How to Protect Hydraulic Hose Assemblies from Heat
Hydraulic systems are used in many manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries. They are quite common and power heavy machinery, robots, automobile brakes, manufacturing equipment, airplanes, and more. To transmit power, pumps push fluids through hydraulic systems from one point to another. Because the fluids are carried through hoses, it’s important that these hoses are protected from high temperatures.
When a hose assembly is exposed to extreme heat, it may be damaged, inhibiting productivity. Firesleeves preserve the integrity of hose assemblies, ensuring the correct and continued operation of hydraulic systems.
How Heat Can Damage a Hydraulic System
Fluids, such as oil, may break down when exposed to excessive heat in a hydraulic system. Optimally, oil temperatures should not exceed 180°F (82°C). At high temperatures, the oil’s life is shortened, producing acids and sludge and corroding metal parts. As a result, valves become clogged, seals may break, and hydraulic system components degrade. Heat may also lower hydraulic oil viscosity, affecting the lubrication of moving parts and equipment production.
When the viscosity of hydraulic oil is decreased, it flows more easily, resulting in reduced lubrication and wear protection. Excessive thermal temperatures creating less viscous and more corrosive fluids will eventually affect a hydraulic system through reduced system efficiency, leading to increased wear and tear, and premature equipment failure can occur. Davlyn’s firesleeves protect hydraulic hoses from external heat damage, increasing the life of the hose and preventing heat-related breakdowns.
How Firesleeves Protect Hydraulic Hose Assemblies
Firesleeves are protective covers that are used to insulate and protect industrial hoses from excessive heat and thermal stress. Hydraulic hose protection is essential to reduce the chance of equipment and component impairment due to excessive heat.
A few ways that firesleeves assist in hose protection are:
- Thermal Insulation
By acting as a barrier between the hose and the source of excessive heat, firesleeves protect the hose through a layer of thermal insulation that reduces the amount of heat that is transferred to the hose itself. This protection helps the hose operate at lower temperatures which reduces the chance of failure and increases operational efficiency.
- Flame Resistance
Firesleeves are designed to be flame-resistant, which helps protect hoses that could be potentially exposed to direct flame. In the case of fire from equipment failure, the flame resistance of firesleeves could potentially help prevent the fire from running down the length of the hose.
- Chemical Resistance
Firesleeves also have the additional benefit of having resistance to fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, and other harsh substances, providing the hose with additional protection from common causes of equipment failure.
Advantages of Firesleeves Compared to Other Thermal Protection
Firesleeves offer several advantages over other common types of thermal protection. One of the most advantageous is the flexibility and lightness that fire sleeves have over other types of thermal protection—they are typically easier and faster to install compared to other types of thermal protection, and they help protect hoses without much additional weight or space. These features make adding firesleeve protection to industrial hoses an overall easier, faster, and less expensive hose protection installation solution, offering the flexibility to be catered to the needs of their intended application. Plus, firesleeves are available in numerous different sizes and colors.
Features of Davlyn’s Firesleeve Products
Resistant to hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, and fuels, Davlyn’s Silco Sleeve® firesleeves and firesleeves with hook & loop closure insulate against energy loss in hoses and protect cables and hoses from splashes of molten metal and heavy sparks, protecting continuously to 500°F and capable of withstanding a molten splash at 2,200°F (1,200°C). Davlyn’s aerospace and industrial firesleeves are coated with the same proprietary silicone rubber compound for increased durability and enhanced heat and flame protection.
Davlyn has been designing and manufacturing technical textiles and composites for decades, with roots dating back to 1909—today, our products continue to keep heat in its place. Contact us for more information about our firesleeves for hose assembly protection.
