Effective practices to improve the durability of marine hoses

Analyzing best practices to improve the durability of marine hoses in offshore operations.

Euclides Quiñonez.

Published: September 13, 2024

Share on social networks

Introduction

Marine hoses play a relevant role in the maritime industry, especially during hydrocarbon transfer operations. These hoses are subjected to harsh environmental conditions and intensive use, which can affect their service life and performance. Therefore, it is critical to implement effective practices that enhance their durability and ensure their optimal performance. This article will explore the best strategies for extending the life of marine hoses, focusing on maintenance, inspection, and good operating practices.

Factors that shorten marine hose service life

Durability can be affected by a number of factors. Chief among these are operating and environmental conditions, exposure to aggressive chemicals, physical wear and tear, and improper handling and installation. Hoses are designed to withstand adverse conditions, but improper use or lack of maintenance, as described below, can accelerate deterioration.

Use outside their design: Operating the hoses outside the parameters of pressure, temperatures, fuel transfer, or non-recommended products, among others, for which they were designed drastically reduces their useful life.

Adverse environmental conditions: Marine hoses are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, such as water salinity, extreme temperatures, and exposure to UV rays. These conditions can weaken the hose structure, causing cracks or ruptures.

Chemical exposure: During fuel transfer, marine hoses can come into contact with chemicals that can degrade their material. This is especially true if the hoses being used are not specifically designed to handle the fuels or chemicals being transferred.

Physical wear: The constant movement of hoses, along with abrasion and impact with hard surfaces, can cause significant wear. This is especially common in operations where hoses are repeatedly dragged or coiled.

Lack of preventive maintenance: Lack of preventive maintenance on marine hoses can drastically reduce their service life due to lack of control over environmental damage, debris accumulation, and mechanical damage, among others.

Improper installation: Improper installation can subject the hoses to unnecessary stresses, which can cause structural damage. Proper installation is essential to ensure that hoses operate efficiently and safely.

Improper storage: The service life of stored hoses can be affected by temperature, humidity, ozone, UV rays, insects, and rodents. It is advisable when not in service to store them protected from these factors.

Effective practices to improve the service life of a marine hose

Proper selection and use: Proper selection of marine hoses is the first step in ensuring their durability. It is essential to choose hoses that are specifically designed for the intended operating conditions. This includes selecting hoses with adequate chemical resistance, with the ability to withstand pressures, temperatures, viscosity. Product type, flow rate, velocity, expected, and abrasion resistant. In addition, it is important to consider the correct diameter and length to ensure efficient flow and minimize resistance, as well as to take into account the hose manufacturers’ recommendations.

Proper installation: Marine hoses must be installed correctly to avoid unnecessary stresses and to ensure optimum performance. Proper installation includes using the correct couplings, ensuring that the hoses are not kinked or excessively bent, and ensuring that they are securely fastened during fuel or product transfer. In addition, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation, which may include the use of additional supports or guides to prevent premature wear.

Preventive maintenance: Preventive marine hose maintenance is one of the most effective practices for extending the life of marine hoses. This type of maintenance involves regular inspection of hoses to identify signs of wear or damage before they become major problems.

Hose inspection: Periodic visual inspections are an important factor in helping to identify problems such as cracks, wear, or damage to couplings. It is advisable to perform hose inspections before and after each use to ensure that the hoses are in good condition and available for safe operation.

Pressure testing: Periodically scheduled pressure testing can help detect weaknesses in the hose structure. These tests should be performed every 12 months, completed with a general internal and external inspection to determine the condition of the flanges and other components, as well as elongation and electrical continuity tests. This approach ensures that, under normal conditions, the hoses can withstand the operating pressure without failure and improves their operational reliability.

Cleaning and drying: It is important to clean the hoses after each use to remove fuel or other chemical residues. In addition, hoses should be thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mold or material degradation.

Replacement of worn components: Couplings and other components should be replaced if they show signs of wear. The use of worn components can compromise the integrity of the entire hose.

Good operating practices: Good operating practices are essential to prolong the life of marine hoses. This includes proper handling of hoses during operation, avoiding dragging them on rough surfaces or subjecting them to excessive bending or unnecessary stresses. It is also important to operate within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and temperature limits to avoid damage to the hoses.

Correct sling: Slings for lifting hoses should be positioned so as to avoid kinks, preferably with wide slings.

Constant monitoring: During operation, it is important to monitor the condition of the hoses for any signs of impending failure. This may include observing for leaks, swelling, or any other changes in the appearance of the hose.

Protection during transport: Hoses should be transported in suitable containers or supports to prevent crushing, cutting, or kinking. Hose protectors are advisable to minimize the risk of damage.

Storage conditions: Hoses should be stored in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight. It is recommended to store them in containers that isolate them from chemical products that may damage their material, and also protect them from insects and rodents. In case of extreme temperatures, it may be necessary to implement additional measures, such as the use of climate-controlled storage.

Hose rotation: If hoses are not used frequently, it is advisable to rotate them or turn them periodically to avoid permanent deformation or deterioration in specific areas.

Application of standards or guidelines: It is advisable to take as an essential practice, for the maintenance and inspection of hoses, to follow the guidelines of recognized organizations, such as the “Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)” on the handling, storage, use, testing, and maintenance of marine hoses.

Personnel training: Ensuring that personnel are properly trained in the use and handling of marine hoses will reduce the risk of accidental damage. Training should include information on the operational limits of the hoses, as well as maintenance and storage practices.

Conclusion

The durability of marine hoses depends largely on the implementation of effective maintenance practices, proper fuel or product transfer, installation, and operation. By following the above recommendations, it is possible to significantly extend hose life and ensure optimum performance in marine operations.

Proper hose selection, along with a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, timely hose inspection, and careful handling, are the keys to maximizing the durability of these essential components in the marine industry.