The further successful operation of the compressor as a whole depends on the correct choice of the “sleeve”. A «sleeve» is generally referred to as a conventional compressor hose. Despite its apparent simplicity, this product hides several features. Each owner of this unit faces the choice of a hose for a compressor.

Purpose of the compressor hose

The compressor hose is required to supply air from the compressor to the connected pneumatic tool:

• wrench;
• spray gun;
• airbrush;
• pistol;
• grinder;
• drill;
• riveter, etc.

As a rule, compressor equipment is not equipped with a rubber hose, and it must be purchased separately.

Sleeve types

Of course, like any other item, a hose for a compressor is classified by application and technical parameters. The most common division is into a straight and twisted product.

Direct for the organization of the pneumatic line

As a rule, just such a hose has largest diameter and throughput. It is usually used where high discharge pressure is required. The straight main hose is well reinforced (strengthened) and has the greatest resistance to temperature changes. Most often, this sleeve format is used in industry and production.

Twisted (spiral)

The most common type of sleeves received in various car serviceswhere pneumatic tools are most often used (pumping wheels, drills, etc.). The peculiarity of the twisted hose is that it is manufactured using a technology that prevents it from straightening. Even when in a free position, it will tend to a twisted helical position. This fact makes it compact and easy to store. In addition, the worker does not need to take care of laying the equipment: immediately after completion of operation, such a hose is simply twisted into a spiral.

Important! The diameter and throughput of a twisted hose can vary depending on the area of ​​its application, but most often they are much smaller than that of the main one.

Choice characteristics

Any technical product implies certain parameters by which it is selected. In the case of a compressor hose, the parameters are determined by the length, diameter, material of manufacture, type of connection and pressure that the product can withstand.

Length

One of the important parameters when choosing a product. If the air hose length is not correct, pressure loss will be proportional. In some cases, the pressure may subside not so much as to draw attention to itself, in others, the drawdown will be visible to the naked eye. In any case, the parameters for choosing the length of the hose should be taken seriously.

This parameter directly depends on the power of the compressor itself: the higher the power, the longer the sleeve can be. It is best to select the length depending on the model of a particular compressor — this way there is more likelihood of an optimal ratio of all characteristics. In the future, when replacing the hose, it is best to simply buy a piece of the same length.

It should be noted that the length of the hose should be taken care of in advance. If a working length (the length at which the compressor is capable of delivering working pressure) will be insufficient, many tasks will have to be solved to optimize the workflow. Traditional hose sizes are 6, 8, 12 and also 15 meters.

Important! During operation, it should be remembered that it is highly recommended not to pull the hose.

Diameter

The hose is important to choose the right diameter. This setting will depend product throughput. Accordingly, the larger the diameter, the more air the compressor is able to pump in one unit of time. The diameter is extremely important when operating a pneumatic specialized tool, because. there is a fairly intense pumping of air with short breaks. The larger the diameter of the inner ring of the product, the better it is suitable for operation in conjunction with a compressor for pneumatic equipment and work with high pressure. Small diameter hoses have lower pumpability and therefore lower efficiency. However, in some cases, you can limit yourself to a small diameter spiral sleeve, the main thing is that it provides the pressure necessary for the correct air supply.

It is also important to pay attention to the following feature: the greater the wall thickness of the hose, the greater the impact it can withstand.

Standard diameter spiral hoses is 6×8 mm (internal / external), but you can also find 8×10 mm. The latter are less common and are used to solve highly specialized tasks. In most cases, you can limit yourself to using the dimensions of a standard sample.

Material

Sleeves are made from several basic materials. Not only the price of the product, but also its performance characteristics will depend on the material of manufacture.

1. Plastic. Plastic sleeves are considered the lightest of the presented materials. They do an excellent job with low temperatures and rough physical impact. One of the main recommendations from the manufacturers of such hoses is to operate only in a heated room. An excellent option for use in a building or warehouse.
   
2. Rubber. By itself, rubber retains its performance properties much longer than any plastic. The main disadvantage of rubber sleeves is their weight, they are much heavier than their plastic counterparts. Although such hoses are more flexible. However, with prolonged use, the severity of the sleeve can cause increased fatigue.
   
3. Polyurethane. Polyurethane hose is the optimal ratio of all the main performance properties. It is quite light, durable, remarkably tolerates cold temperatures and aggressive operation. If you plan to use a spiral hose for air, then in most cases it will be better to give preference to polyurethane.
   
4. Reinforced sleeve. It is a hybrid of rubber and polyurethane. Most often, such a product is strengthened with an additional coating of synthetic threads, which makes the hose more resistant to falls and pinching. Even if you run into such a hose with an inflated wheel, it is unlikely to harm it in any way. Unfortunately, the coating significantly adds weight to an already difficult material. Reinforced sleeves are considered the heaviest. Their use is justified where a strong, wear-resistant material is required. Most often they are used when laying the main pneumatic line. Also used for compressors and high pressure devices.
   

Connection type

The type of connection is directly related to the inside diameter of the hose. The most popular sizes are 6 mm and 9 mm. It is enough to insert such products into the compressor and thoroughly stretch them with special clamps. Spiral hoses designed for air tools have ¼» and 3/8″ screw-in connections respectively. To connect the end of the hose to the device, you must use the appropriate European Rapid Coupling. Such a coupling, being inserted once, greatly facilitates all subsequent connections to the compressor. This is very convenient when there is only one machine or compressor, and several tools are connected to it in turn at once.

Fittings are also used to unify and combine hoses of various diameters into one air line. This is a special branching tool that is used when laying the highway and turning it around.

To quickly switch between tools, use express replacement connections, so-called. «quick hitches»:

• bayonet connection;

• airlock connection.

Both types allow you to quickly connect hoses of various diameters using the appropriate adapters.

Operating pressure

The last parameter is also the most important. If the pressure in the hose does not meet the requirements, the material of the product will quickly collapse. In the most worn parts of the hose, rupture can occur, which, when working with pressure, leads to unwanted “pops”, not to mention other, even less pleasant consequences.

Some hoses operate at pressures up to ten atmospheres (high pressure hoses), but this is a lot. The most common working pressure is 6-8 bar. The regulator of an oxygen autocompressor can be set to maximum, provided that the product is prepared for operation with such parameters. It happens that the pressure needs to be increased, but it is no longer possible to add a parameter, the handle is in its extreme position. In this case, all the pressure goes into the sleeve of the installation or compressor. Therefore, when choosing a product, it is extremely important to focus on this parameter. Without taking into account the load, the correct operation of the pressurized hose is not possible.

Without exception, all sleeves have a certain margin of safety. Most often, this indicator ranges from 2.5 to 1 to 4 to 1. True, it is worth noting that an increased load negatively affects the strength characteristics of any product, especially those working under pressure.

The easiest way to set the working pressure is for car compressor with pressure gauge, because the latter allows real-time pressure parameters to be taken into account. If the machine or compressor does not have a pressure gauge, then it is best to study the pressure parameters before buying in order to secure the work.

Conclusion

Choosing a hose for a compressor is a task that requires certain knowledge. At first glance, only a few parameters need to be taken into account. On the other hand, it is worth making a mistake in at least one of them, and further operation can be problematic. The task requires a thorough study of all the parameters of the purchased product and familiarity with the main characteristics of the compressor, in conjunction with which it is planned to operate the hose.

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