When building an airplane, you may need to use hose clamps. Airplanes typically feature multiple hoses. They may feature hoses for oil, coolant, fuel and other liquids. Clamps are designed to seal these hoses around mating surfaces.
The liquid within a hose may become pressurized. As oil heats up, for instance, it will expand. Thermal expansion results in a pressure increase. The hot oil will become pressurized inside of the hose. With a clamp, though, the hot oil won’t leak. It will continue to flow through the hose without breaching the mating surface. There are several things you should consider when choosing hose clamps.
#1) Size
Hose clamps are available in different sizes. Some of them have a wider diameter than others. You’ll need to choose hose clamps in the right size for the hoses with which you intend to use them. If a hose clamp is too small, it may not fit on the hose. If a hose clamp is too big, it may fail to seal the hose.
#2) Type
There are different types of hose clamps. They are all designed to seal hoses around mating surfaces. Different types of hose clamps, however, use different methods of operation. Spring hose clamps feature spring steel that squeezes hoses. Screw hose clamps feature a band of stainless steel with a screw. Regardless, you should consider the type when choosing hose clamps.
#3) Strength
You should also consider the strength when choosing hose clamps. They must be strong enough to withstand the pressure to which they are exposed. When the liquid within a hose heats up, it will pressurize. The hose clamp or clamps with which the hose is used will then be exposed to this pressure.
#4) Bracket
Some hose clamps come with a bracket. A bracket is a supporting piece that’s designed to hold the clamp in place. Most hose clamps work by squeezing hoses. Without a bracket, a clamp may shift from its original position. The clamp may move from the mating surface to the middle of the hose, in which case the hose may leak. A bracket will prevent this from happening by securing the clamp at the mating surface.
#5) Environmental Protection
Regardless of the type, you should consider environmental protection when choosing hose clamps. Hose clamps are often exposed to heat and humidity. Poor environmental protection will leave them susceptible to premature failure. The good news is that there are plenty of high-quality hose clamps available with excellent environmental protection.
