Page 48 - 2010-2022 hose manufactureing ability and guide

HOSE IDENTIFICATION

Chapter 3

GENERAL

Hose is usually designed for use in specific operations although some applications will permit the
use of multipurpose hose, e.g., for use with air, oil or water. In cases where safety demands caution, a
hose manufacturer may specify the application for which a hose is designed in order that the hose
might not be applied to a usage for which it is not intended or suitable. Examples of these kinds of
applications include acid hose, steam hose, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hose, and anhydrous
ammonia hose. In addition, a hose buyer may wish to specify a certain identification on a hose to
ensure that it is used and handled safely.

SAFETY WARNING: Applications of hose to uses not intended by the manufacturer might
be dangerous and might result in damage to property and serious bodily injury.

No specific rules apply to the identification markings on general trade hose; such details must be
worked out between the manufacturer and the user. For economic reasons, large quantities of non-
critical hose are manufactured without any identification markings.
On the other hand, many hose products, especially hydraulic hoses that are built to industry
standards such as SAE, ISO, DIN, EN, JIS, etc., do have specific marking requirements. These may
include the hose specification number, the hose dash number and size, the maximum working
pressure of the hose and the date of manufacture. Additional marking is permissible, however, no
mention of the burst pressure or the design factor is allowed on the hose as this information could be
misinterpreted by the user and result in a hose being used above its rated maximum working
pressure.
Questions concerning permanent identification markings often arise. It should be understood that
no exterior identification marking used on hose can be characterized as truly permanent. There are
some conditions under which any type of identification might be obliterated.

The most durable markings, molded (embossed and impression) brands, can be classified as
providing legibility characteristics which one might expect to persist for a long time, even under
abrasive or corrosive conditions.
Moderately durable types of markings, rubber labels/decals and pre-vulcanization imprinting,
might be expected to remain legible for a long time if abrasive conditions and hostile environments
are not encountered.

The least durable type of marking, printed identification, is done after vulcanization. This type is
least resistant to obliteration by abrasive conditions or environmental exposure. Identification of this
kind will last at least to the point when the hose is first placed into service, thereby giving the user
knowledge of the proper application of the hose product.

A number of methods exist for applying identification markings on hose — there is no one universal
method. Some methods are applicable only to certain products or to certain production methods.
General methods will be described in the following paragraphs. If identification is required, the
manufacturer and user should consult on the most suitable method to be used.

RMA/IP-2/2003 27