A key word to remember before you buy a hose: stamped

Posted on 3/16/2018 by SuperUser Account

Any time you're looking to buy a hose, there's a list of application factors that define the proper specifications of a hose assembly. A key way to remember those factors begins with the acronym STAMPED.

The STAMPED acronym stands for the 7 major information areas required to provide a quality hose assembly for the customer: S for Size, T for temperature, A for Application, M for Material (or Media), P for Pressure, E for Ends and D for Delivery.

Each area has a lot to do with getting the ideal hose for your application. But as you'll quickly discover, there are a lot of considerations associated with each area. Here's a little more background information about each factor ...

Size- What is the size? You need to know the I.D. and length; including whether there are any Outside Dimension constraints. Overall length should be specified to include fittings and tolerances that need to be specified if special requirements exist.

If you're wondering how to determine the replacement hose I.D., read the layline printing on the side of the original hose. If it's been painted over or worn off, you'll need to cut the hose and measure the inside diameter for size. Why go to such extremes? Well, the inside diameter of the hose must be adequate to keep pressure loss to a minimum, maintain adequate flow and avoid damage to the hose due to heat generation or excessive turbulence.

Length tolerances also need to be considered for all types of hose assemblies. Keep in mind that hoses with a large Outside Dimension will likely require special handling.

Temperature - What will the temperature be of the material conveyed and the environmental conditions in which it will be used?

To work at optimum efficiency, you need to think about what is flowing through the hose and under what conditions it will be performing. Will it be in an environment with excessive heat or needed to work in subfreezing temperatures? You'll want to specify continuous (average) and minimum and maximum temperatures for the environment as well as fluid temperature.

Application - What will be the conditions of use involving configuration and routing?

Here there are all kinds of considerations. Will the hose be hanging, laying horizontally, supported, unsupported or routing up or down hills? What are the requirements for pressure calculations and head pressure requirements? Will anything be attached to the hose? Are there bend requirements for flexibility? Will it be immersed in the material it's conveying? Is it for indoor or outdoor use - or both? Will it be used intermittently or needed for continuous service. What about external conditions like abrasion, oil, solvents, acid, ozone, salt water, ultraviolet, radiation or temperature extremes? Will it be replacing a hose currently in use and if so, what has been the service life of that hose and have there been performance issues causing dissatisfaction?

It's a lot to consider, but it all goes into making an informed decision.

Material or Media - What is being conveyed and what is the type and concentration of that material?

What's flowing through your hose affects what hose you should be using. You need to know if there are any special requirements or specifications (e.g. - FDA, API). Will the material be continuously flowing or sitting for periods of time? What will be the media velocity and flow rate, along with the weight of the media and the temperature of the product?  Some applications require specialized oils or chemicals to be conveyed through the system so hose selection must assure compatibility of the hose tube. That means all other components of the hose assembly like hose ends and o-rings also need to be compatible. Depending on the fluid, it might be necessary to lower the maximum temperature or pressure rating of the assembly. The corrosiveness of the material also needs to be taken into effect - all good reasons to consult with a supplier with the knowledge to get the hose that's right for you.

Pressure - What pressure rating will the hose be exposed to during operation? (Or vacuum for negative pressure/ inches of mercury)

Hose assembly working pressures must be equal to or greater than the system pressure. Pressure spikes greater than the maximum working pressure will shorten hose life and must be taken into consideration. The maximum operating pressure is sometimes dictated by the pressure relief valve setting of the system. Both the hose and hose end must have a working pressure rating equal to the maximum operating pressure of the system. . 

Ends - Can you identify the style, type, orientation, attachment methods, etc.?

You will need to specify the following for each hose end
Material: Carbon Steel, Stainless, Brass, Aluminum, Polyethylene, etc.
Fitting style Female, Male, Adaptor, Coupler, Split Flange, Flanged, etc.
Thread: Size and thread - JIC, SAE, NPT, ORS-Flat Face, BSP, etc.
Attachment: Banded, Crimped, Swaged, Push-On, Welded, etc.

Delivery - What specific requirements do you have regarding testing, certification, continuity requirements, packaging, shipping and tagging?

That should include requirements that are specific to customer, as well as testing and certification along with any special packaging, shipping or tagging requirements.

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into getting the ideal hose for your particular application. Making sure you take into consideration everything that goes into STAMPED isn't easy. Which is why you should take the easier route and call Milpaws today at 314-503-5502. We'll help you sort through all the vital info to assure you get the hose ideally suited to your application