For instance, cryogenic applications, such as liquid hydrogen or oxygen transfer hoses, experience temperatures as low as -320°F.

In contrast, using a flexible metal hose assembly allows for achieving significantly higher temperatures compared to a PTFE or rubber hose. The materials they use to manufacture the hose provide this capability. Stainless steel can tolerate both higher and lower temperatures than a PTFE or rubber hose assembly

What Alloy’s Are Available

Flexible metal core and braid are available in a variety of different alloys, with each alloy tailored to a specific application. Typically, the core and braid options include 321ss, 316ss, Alloy 400 (Monel), and Nickel 625. The standard braid alloy is 304 stainless steel, but it can also be substituted with 316ss, Alloy 400, and Nickel 625.

In general, higher temperature applications utilize 321 stainless steel, while corrosive environments benefit from the use of 316L stainless steel. The low carbon content and the addition of molybdenum provide protection against salt and other chemicals used in manufacturing.

Maximum Pressure Of A Metal Hose

The maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of a flexible metal hose depends on two factors: the diameter of the hose and the number of layers of wire braid. Additionally, the MAWP can be affected by the temperature of the substance passing through the hose or the surrounding environment.

For example, a flexible metal hose with a 1/4″ inner diameter and 2 layers of braid can withstand a working pressure of 6000 psi. On the other hand, a 12″ flexible metal hose with 2 layers of braid has a working pressure capacity of 325 psi. It is important to consider that exceeding a temperature of 300°F necessitates a reduction in the pressure rating due to the elevated temperature.

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