Hydraulics & Fluid Power Reference Library · Technical Reference

Industrial Hose (Air, Water, Multipurpose)

Industrial hose covers the non-hydraulic families: air, water, multipurpose, steam, chemical, material handling and food. This sheet explains each family and why one cannot simply stand in for another.

Ref HY-0010ARPM IP-2ISO 8331

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Industrial hose is built for specific media and conditions. It is a separate product family from SAE hydraulic hose, with its own constructions and ratings set by each manufacturer. The ARPM IP-2 hose handbook gives the industry's common terms, tolerances and practices. ISO 8331 gives guidance on selection, storage, use and maintenance of hose assemblies. The STAMPED method (size, temperature, application, media, pressure, ends, delivery) is a common way to collect the facts before quoting.

How to identify

Read the layline. It usually shows the maker, hose name or type, inside diameter, the maximum working pressure and often the intended service, such as "air," "water," "steam" or "oil resistant." Cover color is a maker convention, not a standard. Do not identify a hose by color alone.

Industrial hose families

Family	Typical construction	Main uses	Watch for
Air	Rubber, PVC or hybrid polymer with textile reinforcement	Compressed air tools and lines	Oil-resistant tube for compressor oil carryover
Water	Rubber or PVC with textile reinforcement	Washdown, general water transfer	Not for steam or hot water above its rating
Multipurpose	Rubber or hybrid with oil-resistant tube	Air, water, light oils in one hose	Check each medium against the maker's chart
Steam	Rubber with wire or high-temperature textile reinforcement	Saturated steam service	Use only hose marked for steam
Chemical	Lined tube such as UHMWPE, EPDM or other compound	Acids, solvents, caustics	Check chemical compatibility tables
Material handling	Abrasion-resistant tube, often with helix	Sand, grain, slurry, dust	Static grounding where required
Food and beverage	Food-grade tube	Milk, beverages, food processing	Marked for food contact per the maker

Key points

Never use air or water hose for steam. Steam hose is built and tested for it, and the couplings must be made for steam service as well.
Compressed air stores a lot of energy. A failed air hose can whip. Use safety clips or pins on twist-lock couplings and whip checks across connections as the job requires.
Pressure and temperature ratings come from the hose layline and the maker's catalog. The lowest-rated part of the assembly, often the coupling, sets the limit.
Check chemical compatibility for both the tube and the cover if the hose will be splashed or submerged.
Store hose cool, dry and out of sunlight. ISO 8331 gives storage and inspection guidance.

Common mistakes

Using a red rubber "air hose" for steam cleaning.
Using garden hose fittings or band clamps rated for low pressure on a compressed air line.
Choosing a hose by color.
Overlooking the coupling rating when the hose rating is higher.

Governing standards: ARPM IP-2 (hose handbook); ISO 8331 (selection, storage, use and maintenance of hose assemblies); manufacturer ratings.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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