Applications and Advantages of Flat Hoses in Industrial Settings

Figure 1: A lay flat hose for outdoor lawn or garden watering

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Lay flat hoses can be easily rolled up and stored, making them ideal for tight spaces. For industrial applications, this allows them to be a versatile and efficient solution, particularly for water discharge and delivery requirements. This article discusses the advantages and main applications of lay flat hoses.

Table of contents

• What is a lay flat hose?
• Advantages
• Applications
• Choosing the right lay flat hose
• Maintenance
• FAQs

What is a lay flat hose?

A lay flat hose doesn't have a helical wire and is designed to be laid flat when not in use, making it easy to transport and store. It is commonly made of PVC or rubber. A lay flat hose is simple to roll up and move and is only used for discharge or positive pressure applications. These hoses are used in agriculture, construction, industry, and mining.

Advantages

• Easy to store and move: Unlike regular hoses that can be bulky and difficult to handle, flat hoses are easy to store and move around. They are lightweight and can be folded, allowing for compact storage. This feature is convenient in automotive uses where there might not be a lot of room.
• Flexibility and versatility: Flat hoses are highly adaptable, making them simple to move around obstacles and sharp turns. Their unique design enables effortless rolling and unrolling, making them suitable for various tasks. They can be utilized for watering plants, extinguishing fires, or fluid management in vehicles.
• Durability and long life: For industrial purposes, durability is crucial. Flat hoses are constructed from top-grade elements such as reinforced PVC or rubber. This guarantees their resistance to wear and tear, holes, and exposure to UV light.
• Effective fluid transfer: Flat hoses have superior flow characteristics, enabling efficient fluid movement. Their smooth interiors reduce friction and pressure drop, guaranteeing an uninterrupted flow of liquids or gasses. This is especially significant in automotive uses, where steady and exact fluid movement is key for optimal performance. Flat hoses can enhance fuel economy, smoother functioning, and reduce idle time.
• Fast set-up and removal: Flat hoses are ideal for fast installation and removal because of their lightweight and adaptable design. In contrast to conventional hoses, which can require considerable time and effort to install or store, flat hoses can be swiftly put into use, conserving precious time during crucial tasks.
• High water flow capacity: Flat hoses are engineered to handle significant water flow effectively. They have a wide diameter and a smooth inside, which lessens any obstructions to flow, guaranteeing an excellent water delivery speed. This makes them perfect for moving large volumes of water rapidly.
• Resistance to tangles and kinking: Conventional hoses frequently encounter problems like twisting and kinking, which can disrupt the water flow. On the other hand, flat hoses guarantee a constant and unbroken water supply. This is particularly beneficial for transporting water over long distances or moving around obstructions.

Figure 2: A kinked garden hose

Applications

Lay flat hoses are used in various industries and sectors because of their versatility and efficiency. Here are some common uses:

Irrigation and agriculture

In farming, lay flat water hoses distribute water effectively to plants and fields. Their flexibility makes it simple to set up and move around, aiding farmers in maximizing water use and reducing waste. These hoses are also long-lasting and resistant to weather and UV rays, guaranteeing longevity.

Firefighting

In emergencies and firefighting, every second counts. Flexible hoses provide a rapid and effective method of supplying large volumes of water to extinguish fires. Their lightness and mobility enable firefighters to roll them out swiftly, assisting them to get to the fire more quickly. Moreover, these flexible hoses can carry much water, guaranteeing a powerful and efficient water flow to help combat fires.

Mining

In mining activities, there's often a need to manage water accumulation in underground or open-air mines. Flexible hoses play a crucial role in draining excess water from these locations. Their robust build and resilience to chemicals render them appropriate for the challenging conditions present in mining sites.

Construction

Construction areas frequently require the elimination of surplus water or sewage. Flexible hoses are useful in such scenarios as they manage the high flow rates required for water removal activities. Their longevity and ability to resist wear and tear make them perfect for use in demanding construction settings where the hoses may encounter coarse surfaces.

Choosing the right lay flat hose

To ensure the best performance and lifespan, it's important to choose the right lay flat hose for the specific use. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a lay flat hose:

• Hose diameter and length: A hose with a wider diameter can manage a greater flow of water. The length of the hose defines the distance water can be moved without a noticeable pressure drop.
• Pressure: It's critical to select a hose that can manage the pressure requirements without the danger of rupturing or leaking. Examine the operational and burst pressure (the highest pressure in the system) ratings of the flexible hose to confirm they can handle the water pressure and any possible surges in the application.
• Material and construction: Lay flat hoses are made from different materials, like PVC, rubber, or polyurethane. Always ensure the hose material is compatible with the fluids being transported and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. Also, check the reinforcement layers in the hose construction to ensure it is durable and resistant to abrasion.
• Couplings and fittings: Select the correct fittings and connectors for secure and watertight connections. Ensure the hose and associated fittings have compatible end connections, and choose top-quality couplings that can endure the application's demands.

Read our hose selection criteria article for more details on how to select a hose for an application.

Maintenance

To get the most out of the lay flat hose's lifespan and performance, use these maintenance tips:

• Regular inspection: Regularly check the lay flat hose for any signs of damage like cuts, abrasions, or bulges. If damaged, replace the hose immediately to avoid leaks or bursts during use.
• Proper storage: When the lay flat hose is not in use, store it in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Avoid any sharp objects or heavy items that could damage the hose.
• Cleaning and drying: After each use, clean the lay flat hose with clean water to remove any leftover residue or contaminants. Ensure the hose is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
• Avoid chemical exposure: Some chemicals can break down the materials of the lay flat hose. Keep the hose away from chemicals or fluids incompatible with the hose material. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for chemical compatibility and take necessary precautions to avoid chemical exposure.
• Proper handling and transport: Carefully handle the lay flat hose to avoid excessive bending, dragging, or pulling, which can cause damage or kinking. When moving the hose, roll or fold it properly to prevent tangles and make deployment easier when needed.
• Periodic testing: Regularly test the lay flat hose to ensure its quality and performance. This might involve doing pressure tests or flow tests to find any potential problems and make necessary adjustments or replacements.

Read our industrial coolant hoses article for more details on the hoses used to transport coolants.

Additional reading:
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FAQs

What is a lay flat hose?

A lay flat hose is a flexible, lightweight hose that can lay flat and is used for the discharge or delivery of water in various industries.

What materials are in lay flat hoses?

Lay flat hoses are typically made from materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyurethane, or rubber, depending on their intended use and durability requirements.

What are lay flat hose fittings?

Layflat hose fittings are connectors used to attach layflat hose to other equipment, such as pumps, tanks, and sprinklers.

Typically made of PVC, a layflat hose is a flexible hose that has several advantages over other hoses and is popularly used in several different industries including irrigation, fire fighting and chemical transfer.

Storage

Due to their design, layflat hoses can be easily stored. Their flexible nature means they can be laid flat and manipulated into smaller spaces, which is great if you are transporting them from one place to another. Most people who have seen a fire engine will have seen a layflat hose attached to it, but they are also popularly used by farmers for crop irrigation. If used in this way, one of their major benefits is that they do not occupy valuable cropland like field channels would but can be taken out and put away as needed.

Corrosion Resistance

As layflat hoses are composed of braided, spun or woven reinforcements, combined with a fused inner and outer wall, they are highly resistant to weather corrosion. Most oxidising and reducing agents have little effect on them, which means a layflat hose will last longer, giving you the best value for your money. This also makes them ideal for transferring chemicals.

Versatility

Not only are they good value for money, a layflat hose can be put to a multitude of other uses. As already mentioned, you will often see them attached to a fire engine. They are great for fighting fires, but can perform equally well in cleaning up a flood area when used alongside a water pump. As the water pump sucks water up, the layflat hose is used to discharge the same water into a safe area away from the flood. If lever lock couplings are also used as a way of joining several hoses together, the distance from the flood area to the area of discharge can be increased. Similarly, they are often used in fracking when large quantities of water may need to be transported over rough and uneven ground. They offer much easier handling than a pipe system and are usually the go to choice for water contractors.

Another popular use for the layflat hose is as a garden tool as they can be easily manipulated to reach anywhere in the garden, and are light enough to be used on a daily basis.

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