5 Tips to Choose the Right Air Hose for Compressed Air Application
Choosing the right air hose is as important as choosing an air compressor. After all, if the air hose is not of the desired quality, diameter, or type, no matter how efficient the air compressor is, one won’t use it to the fullest.
However, with the right tips at disposal, anyone can choose the proper hose for their business or industrial air compressor. What are those tips? Well, this is what the blog is all about. This blog talks about 5 simple yet effective tips that’ll help anyone choose the right air hose for their air compressor.
Here are 5 simple tips to consider before choosing an air hose for an air compressor:
1. Length of the air hose
When choosing a suitable air hose, considering the length is first. Here’s why:
A person named “John” works in an automotive shop wherein he needs to move around large vehicles. Now, John would need an air hose that’s both long and easy to handle.
On the other hand, there’s a person named “Jerry” who uses an air drill and sits all day long at one bench. Now, unlike John, Jerry would need a shorter hose.
However, some air hoses come with connectors wherein a person can easily increase or decrease the length of the hose per convenience.
Pro Tip: One thing to consider is the pressure while deciding the length. When the length of the air hose increases, the air has to must travel more, which decreases the overall air pressure.
2. Internal diameter
After deciding the length, one should consider the diameter of the air hose. Air hoses are available in different diameters such as 6, 8, or 10mm. The higher the hose’s internal diameter, the higher is its ability to carry air.
However, it’s essential to understand the air compressor’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) or volume capacity to decide the hose’s internal diameter. For instance, handheld nailers that run on 1-3 CFM can work with a hose less than 6mm, and truck compressors that need around more than 8 CFM would need an air hose 8-10mm in diameter. Application like sand blasting need higher volume flow and depending on nozzle diameter hose diameter need to choose. If nozzle diameter is 9mm hose connecting to sandblasting gun need to be at least one size higher than nozzle dia.
Pro Tip: It’s always better to check the readings given on the air compression machine for accurate information on CFM.
3. Material
The material you choose for an air hose will impact its performance, flexibility, longevity, weight, and overall ease of use. It’s the reason you must choose the material carefully.
For instance, nylon is affordable, light, and easy to transport, making it easy for in-home applications or use. However, when it comes to outdoor use or cold weather, nylon loses its performance and becomes susceptible to bends which lower the durability.
Neoprene is another popular material that is highly reliable, thick, and meant for medium to heavy-duty use home, agricultural, and even industrial applications. Neoprene easily resists bends and cuts and can lay flat. However, neoprene hoses are costly and work well at low temperatures (around -4° F).
Another popular air hose material is polyurethane which isn’t as flexible as neoprene. However, it’s undoubtedly light in weight, durable, easily transportable, and can endure high-pressure uses. Polyurethane hoses are highly reliable and work well where temperatures fall to -22° F.
Rubber hose is another commonly used material.
Always check for pressure rating for hose irrespective of material of hose.
Pro Tip: It’s essential to consider the application or nature of use and environmental conditions before choosing the material for an air hose.
4. Standard VS. Recoil
In addition to straight flexible hoses, there are options available to choose from retractable automatic/manual rewinding hose reels or spiral hose. These are available in various length depending on your requirement. Depending on site requirement one can choose 5mtr, 10mtr, 15mtr or lengthier option.
A standard hose can lay flat on the floor and be wrapped loosely or mounted on a hose reel. On the other hand, a recoil air hose is the one that’s designed like the good old telephone cords with tight rings. The recoil air hose retracts back into its original position whenever tension is released.
The choice between a standard, automatic rewinding hose reel or recoil air hose is mostly affected by the nature of the application and ease of storage.
For instance, as they take up less space, recoil air hoses are good for manufacturing plants where the storage space is scarce. However, auto body or paint shops find standard air hoses a better option as it’s easy to handle.
Pro Tip: Go for standard type if there’s no storage issue, or go for a recoil air hose.
5. Check the fittings
Most air hoses come installed with fittings. However, if there’s an option, one must always go for a high-quality fitting to prevent pressure loss. Spending a few more bucks is always better than dealing with a low-pressure and poor-performing hose. Often its noticed air leak happens mainly from hose connectors. Choosing built in quick connection is more advisable.
Pro Tip: Poor quality fittings amount to air pressure and productive loss. So, invest in a reliable one.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right air hose for your compressed air needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Atlas Copco’s AIRNet piping system is a great solution for your compressed air system that’s fast, easy and reliable and doesn’t result in costly pressure drops or air contamination.
So, if you are seeking a reliable piping system that is both effective and affordable, contact Atlas Copco AIRNet specialist now and book a free consultation.