Flexible Hose Storage: What you need to know

What happens when a hose that has been out of service for several weeks or months is put back into the production line without being properly inspected?

During system operation and maintenance, companies often pay close attention to processes such as initial commissioning, cleaning and sanitization, hydrostatic testing, and identification using a serial number and hose position. These are all important steps to ensure that the hose is ready for operation.

However, one stage is often overlooked: the period when the hose is not in use.

In reality, storing a hose does not mean that it can simply be installed and used again at any time. If the hose is not stored properly, it can become a potential risk when the system is restarted, affecting the safety, product quality and continuity of the entire production process.

What are the risks of improper hose storage?

After remaining unused for a certain period of time, a hose may experience a number of issues, such as:
– Deformation caused by improper coiling or bending.
– Material ageing, hardening or loss of flexibility.
– Contamination or residual deposits on the internal surface.
– Deterioration of fittings, connectors or gaskets that has not been detected.

For industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical, even a seemingly minor issue can lead to:
– Risk of product contamination.
– Unplanned production interruptions (downtime).
– Additional emergency maintenance costs.
– Impact on finished product quality and the company’s reputation.

For this reason, periods of inactivity should be actively managed, rather than simply storing the hose and leaving it until it is needed again.

Proper cleaning before storage

Before being placed into storage, the hose must be cleaned and sanitized according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while also taking into account the hose material and its specific application.

This is particularly important because different materials have different levels of resistance to chemicals and temperature. These may include:
– Rubber
– Silicone
– PFA
– Other specialised polymer materials

Each material can react differently to:
– Cleaning agents.
– Cleaning temperatures.
– CIP/SIP procedures.
– Sanitization methods.

For industries with stringent hygiene requirements, such as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, selecting the appropriate cleaning agents and cleaning procedures is not only important for protecting the service life of the hose, but is also an essential part of ensuring the safety of the entire production process.

Storage conditions also affect hose service life

Once cleaned, the hose should be stored under appropriate conditions to maintain its optimal condition until it is returned to service.

Some key principles should be followed:
– Store the hose in a clean and dry environment.
– Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
– Do not bend the hose beyond its recommended minimum bend radius.
– Do not subject the hose to unnecessary loads or pressure.
– Coil the hose gently according to the recommended bend radius.
– Use dedicated supports where appropriate.
– Clearly identify the hose and its status to facilitate proper management.

These seemingly simple precautions can help extend hose service life and significantly reduce the risk of problems when the hose is returned to operation.

Inspection before returning the hose to the production line

Before reusing the hose, a quick but thorough inspection should be carried out to ensure that it still meets the required operating conditions.

The inspection should include:
– External surface condition.
– Hose flexibility and elasticity.
– Any deposits or contamination inside the hose.
– Fittings and connection components.
– Sealing gaskets.
– Connection and assembly points.

Where necessary, the hose should be rinsed, cleaned or sanitized again before being returned to the production line.

Establish a hose management procedure from the start

A simple but effective long-term solution is to establish an internal mini-protocol specifically for hose storage and reactivation.

This procedure may include:
– Cleaning requirements before storage.
– Storage conditions.
– Hose coiling and hanging methods.
– Periodic inspection schedules.
– Inspection procedures before reactivation.
– Records for monitoring the condition of each hose.

Standardising these steps can help companies minimise risks, extend hose service life and ensure that the system is always ready for operation.

Conclusion

A hose that is being stored does not mean that it is simply “resting”. To remain ready for its next operation, a hose must be stored correctly, kept clean and properly inspected before being returned to the production line. This is an important factor in ensuring operational safety, product quality and continuity of the production process.

As the official distributor of MTG flexible hose solutions in Vietnam, Khánh Anh provides high-quality hose solutions for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries, while also supporting customers in selecting, installing, storing and operating hoses correctly to optimise system performance and extend equipment service life.

Contact Khánh Anh today for advice on the right MTG hose solution for your application and professional guidance on proper hose storage and operation.

KHANH ANH COMPANY LIMITED
Address: F10, street 6, Van Gia Phuc block, 295 Tan Ky Tan Quy str., Tan Son Nhi ward, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.
Email: kaco@inoxkaco.vn
Hotline: +84 28 6658 2434 – 6659 2434