Understanding the Working of a Hose Clamp

A hose clamp or a hose clip is an attachment that is used to seal or close a fitting such as a barb or nipple.

Uses of Hose Clamps

The uses of hose clamps are usually limited to systems of moderate pressure like those in automobiles and home appliances. At high pressures and with larger hose sizes, the clamp would have to be unwieldy to be able to withstand the force without allowing a leak to form or the hose to slide off the barb. For high pressure appliances, thick crimp fittings, compression fittings and other designs are used. Aside from this, hose clamps are also used for purposes that they are not originally designed for. For tightening something, for example, hose clamps are used as a more efficient substitute for duct tape. From mounting signs to helping in home repairs, these clamps can be used for a variety of non plumbing operations. The screw band type in particular is very strong and used maximum. Moreover, hose clamps also form an important part of industrial processes and products. In both industrial as well as domestic processes, connectivity of systems is important for their efficient working. Incorrect functioning of systems due to poor connectivity would, of course, throw the process out of order.

Materials Used

Nowadays, plastic is the most commonly used material for the production of hose clamps. Before plastic became popular, it was stainless steel that was used to make these clamps. The screw thread pattern on them was made by cutting or pressing. The captive screw is placed at one end where the hose is connected, and the space between the band and the screw accommodate the other end of the hose. The screw then acts as a control mechanism or a worm drive to close the band in on the hose. The advent of plastic is contributed to its cheaper price and equal strength.

Designing

One of the most important functions of hose clamps like mikalor is to ensure a tight seal between the hose and the barb to prevent the onset of a leak. To ensure this, they are designed with no gaps and even pressure on all sides. One example is of wire clamps. A simple and uncomplicated design would seem to be a wire wrapped around the hose, with one end tied to a nut and the screw, tightened by pulling the ends towards each other. Such a design, however, will lead to the development of a leak where there is no pressure under the screw. To overcome this flaw in design, the ends are allowed to overlap and then pushed apart to ensure even pressure around the hose. Moreover, to ensure that no leaks develop, the barb should be free from scratches and nicks. Stuck hoses should never be slit free with knives or pointed objects as that can lead to scratches on the barb.

Since hose clamps come in a variety of styles and have more than just industrial or plumbing uses, analyze carefully what you need them for and buy accordingly.