Buying an industrial chemical hose assembly is likely one of most important pieces of your chemical transfer system. From the selection of the tube and fittings to construction and physical assembly, chemical transfer hose assemblies are often specifically crafted to accommodate an industrial need like high temperature transfer, flexible handling, durability for use that will cause wear and tear, high pressure, or even intermittent instances of lower pressures without experience collapse. Whatever need you are looking to solve, chemical hose pressure testing should be a standard expectation for every hose assembly that will be used in your operation. 

At Hose Fab Shop each hose assembly is made in-house and carefully inspected for damage including kinks, exposed reinforcement, and deterioration. After completing in-person visual inspection, each hose is hydrostatically tested to 150% of the hose’s working pressure. To complete the hydrostatic testing a crimped hose assembly is filled with water to the point of eliminating all air in the tube. It is then held at 1.5x working pressure for 5 minutes. Any leaks, drips, or improper swelling will indicate a failed test. While failing one of our hydrostatic tests is a rare occurrence, we understand the importance of ensuring all chemical hose assemblies leaving our facility pass pressure testing standards and are in accordance with NAHAD guidelines. After passing hydrostatic pressure testing, the chemical hose assembly is marked with a stainless-steel tag showing the date of testing and hose identification number. 

Often customers have specific requirements for testing beyond hydrostatic testing. Should customers need a different media type, elevated media temperature, or pressure testing with the hose in different positions, we can create a custom hose testing program specifically designed for your application. Just let one of our specialists know the application and intended design of your chemical transfer need >> 

While pressure testing can be a time intensive process requiring specialized knowledge and certification our experience has shown the value of that investment many times over. Especially in instances where the chemical being transported is of high value or potentially hazardous during incidents of accidental leakage, testing can provide the final confirmation that your chemical transfer solution has the right components for system success and full working life. 

Whether you buy from Hose Fab Shop or another chemical hose supplier we strongly recommend ensuring your chemical transfer hose is pressure tested by the fabricator before installation and tested at least once a year at minimum. We offer pressure testing for existing chemical hose assemblies designed to maintain responsible maintenance and testing requirements while minimizing downtime. Tell us about your chemical transfer program needs >>

Example of a custom pressure testing need: A food processor must ensure their chemical resistant high-pressure hose can successfully transfer a highly viscous ethanol based chemical compound while withstanding intermittent levels of elevated media temperature and have the hose assembly installed at its minimum bend radius. 

Multiple stressors are place on this hose at one time. While the design of this assembly was created to withstand these factors, we would hypothetically recommend pressure testing that would account for the sustained position of this assembly at its minimum bend radius. Additionally, we would expect these chemical resistant high-pressure hoses to be tested on a regular quarterly, or at least semi-annual, basis after installation to ensure the integrity of the system is sustained throughout its working life. In this example, we would establish a standard schedule and work with our customer to create a testing program conducive to their needs.