Dixon
Hose Couplings
"THE VERY PROPERTIES THAT MAKE
COMPRESSED GASES USEFUL IN ALMOST EVERY AREA OF MODERN
LIFE CAN ALSO MAKE THEM DANGEROUS WHEN MISHANDLED. YEARS
OF EXPERIENCE WITH COMPRESSED GASES HAVE LED TO PRACTICES
AND EQUIPMENT WHICH, IF EMPLOYED, RESULT IN COMPLETE
SAFETY." (D
Dixon Hose Couplings have been
carefully engineered to meet specific requirements with
large safety margins. If hose or Couplings are not used
in correct applications or are incorrectly applied,
accidents and downtime can result. It is up to the end
user to inform the distributor of the application and
pressures involved when ordering hose assemblies and up
to the distributor to supply the right hose and coupling
for that application. When in doubt, we are here to help
you with a proper coupling recommendation.
1. AIR HOSE COUPLINGS - This
form of energy can be one of the most dangerous because
it is used in so many applications and, when mishandled,
can have more serious results than fluids. Air, as a gas,
is compressible (Fluids press only against hose or vessel
walls and lose little volume under pressure). When
pressurized air suddenly releases, it does so with
explosive force and can cause rapid hosewhip... which can
do serious physical harm to personnel or damage to nearby
objects. This is why the selection of proper hose and
couplings for air lines is so important, along with their
proper installation and maintenance. Never take for
granted that a coupling is installed properly or a clamp
fully tightened on an air hose - check it regularly and
use safety devices (see paragraph 4).
2. STEAM& GAS -The same
rules apply for steam and gas, but, because these are
inherently more hazardous materials, personnel tend to
treat hose and couplings on these lines with more respect
and care. Checking clamp tightness is very important with
steam hose, where it is not unusual for clamps to loosen
in service, in which case they MUST BE RETIGHTENED! Safety
devices should also be used (see paragraph 4).
3. FLUID HOSE COUPLINGS - Again, nothing
should be taken for granted - in particular, check clamps
for tightness each time the lines are used - especially
when petroleum products or other hazardous liquids are
involved. Large diameter hose, when suspended, can also
be quite dangerous if it drops unexpectedly due to a
coupling "pull-out" or sudden disconnection.
With a heavy fitting or clamp, plus the weight of the
hose itself failing from any significant height, it can
cause injuries or damage. Be sure to use safety devices
(see paragraph 4).
4. ALL HOSE ASSEMBLIES -All
hose assemblies should be treated with respect as
potential hazards. Worn-out fittings should be replaced.
Retaining devices such as clips, cables or canes should
be used. Clamps should be checked regularly.
(D "Handbook of Compressed
Gases"
PRODUCT SELECTION
Many of the products in this catalog
are used in hose ' se assemblies in a variety of
applications. The safety of any hose assembly rests on
the proper selection, installation, testing and use of
each product. The safe use of any product in this catalog
is dependent upon the correct selection of the hose,
fittings and method of attachment. To ensure such a
proper selection, the user must inform the distributor of
the application and pressure involved when ordering hose
assemblies. The use of the S.T.A.M.P.E.D. Size
temperature, Application, Media, Eressure, Ends, 12ixon)
will help in the proper selection of hose assembly
components. The selection of couplings and clamping
devices is the responsibility of the purchaser or user,
based upon the hose manufacturer's recommendations. If
the purchaser or user is uncertain about the use or
application of a product, Dixon stands ready to provide
information, including test results (if available),
coupling and clamping recommendations and other data to
help resolve those matters.
INSTALLATION
To achieve a safe and reliable
assembly, proper installation procedures must be
followed. Each component of the assembly has a part in
determining these procedures. The purchaser or user must
follow proper procedures. If the purchaser or user has
any questions regarding installation, please contact
Dixon.
TESTING
Dixon recommends that all hoses
assemblies be tested in accordance with the hose
manufacturer's recommendations.
RE-TESTING AND INSPECTION
Dixon recommends inspection and
re-testing of hose assemblies on a regular and consistent
basis in accordance with the hose manufacturer's
recommendations. The application determines the
regularity of the inspection and retesting schedule. Any
worn-out fittings. damaged hoses or missing Safety
devices should be regulated immediately-. Bolt-style
clamps must be checked and retightened on a regular and
consistent b
SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S CONCERN!
Dixon provides many
safety products designed to protect personnel and
property. Recommendations and safety warnings are also
included for your review.
|