You might think you could use multipurpose hose for just about anything. And you’d be right! While there are applications that multipurpose industrial hose is best suited for, the possibilities are endless. This blog will cover how multipurpose hose is used, important specifications to review before selecting your hose, a premium option to consider, and how IBT can help provide solutions for your hose applications.

Where Do You Utilize Multipurpose Hose?

Multipurpose hose is most commonly used for air, followed by fluids. In fact, a multipurpose hose is often also referred to as an air hose. It is typically made of rubber, but can be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, nylon, or a hybrid of the above materials. The flexibility, durability, and high pressure tolerance of multipurpose air hose make it a natural choice for pneumatic applications. It is widely used in industries where compressed air is a vital component, powering a variety of pneumatic tools and equipment.

Water transfer is another common use. Industries that require wash down operations often use multipurpose hose, such as food processing and manufacturing. These hoses can handle extreme temperatures and cleaning solutions, providing an effective and reliable solution for maintaining a hygienic work environment. Multipurpose hose can often be found in irrigation applications, coolant and heater lines, and general water supply. It can also be utilized for general material transfer, depending on the product.

Due to this wide range of capabilities, many different industries use multipurpose hose—construction, manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, mining, and chemical applications are just a few examples.

Considerations When Selecting Multipurpose Hose

Whether you are looking for air hose, water hose, or general multipurpose hose, the widely-used STAMPED acronym can be a helpful way to remember all of the critical hose selection criteria:

Size

• What are your inside and outside diameter requirements? 
• What length is required? 
• Is the exact overall length, including fittings, a critical factor?

Temperature 

• What is the working temperature of the product that is being moved? 
• Will the external cover of the hose be subject to extreme temperatures? 

Don’t forget to factor in the relationship between high temperature and working pressure. Recommended working pressure reduces as temperatures rise, as all working pressures are given at room temperature.

Application 

There are several important questions to ask yourself about your application before choosing the right hose. 

• How will this hose be used, installed, and handled? 
• Will it need to withstand any flexing, dragging, oils, or chemicals? 
  • An important consideration within this category is abrasion resistance. Abrasion resistance is defined as the hose’s ability to endure wear and tear caused by friction, rubbing, or scraping against rough surfaces. 
    • This characteristic is especially important in industrial settings, where hoses may come into contact with various materials, surfaces, and environmental conditions during regular use. When hoses are subject to continuous movement, flexing, or exposure to harsh conditions, a durable and abrasion resistant hose is essential. 
  • Another important consideration within this category is oil resistance. Oil-resistant hoses are better able to resist the damaging effects of exposure to oil and petroleum-based substances. 
    • If a hose is exposed to oil-based compounds, and is not oil-resistant, it may degrade over time. This could lead to swelling, cracking, loss of flexibility, or worst of all— downtime for your systems. Sufficient oil resistance in multipurpose industrial hose will maintain structural integrity, minimize contamination, and provide more consistent durability.
• Does this hose need to be statically conductive or meet any federal regulations? 
• Is this a permanent application? Consider the history of hoses in the application– what has worked and what hasn’t?
• What are the implications of downtime for this particular hose?

Materials

Important questions to consider regarding the material you’re handling include: 

• What is the substance being conveyed through the hose?
• If it is a material, will it be wet, or dry?
• Are there chemicals involved? If so, determine concentration percentage.
• What is the estimated size of the particles being conveyed? Are they sharp or abrasive?

Pressure

Generally, hose pressure rating refers to the maximum amount of pressure (or vacuum) that a hose can withstand without experiencing failure or damage. It indicates the hose’s capacity to handle forces exerted by fluid or gas (such as air) flowing through it. It is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), or bar, and will be affected by a hose’s construction, materials, and design. Questions to ask yourself include:  

• Is this a pressure or vacuum application? 
• What will the maximum working pressure be? Consider the effects of high temperature as you evaluate this. 
• Will there be any pressure surges?

Ends

• When connecting the hose to the existing system, what kind of end or fitting is required?
• How do the above considerations (size, temperature, application, material, pressure) affect the fitting requirements?

It is important to note that the weakest link (and often, the most common cause of hose failure) is typically the hose and fitting connection. Take extra time to ensure your fittings will be able to withstand the existing conditions.

Delivery 

• What are your timing requirements? Evaluate when you need the hose on-site.
• Are there testings and certifications that need to be completed? 
• How much time will it take to manufacture the hose and assemble the ends?

Carefully consider what your on-site requirements will be to ensure the hose can be put into use where you need it, and when you need it. 

Using the STAMPED acronym to identify the correct hose specifications will ensure a longer lifespan for your hose, and maintain optimal performance over time.

A Premium Option

Continental’s Gorilla hose is a preferred option that has all of the desired characteristics for multi-purpose hose. Featuring superior oil and abrasion resistance throughout, a 500 PSI pressure rating, crush proofing and kink resistance, and non-conductive materials, it is an excellent choice for a variety of applications. This includes air hose, water hose, and more. Gorilla hose also features their proprietary oil- and abrasion-resistant, MSHA-approved CARBRYN cover, and is available in a variety of sizes and diameters.

Continental also offers a unique hose Shop In a Box option, a turnkey setup with several common tools and accessories. This includes four crimper styles, hose saws, hose reels and racks, organizing cabinets and workspace.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re looking for expert advice on multipurpose industrial hose, contact IBT Industrial Solutions for support in selecting, maintaining, and replacing your multipurpose industrial hose. Our dedicated hose division is standing by to offer you an exceptional combination of personalized service and quality product, from hoses to fittings. Our approved production and testing facility can even custom-finish complete hose assemblies to your exact specifications.

Other Custom Hose Solutions

You can also walk-in to our Kansas City Industrial Hose Shop and have a hose repair ready on the same day! Our hose shop capabilities include crimping up to 2.5” for hydraulic hose and 6” for industrial hose, stainless steel test benching to 24,000 PSI, prefabrications, and more. Watch this YouTube video to learn more about what we can do for you! 

Whether you need air hose, water hose, or general multipurpose hose, we look forward to helping you find the right industrial solutions for your application.