Metal hoses often leak. What should I do?
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It is a 20,000-liter floating roof storage tank used for storing gasoline. The inlet and outlet pipes for gasoline are connected to the tank body via flexible metal hoses; however, after being in use for some time, these flexible hoses often develop oil leaks and perforations. I’m seeking advice from experts on possible solutions, particularly regarding the causes of these problems and ways to address them.
It is necessary to analyze the causes of leaks and perforations, such as whether there are any issues with pressure, corrosion, or the manufacturing quality of the hose. It is best to consult with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve the issue, or opt for products from different manufacturers... for reference.
CHANGBAISHI gave a very good response. If the operating conditions are not suitable, one should increase the pressure rating and change the material used.
Consult reliable professional manufacturers directly, such as the Metal Hose Branch of Aerospace Chenguang Co., Ltd.; they will help you analyze and solve the problem
……If it is caused by corrosion, considering using a metal bellows lined with PTFE might be an option, :)
Personally, I believe there are only quality issues with the metal hose. 1. There’s no such thing as inappropriate pressure. The pressure involved in oil intake and discharge is only a few kilograms at most. If a leak occurs due to pressure mismatch, it would be at the connector, not at the hose itself. 2. Corrosion won’t occur either; the amount of sulfur in gasoline is negligible. If it were to cause corrosion and leaks in metal hoses, then the gasoline would be seriously substandard. (Even so, it could still last for two or three years.) 3. There’s no issue with pipe stress at all, especially since these are pipes operating at room temperature. 4. Maybe your jar has sunk way too much :lol
It’s unclear whether there is a leak in the pipe or at the flange connection. If the leak occurs at the flange seal, try tightening the flange bolts. If the leak persists, inspect the flange sealing surface and gasket for any damage; pay special attention to checking whether the sealing surface of the pipe flange connected to the hose is damaged.
The metal hose connected to the oil tank certainly won’t be subjected to very high pressure or temperature; it definitely isn’t a case of an inappropriate pressure rating. The reason is likely poor quality of the hose; it is recommended to use a higher-quality hose, such as Aflex from the UK or Marsoflex from Germany. These manufacturers that specialize in producing hoses offer a wide range of models, so it should be possible to find one that suits the needs.
Take a look at the internal waves in your oil-leaked and damaged metal hose to see how many layers there are. Better manufacturers use inner waves with two or more layers, while ordinary products available on the market are generally made of single-layer 201 material. It is recommended to purchase double-layer or multi-layer internal waves and see if their service life is longer