Choosing The Right Hose Clamps for The Right Application.

Hose clamps purpose in the mechanical field is to slide over the hose to secure it over a fitting. They make sure nothing can escape from the inside. It is perfect wherever a flexible fluid connection is required. Besides, it is ideal for gas as well as compressed air applications. In addition to securing the hose in place, it also prevents leakage at the connection. 

Hose clamps selection and using them properly is just as crucial as the right hose selection for the application it supports. In other words, without the correct hose clamp to hold hoses or tubes in place on the ends of the pipe, the high pressure can blow off hoses from fittings result in dangerous situations. So now we are aware of the hose clamp’s critical role in conveying fluid connections.

Like hoses, clamp designs serve specific purposes, and the best clamp to choose depends on the application. Choosing the right hose clamps might be quite challenging as there are plenty of different options out there and this makes the decision harder. Different industries require different functions from clamps. And all you need is to ensure that the clamp you choose will serve its purpose correctly. In this article, we walk you through key specifications to choose the right hose clamps for the right application.

Key Specifications in Selecting The Right Hose Clamps

Generally, choosing the right hose clamp for the correct application depends on parameters such as hose outside diameter, the pressure it can exert, and the type of material it is made as well as hose material. Once these parameters have been specified, the choice is naturally made. In the following, we will explore these specification deeper. Furthermore we will introduce the common most types of hose clamps and their specification in more detail.

1- Determine The Material

Hose clamps are manufacturing from different materials such as :

1. Aluminum

2. Brass

3. Plastic

4. Stainless steel

5. Carbon steel

Stainless steel is the most common material when high corrosion resistance is a matter of concern. Furthermore, stainless steel represents durability and versatility, but the critical point is to determine the grade of the stainless steel you require upon your specific applications. Steel grades vary in terms of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and strength. All you need to do is to ensure the material you choose would withstand your task. For example, marine and automotive industries require high corrosion resistance clamps that endure a great deal of constant stress and high temperatures. So the durable stainless steel containing nickel is the perfect solution in these industries.

2- Select The Size

Typically hose clamps are designed to slide over the hose’s outside diameter. They are classifying according to the maximum and minimum hose diameter they fit. For example, one may be suitable as fitting hoses with an outside diameter between 1/2 inch and 29/32 inch. Another may fit hoses with external diameters between 1 3/8 inches and 1 9/16 inches. It is crucial to bear in mind that the hose fastener must slide over the outside diameter of the hose and fittings. And this requires the hose clips to be slightly larger than the hose outside diameter. This is while some adjustable clamps such worm drive and non-perforated screw clamps provide you with the with a large adjustment range to cover many different hose sizes that have its own advantages as well as disadvantages. You should take into consideration this factor while selecting the correct clamps for your specific application.

3- Hose Material Consideration

Considering hose material is as important as the material of the clamp. There are different types of hose materials they are ranging from PVC, Polyurethane, silicone and etc.,. Each different material features a level of thickness, weight, elasticity, and strength. For instance, softer hoses such as silicone and some polyurethane hoses are weak in durability and strength in flexibility these types of hoses require clamps that will not cause damage. A clamp with beveled edges that prevent cutting or tearing of the hose material must be chosen while working with these types.

Hose Clamps Types

Hose clamps or hose clips include a wide range of different types and sizes with multiple functionalities. In the following, we will dive deeper into some of the most common types of hose clamps and their applications.

Worm Drive Hose Clamp

Worm Drive hose clamps referring to as screw and band clamps (Worm- Gear) are the most common types of hose clamps. Popular due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and versatility. Suitable in nearly all applications. A worm drive type mechanism for tightening consisting of a screw and a series of slots in the clamp. As the screw is tightening, the threads engage the slots and tighten advance the band, tightening it onto the hose. As discussed earlier, hose clamps are designing for different pipe’s outside diameter, worm type hose clamp provides you wide adjustment range to cover many different hose sizes.

Although the worm drive is to tend to be all-purpose clamps, they should be avoided in high-pressure applications. Instead, they are frequently useful in lower-pressure environments, as well as when a quick fix is needed. protect against corrosion, and can be taken on and off with minimal metal fatigue. You can check our Gemi Worm Drive Hose Clamps and Worm Drive Clamp items for more information.

T-Bolt Hose Clamp

T-Bolt clamps are commonly suitable for high-pressure applications where other clamps pop off. Comparing to the worm drive clamps these clamps are wider and also more expensive. They pull directly to the other side of the clamp. They are known to put more tension to the hose comparing to the worm and spring clamps.in addition, they are simple to remove while providing a constant tension the hose. These types of clamps are the perfect solution in the areas where the hose fluid spillage can lead to significant environmental trouble. Although they put a great deal of tension they lose this tension over time. Due to their smooth inner band, a perfect high torque seal is achievable without damaging the hose. You can explore our T-Bolt Clamps further.

Hi-Torque clamp

High torque hose clamps are the unrivaled heavy duty worm drive clamps. They are quicker to fit, take up less space, and the strongest worm- gear clamps ever. They provide an excellent level of performance, quality, and strength. You shouldn’t be fooled by their simple look they can withstand more than three times the SAE torque requirement for worm-gear clamps. Hi torque clamps are reusable and easy to re tighten after expansion cause by temperature fluctuations. Due to their smooth inner band they cause no damage to hose while installing on  the hose. They got the approval for applications in the marine, offshore and industrial markets. Our Stainless steel Hi-Torque Hose Clamps are durable, resistant to corrosion, and last longer.

Spring Clamps (Constant-Tension)

In some applications as a result of hot fluid, thermal expansion causes the hoses to extract or contract. This is also the same as for high-pressure applications and cold fluids. In other words, the nipple and the hoses change in sizes during the procedures. And that’s where Constant tension clamps come into play.

The idea behind constant tension clamps is that during tightening, the Belleville washers compress and act as a spring. The mechanism is when the band expands the spring force increase and vice versa. Meaning as the band contracts the spring force is decreasing. That is why they are called constant tension, the tension in the hose clamp is maintaining throughout all pressure and fluid systems of almost any application by the spring. Our Breeze Constant Torque Clamps are self-tightening, sealing elements with no requirement for Re-torque and re-adjustment after installation. A leak proof solution for high duty applications while maintaining constant tension throughout the procedures.

Conclusion

Hose clamps come in a variety of types, materials, and sizes. Different hose clamps have different characteristics, as well as benefits and drawbacks. The best method to select the best possible hose clamps for your applications passes through identifying several factors. Such as the scope of the application, hose material, outside diameter size, and hose clamp material. Once these specifications identified, now its time to select the best possible hose clamp that most suits your requirement.