In industrial piping system design, the corrugated metal hose is a core material for expansion compensation and vibration isolation. However, the corrugated core itself (U-Type, O-Type, or Spiral-Type) has a relatively thin wall, primarily responsible for providing flexibility and conveying media.
So, how can this pipeline withstand pressures up to hundreds of bars without deforming or bursting? The answer lies in the outer armour layer: the Stainless steel braided mesh.
1. The Mechanical Impact of Stainless Steel Braided Mesh on Pressure
In the construction of a complete stainless steel flexible hose assembly, the outer braided mesh (typically made from SUS304 or SUS316 stainless steel) is not for decoration. It plays two primary roles:
- Load-bearing and preventing axial elongation: When internal media pressure rises, the corrugated core tends to elongate along its longitudinal axis. The braided mesh tightly encasing the hose bears this entire tensile load, locking the expansion amplitude and helping the hose retain its original shape.
- External protection: The mesh acts as a protective armor against mechanical impacts, sliding friction, and abrasion from the external plant environment.
- Pressure rule: According to fluid mechanics, the working pressure of the hose is directly proportional to the number of braided layers. A corrugated core covered with a single layer of stainless steel mesh will have a standard working pressure. However, when operating in environments with continuous pressure surges or high-pressure pumping, adding a second layer (or using thicker, denser wire mesh) will multiply the pressure threshold significantly.
- Technical note: The maximum working pressure of a braided stainless steel hose will derate (decrease) as the ambient temperature rises (For example: a hose rated for 60 bar at ambient temperature will have a reduced safe load limit at 260°C). Therefore, combining a heat-resistant core with a pressure-resistant braided mesh is a mandatory principle.
2. From Braided Corrugated Hose to a Complete Stainless Steel Flexible Hose Assembly
A section of braided stainless steel hose is merely a raw material. To be utilized in a plant (installed in pump systems, air compressors, or chemical pipelines), it must undergo a fabrication process of welding end fittings (flanges, unions, sanitary clamps, threaded ends, etc.) to become a finished flexible hose assembly.
At the fabrication workshop of Vina Hydraulic Equipment Joint Stock Company (VHE), the critical operation determining the product's pressure rating is the Braid Attachment Weld (Weld 1). Technicians must use TIG welding to melt and lock the braided mesh onto the corrugated core before welding the end fitting. If this step is skipped or poorly executed, the mesh will slip under pressure, transferring the entire thrust force to the corrugated core, causing immediate hose rupture.
3. Fabrication Capacity at VHE: Investment and Installation of Specialized Stainless Steel Braiding Machines
Not stopping at importing raw materials and performing standard welding, VHE has taken a major leap in the supply chain by directly investing in and installing high-tech Stainless Steel Braiding Machines right at our production facility.
This milestone marks VHE's outstanding manufacturing capabilities in the market:
- Total control over pressure specifications: Instead of relying on pre-braided hoses, VHE can customize the braid density and the number of layers (single, double, or special cross-braid designs) based on the strict actual pressure requirements from the customer's drawings.
- Absolute material quality control: Ensuring the braided wire is SUS304, meeting JIS G4309 standards, precise steel grade, unadulterated, providing maximum rust resistance.
- Optimizing lead time and costs: Reducing material waiting time, swiftly fulfilling project orders requiring high volumes of stainless steel flexible hoses or non-standard hose sizes.
Does your system require a high-pressure expansion compensation solution? Do not compromise with poorly fabricated products. Let VHE provide you with stainless steel flexible hose assemblies reinforced by a standard braiding system and subjected to strict pneumatic pressure testing before leaving the factory.
Contact VHE immediately for measurement consultation and a direct fabrication quote!
Hotline: 0903 067 588
Email: [email protected]
Hanoi Fabrication Workshop: Km28, National Route 6A, Dong De Industrial Park, Phu Nghia Commune, Hanoi City.
