Sanitary Hose Troubleshooting Guide

Sanitary hoses are very durable, but mistreatment can result in problems or damage. All hoses are subject to damage if they aren’t compatible with the fluid, temperature, or viscosity of the product being transferred. Proper selection of a food-grade hose and proper handling are essential in guaranteeing a long lifespan. Proper care includes completely draining all the liquid from your hose, vertically hanging your hose, and a clean-in-place procedure that includes a thorough warm water rinse to help minimize caustic/acid residue from cleaning agents.

Over time, hose will wear and need to be replaced. This is why regular inspections are key; this is often done by using a long-wired miniature camera and light. During inspections, check for any shedding of the material, leakage near joints and fittings, cuts, and swelling of the material. Imperfections in the interior can harbor microorganisms that can create off-flavours.

As a general guideline, hoses should be replaced every 3-5 years (if handled and selected properly).

Below are several of the issues sanitary hose can develop, what causes them, and how to prevent it.

Hairline and Stress Fractures

Avoid putting too much pressure or strain on your sanitary hose. Ex. When placing hoses on a drying rack, don’t stack too many on top of each other. Too much weight can lead to the hose getting stretched too far and forming small cracks, called hairline fractures.

Hoses have a minimum bend radius, which is the smallest amount they can be bent without causing damage. If a hose is bent tighter than this radius, it can lead to issues like kinking, collapsing, or cracking.

Leaking

If you drop your hose without a bumper, the fitting can become damaged. Repeatedly dropping your hose will gradually loosen the connection over time, leading to leaks and reduced performance. Using a hose bumper protects the end fitting from any damage.

Ensure the hoses end fittings are tightened and aligned correctly. If the fittings are too loose or over-tightened, they won't form a secure seal. A loose fitting can cause leaks, while an over-tightened fitting can damage the hose's integrity. Avoid tight bends when aligning your hose to your end fitting, as it will put a lot of stress on the connection. This stress can cause the hose to compress and distort.

Contamination and Odor

Selecting the incorrect hose for the type of product you're transferring can lead to the inner tubing corroding. Over time, small fragments can break off into the product you're transferring and contaminate it.

Ensure proper CIP (clean-in-place) procedures to keep your hose lines clean. If not done properly, harmful microorganisms can spread and contaminate the product being transferred.

Keep your sanitary hoses lifted off the production floor. If hoses are lying directly on the ground, they can take in debris, which can potentially contaminate the product during the next transfer. Using hose bumpers, or even better, golden hose bridges to elevate your hose lines off the ground, prevents contaminants from entering your lines.

Low Pressure

Avoid bending hoses around tight corners to prevent kinking. Kinking can restrict the flow of the product being transferred and potentially damage the hoses integrity.

Low pressure is a sign of a leak somewhere in the system. This leak could be in the hose itself, at the end fittings, or along other parts of the system.

Conclusion

Sanitary hose will give you many years of reliable service if properly cared for. Proper care includes completely draining all the liquid from your hose, vertically hanging your hose, and a clean-in-place procedure. Before choosing a hose, make sure it is compatible with the fluid, temperature, and viscosity of the product being transferred.

Over time, each hose will wear and need to be replaced. This is why regular inspections are key. During your inspections, check for any shedding of the material, leakage near joints and fittings, cuts, and swelling of the material.

Common problems that sanitary hoses can develop are: