Parker safety guide for selecting and using hose, tubing, fittings and related accessories
Parker Safety Guide 4400-B.1
WARNING: Failure or improper selection or improper use of hose, tubing, fittings, assemblies or related accessories (“Products”) can cause death, personal injury and property damage. Possible consequences of failure or improper selection or improper use of these Products include but are not limited to:
- Fittings thrown off at high speed
- High velocity fluid discharge
- Explosion or burning of the conveyed fluid
- Electrocution from high voltage electric powerlines
- Contact with suddenly moving or falling objects that are controlled by the conveyed fluid
- Injections by high-pressure fluid discharge
- Dangerously whipping Hose
- Contact with conveyed fluids that may be hot, cold, toxic or otherwise injurious
- Sparking or explosion caused by static electricity buildup or other sources of electricity
- Sparking or explosion while spraying paint or flammable liquids
- Injuries resulting from inhalation, ingestion or exposure to fluids
Before selecting or using any of these Products, it is important that you read and follow the instructions below. Only Hose from Parker’s Stratoflex Products Division is approved for in flight aerospace applications
1.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.1 Scope: This safety guide provides instructions for selecting and using (including assembling, installing, and maintaining) these Products. For convenience, all rubber and/or thermoplastic products commonly called “hose” or “tubing” are called “Hose” in this safety guide. All assemblies made with Hose are called “Hose Assemblies”. All products commonly called “fittings”, “couplings” or “adapters” are called “Fittings”. All related accessories (including crimping and swaging machines and tooling) are called “Related Accessories”. This safety guide is a supplement to and is to be used with the specific Parker publications for the specific Hose, Fittings and Related Accessories that are being considered for use. Parker publications are available at www.parker.com. SAE J1273 (www.sae.org) and ISO 17165 2 (www.ansi.org) also provide recommended practices for hydraulic Hose Assemblies.
1.2 Fail-Safe: Hose, Hose Assemblies and Fittings can and do fail without warning for many reasons. Design all systems and equipment in a fail safe mode, so that failure of the Hose, Hose Assembly or Fitting will not endanger persons or property.
1.3 Distribution: Provide a copy of this safety guide to each person responsible for selecting or using Hose and Fitting products. Do not select or use Parker Hose or Fittings without thoroughly reading and understanding this safety guide as well as the specific Parker publications for the Products.
1.4 User Responsibility: Due to the wide variety of operating conditions and applications for Hose and Fittings, Parker does not represent or warrant that any particular Hose or Fitting is suitable for any specific end use system. This safety guide does not analyze all technical parameters that must be considered in selecting a product. The user, through its own analysis and testing, is solely responsible for:
- Making the final selection of the Products.
- Assuring that the user’s requirements are met and that the application presents no health or safety hazards.
- Providing all appropriate health and safety warnings on the equipment on which the Products are used.
- Assuring compliance with all applicable government and industry standards.
2.0 HOSE AND FITTING SELECTION INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Electrical Conductivity: Certain applications require that the Hose be nonconductive to prevent electrical current flow. Other applications require the Hose and the Fittings and the Hose/Fitting interface to be sufficiently conductive to drain off static electricity. Extreme care must be exercised when selecting Hose and Fittings for these or any other applications in which electrical conductivity or nonconductivity is a factor.
The electrical conductivity or nonconductivity of Hose and Fittings is dependent upon many factors and may be susceptible to change. These factors include but are not limited to the various materials used to make the Hose and the Fittings, Fitting finish (some Fitting finishes are electrically conductive while others are nonconductive), manufacturing methods (including moisture control), how the Fittings contact the Hose, age and amount of deterioration or damage or other changes, moisture content of the Hose at any particular time, and other factors.
The following are considerations for electrically nonconductive and conductive Hose. For other applications consult the individual catalog pages and the appropriate industry or regulatory standards for proper selection.
2.1.1 Electrically Nonconductive Hose: Certain applications require that the Hose be nonconductive to prevent electrical current flow or to maintain electrical isolation. For applications that require Hose to be electrically nonconductive, including but not limited to applications near high voltage electric lines, only special nonconductive Hose can be used. The manufacturer of the equipment in which the nonconductive Hose is to be used must be consulted to be certain that the Hose and Fittings that are selected are proper for the application. Do not use any Parker Hose or Fittings for any such application requiring nonconductive Hose, including but not limited to applications near high voltage electric lines, unless (i) the application is expressly approved in the Parker technical publication for the product, (ii) the Hose is marked “nonconductive”, and (iii) the manufacturer of the equipment on which the Hose is to be used specifically approves the particular Parker Hose and Fittings for such use.
2.1.2 Electrically Conductive Hose: Parker manufactures special Hose for certain applications that require electrically conductive Hose.
Parker manufactures special Hose for conveying paint in airless paint spraying applications. This Hose is labeled “Electrically Conductive Airless Paint Spray Hose” on its layline and packaging. This Hose must be properly connected to the appropriate Parker Fittings and properly grounded in order to dissipate dangerous static charge buildup, which occurs in all airless paint spraying applications. Do not use any other Hose for airless paint spraying, even if electrically conductive. Use of any other Hose or failure to properly connect the Hose can cause a fire or an explosion resulting in death, personal injury, and property damage.
Parker manufactures a special Hose for certain compressed natural gas (“CNG”) applications where static electricity buildup may occur. Parker CNG Hose assemblies comply with the requirements of ANSI/IAS NGV 4.2-1999; CSA 12.52-M99, “Hoses for Natural Gas Vehicles and Dispensing Systems” (www. ansi.org). This Hose is labeled “Electrically Conductive for CNG Use” on its layline and packaging. This Hose must be properly connected to the appropriate Parker Fittings and properly grounded in order to dissipate dangerous static charge buildup, which occurs in, for example, high velocity CNG dispensing or transfer. Do not use any other Hose for CNG applications where static charge buildup may occur, even if electrically conductive. Use of other Hoses in CNG applications or failure to properly connect or ground this Hose can cause a fire or an explosion resulting in death, personal injury, and property damage. Care must also be taken to protect against CNG permeation through the Hose wall. See section 2.6, Permeation, for more information. Parker CNG Hose is intended for dispenser and vehicle use at a maximum temperature of 180°F (82°C). Parker CNG Hose should not be used in confined spaces or unventilated areas or areas exceeding 180°F (82°C). Final assemblies must be tested for leaks. CNG Hose Assemblies should be tested on a monthly basis for conductivity per ANSI/IAS NGV 4.2-1999; CSA 12.52-M99.
Parker manufactures special Hose for aerospace in flight applications. Aerospace in flight applications employing Hose to transmit fuel, lubricating fluids and hydraulic fluids require a special Hose with a conductive inner tube. This Hose for in flight applications is available only from Parker’s Stratoflex Products Division. Do not use any other Parker Hose for in flight applications, even if electrically conductive. Use of other Hoses for in flight applications or failure to properly connect or ground this Hose can cause a fire or an explosion resulting in death, personal injury and property damage. These Hose assemblies for in flight applications must meet all applicable aerospace industry, aircraft engine and aircraft requirements.
2.2 Pressure: Hose selection must be made so that the published maximum working pressure of the Hose and Fittings are equal to or greater than the maximum system pressure. The maximum working pressure of a Hose Assembly is the lower of the respective published maximum working pressures of the Hose and the Fittings used. Surge pressures or peak transient pressures in the system must be below the published maximum working pressure for the Hose. Surge pressures and peak pressures can usually only be determined by sensitive electrical instrumentation that measures and indicates pressures at millisecond intervals. Mechanical pressure gauges indicate only average pressures and cannot be used to determine surge pressures or peak transient pressures. Published burst pressure ratings for Hose is for manufacturing test purposes only and is no indication that the Product can be used in applications at the burst pressure or otherwise above the published maximum recommended working pressure.
2.3 Suction: Hoses used for suction applications must be selected to insure that the Hose will withstand the vacuum and pressure of the system. Improperly selected Hose may collapse in suction application.
2.4 Temperature: Be certain that fluid and ambient temperatures, both steady and transient, do not exceed the limitations of the Hose. Temperatures below and above the recommended limit can degrade Hose to a point where a failure may occur and release fluid. Properly insulate and protect the Hose Assembly when routing near hot objects (e.g. manifolds). Do not use any Hose in any application where failure of the Hose could result in the conveyed fluids (or vapors or mist from the conveyed fluids) contacting any open flame, molten metal, or other potential fire ignition source that could cause burning or explosion of the conveyed fluids or vapors.
2.5 FluidCompatibility: Hose Assembly selection must assure compatibility of the Hose tube, cover, reinforcement, and Fittings with the fluid media used. See the fluid compatibility chart in the Parker publication for the product being considered or used. This information is offered only as a guide. Actual service life can only be determined by the end user by testing under all extreme conditions and other analysis.
Hose that is chemically compatible with a particular fluid must be assembled using Fittings and adapters containing likewise compatible seals.
2.6 Permeation: Permeation (that is, seepage through the Hose) will occur from inside the Hose to outside when Hose is used with gases, liquid and gas fuels, and refrigerants (including but not limited to such materials as helium, diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas, or LPG). This permeation may result in high concentrations of vapors which are potentially flammable, explosive, or toxic, and in loss of fluid. Dangerous explosions, fires, and other hazards can result when using the wrong Hose for such applications. The system designer must take into account the fact that this permeation will take place and must not use Hose if this permeation could be hazardous. The system designer must take into account all legal, government, insurance, or any other special regulations which govern the use of fuels and refrigerants. Never use a Hose even though the fluid compatibility is acceptable without considering the potential hazardous effects that can result from permeation through the Hose Assembly.
Permeation of moisture from outside the Hose to inside the Hose will also occur in Hose assemblies, regardless of internal pressure. If this moisture permeation would have detrimental effects (particularly, but not limited to refrigeration and air conditioning systems), incorporation of sufficient drying capacity in the system or other appropriate system safeguards should be selected and used.
2.7 Size: Transmission of power by means of pressurized fluid varies with pressure and rate of flow. The size of the components must be adequate to keep pressure losses to a minimum and avoid damage due to heat generation or excessive fluid velocity.
2.8 Routing: Attention must be given to optimum routing to minimize inherent problems (kinking or flow restriction due to Hose collapse, twisting of the Hose, proximity to hot objects or heat sources). For additional routing recommendations see SAE J1273 and ISO 17165-2. Hose Assemblies have a finite life and if possible, should be installed in a manner that allows for ease of inspection and future replacement. Rubber Hose because of its relative short life, should not be used in residential and commercial buildings for HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) applications.
2.9 Environment: Care must be taken to insure that the Hose and Fittings are either compatible with or protected from the environment (that is, surrounding conditions) to which they are exposed. Environmental conditions including but not limited to ultraviolet radiation, sunlight, heat, ozone, moisture, water, salt water, chemicals and air pollutants can cause degradation and premature failure.
2.10 Mechanical Loads: External forces can significantly reduce Hose life or cause failure. Mechanical loads which must be considered include excessive flexing, twist, kinking, tensile or side loads, bend radius, and vibration. Use of swivel type Fittings or adapters may be required to insure no twist is put into the Hose. Unusual applications may require special testing prior to Hose selection.
2.11 Physical Damage: Care must be taken to protect Hose from wear, snagging, kinking, bending smaller that minimum bend radius and cutting, any of which can cause premature Hose failure. Any Hose that has been kinked or bent to a radius smaller than the minimum bend radius, and any Hose that has been cut or is cracked or is otherwise damaged should be removed and discarded.
2.12 Proper End Fitting: See instructions 3.2 through 3.5. These recommendations may be substantiated by testing to industry standards such as SAE J517 for hydraulic applications, or MIL-A-5070, AS1339, or AS3517 for Hoses from Parker’s Stratoflex Products Division for aerospace applications.
2.13 Length: When establishing a proper Hose length, motion absorption, Hose length changes due to pressure, and Hose and machine tolerances and movement must be considered.
2.14 Specifications and Standards: When selecting Hose and Fittings, government, industry, and Parker specifications and recommendations must be reviewed and followed as applicable.
2.15 Hose Cleanliness: Hose components may vary in cleanliness levels. Care must be taken to insure that the Hose Assembly selected has an adequate level of cleanliness for the application.
2.16 Fire Resistant Fluids: Some fire resistant fluids that are to be conveyed by Hose require use of the same type of Hose as used with petroleum base fluids. Some such fluids require a special Hose, while a few fluids will not work with any Hose at all. See instructions 2.5 and 1.5. The wrong Hose may fail after a very short service. In addition, all liquids but pure water may burn fiercely under certain conditions, and even pure water leakage may be hazardous.
2.17 Radiant Heat: Hose can be heated to destruction without contact by such nearby items as hot manifolds or molten metal. The same heat source may then initiate a fire. This can occur despite the presence of cool air around the Hose.
2.18 Welding or Brazing: When using a torch or arc welder in close proximity to hydraulic lines, the hydraulic lines should be removed or shielded with appropriate fire resistant materials. Flame or weld spatter could burn through the Hose and possibly ignite escaping fluid resulting in a catastrophic failure. Heating of plated parts, including Hose Fittings and adapters, above 450°F (232°C) such as during welding, brazing or soldering may emit deadly gases.
2.19 Atomic Radiation: Atomic radiation affects all materials used in Hose assemblies. Since the long-term effects may be unknown, do not expose Hose assemblies to atomic radiation.
2.20 Aerospace Applications: The only Hose and Fittings that may be used for in flight aerospace applications are those available from Parker’s Stratoflex Products Division. Do not use any other Hose or Fittings for in flight applications. Do not use any Hose or Fittings from Parker’s Stratoflex Products Division with any other Hose or Fittings, unless expressly approved in writing by the engineering manager or chief engineer of Stratoflex Products Division and verified by the user’s own testing and inspection to aerospace industry standards.
2.21 Unlocking Couplings: Ball locking couplings or other Fittings with quick disconnect ability can unintentionally disconnect if they are dragged over obstructions, or if the sleeve or other disconnect member, is bumped or moved enough to cause disconnect. Threaded Fittings should be considered where there is a potential for accidental uncoupling.
3.0 HOSE AND FITTING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Component Inspection: Prior to assembly, a careful examination of the Hose and Fittings must be performed. All components must be checked for correct style, size, catalog number, and length. The Hose must be examined for cleanliness, obstructions, blisters, cover looseness, kinks, cracks, cuts or any other visible defects. Inspect the Fitting and sealing surfaces for burrs, nicks, corrosion or other imperfections. Do NOT use any component that displays any signs of nonconformance.
3.2 Hose and Fitting Assembly: Do not assemble a Parker Fitting on a Parker Hose that is not specifically listed by Parker for that Fitting, unless authorized in writing by the engineering manager or chief engineer of the appropriate Parker division. Do not assemble a Parker Fitting on another manufacturer’s Hose or a Parker Hose on another manufacturer’s Fitting unless (i) the engineering manager or chief engineer of the appropriate Parker division approves the Assembly in writing or that combination is expressly approved in the appropriate Parker literature for the specific Parker product, and (ii) the user verifies the Assembly and the application through analysis and testing. For Parker Hose that does not specify a Parker Fitting, the user is solely responsible for the selection of the proper Fitting and Hose Assembly procedures. See instruction 1.4.
To prevent the possibility of problems such as leakage at the Fitting or system contamination, it is important to completely remove all debris from the cutting operation before installation of the Fittings. The Parker published instructions must be followed for assembling the Fittings on the Hose. These instructions are provided in the Parker Fitting catalog for the specific Parker Fitting being used, or by calling 1 800 CPARKER, or at www.parker.com.
3.3 Related Accessories: Do not crimp or swage any Parker Hose or Fitting with anything but the listed swage or crimp machine and dies in accordance with Parker published instructions. Do not crimp or swage another manufacturer’s Fitting with a Parker crimp or swage die unless authorized in writing by the engineering manager or chief engineer of the appropriate Parker division.
3.4 Parts: Do not use any Parker Fitting part (including but not limited to socket, shell, nipple, or insert) except with the correct Parker mating parts, in accordance with Parker published instructions, unless authorized in writing by the engineering manager or chief engineer of the appropriate Parker division.
3.5 Field Attachable/Permanent: Do not reuse any field attachable Hose Fitting that has blown or pulled off a Hose. Do not reuse a Parker permanent Hose Fitting (crimped or swaged) or any part thereof. Complete Hose Assemblies may only be reused after proper inspection under section 4.0. Do not assemble Fittings to any previously used hydraulic Hose that was in service, for use in a fluid power application.
3.6 Pre-Installation Inspection: Prior to installation, a careful examination of the Hose Assembly must be performed. Inspect the Hose Assembly for any damage or defects. DO NOT use any Hose Assembly that displays any signs of nonconformance.
3.7 Minimum Bend Radius: Installation of a Hose at less than the minimum listed bend radius may significantly reduce the Hose life. Particular attention must be given to preclude sharp bending at the Hose to Fitting juncture. Any bending during installation at less than the minimum bend radius must be avoided. If any Hose is kinked during installation, the Hose must be discarded.
3.8 Twist Angle and Orientation: Hose Assembly installation must be such that relative motion of machine components does not produce twisting.
3.9 Securement: In many applications, it may be necessary to restrain, protect, or guide the Hose to protect it from damage by unnecessary flexing, pressure surges, and contact with other mechanical components. Care must be taken to insure such restraints do not introduce additional stress or wear points.
3.10 Proper Connection of Ports: Proper physical installation of the Hose Assembly requires a correctly installed port connection insuring that no twist or torque is transferred to the Hose when the Fittings are being tightened or otherwise during use..
3.11 External Damage: Proper installation is not complete without insuring that tensile loads, side loads, kinking, flattening, potential abrasion, thread damage or damage to sealing surfaces are corrected or eliminated. See instruction 2.10.
3.12 System Checkout: All air entrapment must be eliminated and the system pressurized to the maximum system pressure (at or below the Hose maximum working pressure) and checked for proper function and freedom from leaks. Personnel must stay out of potential hazardous areas while testing and using.
3.13 Routing: The Hose Assembly should be routed in such a manner so if a failure does occur, the escaping media will not cause personal injury or property damage. In addition, if fluid media comes in contact with hot surfaces, open flame or sparks, a fire or explosion may occur. See section 2.4.
3.14 Ground Fault Equipment Protection Devices (GFEPDs): WARNING! Fire and Shock Hazard: To minimize the danger of fire if the heating cable of a Multitube bundle is damaged or improperly installed, use a Ground Fault Equipment Protection Device. Electrical fault currents may be insufficient to trip a conventional circuit breaker.
For ground fault protection, the IEEE 515:1989 (www.ansi.org) standard for heating cables recommends the use of GFEPDs with a nominal 30 milliampere trip level for “piping systems in classified areas, those areas requiring a high degree of maintenance, or which may be exposed to physical abuse or corrosive atmospheres”.
4.0 HOSE AND FITTING MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Even with proper selection and installation, Hose life may be significantly reduced without a continuing maintenance program. The severity of the application, risk potential from a possible Hose failure, and experience with any Hose failures in the application or in similar applications should determine the frequency of the inspection and the replacement for the Products so that Products are replaced before any failure occurs. A maintenance program must be established and followed by the user and, at minimum, must include instructions 4.2 through 4.7.
4.2 Visual Inspection Hose/Fitting: Any of the following conditions require immediate shut down and replacement of the Hose Assembly:
- Fitting slippage on Hose;
- Damaged, cracked, cut or abraded cover (any reinforcement exposed);
- Hard, stiff, heat cracked, or charred Hose;
- Cracked, damaged, or badly corroded Fittings;
- Leaks at Fitting or in Hose;
- Kinked, crushed, flattened or twisted Hose; and
- Blistered, soft, degraded, or loose cover.
4.3 Visual Inspection All Other: The following items must be tightened, repaired, corrected or replaced as required:
- Worn clamps, guards or shields; and
- System fluid level, fluid type, and any air entrapment.
4.4 Functional Test: Operate the system at maximum operating pressure and check for possible malfunctions and leaks. Personnel must avoid potential hazardous areas while testing and using the system. See section 2.2.
4.5 Replacement Intervals: Hose assemblies and elastomeric seals used on Hose Fittings and adapters will eventually age, harden, wear and deteriorate under thermal cycling and compression set. Hose Assemblies and elastomeric seals should be inspected and replaced at specific replacement intervals, based on previous service life, government or industry recommendations, or when failures could result in unacceptable downtime, damage, or injury risk. See section 1.2. Hose and Fittings may be subjected to internal mechanical and/or chemical wear from the conveying fluid and may fail without warning. The user must determine the product life under such circumstances by testing. Also see section 2.5. See section 1.2.
4.6 Hose Inspection and Failure: Hydraulic power is accomplished by utilizing high pressure fluids to transfer energy and do work. Hoses, Fittings and Hose Assemblies all contribute to this by transmitting fluids at high pressures. Fluids under pressure can be dangerous and potentially lethal and, therefore, extreme caution must be exercised when working with fluids under pressure and handling the Hoses transporting the fluids. From time to time, Hose Assemblies will fail if they are not replaced at proper time intervals. Usually these failures are the result of some form of misapplication, abuse, wear or failure to perform proper maintenance. When Hoses fail, generally the high pressure fluids inside escape in a stream which may or may not be visible to the user. Under no circumstances should the user attempt to locate the leak by “feeling” with their hands or any other part of their body. High pressure fluids can and will penetrate the skin and cause severe tissue damage and possibly loss of limb. Even seemingly minor hydraulic fluid injection injuries must be treated immediately by a physician with knowledge of the tissue damaging properties of hydraulic fluid.
If a Hose failure occurs, immediately shut down the equipment and leave the area until pressure has been completely released from the Hose Assembly. Simply shutting down the hydraulic pump may or may not eliminate the pressure in the Hose Assembly. Many times check valves, etc., are employed in a system and can cause pressure to remain in a Hose Assembly even when pumps or equipment are not operating. Tiny holes in the Hose, commonly known as pinholes, can eject small, dangerously powerful but hard to see streams of hydraulic fluid. It may take several minutes or even hours for the pressure to be relieved so that the Hose Assembly may be examined safely.
Once the pressure has been reduced to zero, the Hose Assembly may be taken off the equipment and examined. It must always be replaced if a failure has occurred. Never attempt to patch or repair a Hose Assembly that has failed. Consult the nearest Parker distributor or the appropriate Parker division for Hose Assembly replacement information.
Never touch or examine a failed Hose Assembly unless it is obvious that the Hose no longer contains fluid under pressure. The high pressure fluid is extremely dangerous and can cause serious and potentially fatal injury.
4.7 Elastomeric seals: Elastomeric seals will eventually age, harden, wear and deteriorate under thermal cycling and compression set. Elastomeric seals should be inspected and replaced.
4.8 Refrigerant gases: Special care should be taken when working with refrigeration systems. Sudden escape of refrigerant gases can cause blindness if the escaping gases contact the eye and can cause freezing or other severe injuries if it contacts any other portion of the body.
4.9 Compressednaturalgas(CNG): ParkerCNGHoseAssembliesshould be tested after installation and before use, and at least on a monthly basis per ANSI/IAS NGV 4.2-1999; CSA 12.52-M99 Section 4.2 “Visual Inspection Hose/ Fitting”. The recommended procedure is to pressurize the Hose and check for leaks and to visually inspect the Hose for damage.
Caution: Matches, candles, open flame or other sources of ignition shall not be used for Hose inspection. Leak check solutions should be rinsed off after use.
5.0 HOSE STORAGE
5.1 Age Control: Hose and Hose Assemblies must be stored in a manner that facilitates age control and first-in and first-out usage based on manufacturing date of the Hose and Hose Assemblies. The shelf life of rubber Hose or Hose Assemblies that have passed visual inspection and a proof test is 10 years (40 quarters) from the date of manufacture. The shelf life of thermoplastic and polytetrafluoroethylene Hose or Hose Assemblies is considered to be unlimited.
5.2 Storage: Stored Hose and Hose Assemblies must not be subjected to damage that could reduce their expected service life and must be placed in a cool, dark and dry area with the ends capped. Stored Hose and Hose Assemblies must not be exposed to temperature extremes, ozone, oils, corrosive liquids or fumes, solvents, high humidity, rodents, insects, ultraviolet light, electromagnetic fields or radioactive materials.
The above Safety Guide was reproduced from Parker Catalog 4400 (Revised November 2007).
