Guide to Industrial Metal Hose Applications and Uses

In the most demanding industrial conditions—from deep-sea corrosion to space's frigid vacuum, or high-pressure, high-temperature worksites—one connection method remains steadfastly reliable: metal hoses. More than mere piping, these components are critical to ensuring safe and efficient industrial operations. But how does one select the optimal metal hose? Let's examine this essential technology.

As flexible metallic conduit elements, metal hoses serve vital roles across modern industry. They primarily divide into two categories: interlocked hoses and corrugated hoses, each offering distinct advantages for different operational requirements.

Characterized by their spiral-wound metal strip construction, interlocked hoses excel in mechanical strength, particularly in tensile and tear resistance. These properties make them ideal for applications requiring durable protection, such as cable shielding and exhaust systems.

Structure and Functionality: Cold-rolled metal strips are wound around a mandrel, with specialized profiles interconnecting while maintaining flexibility. Common materials include galvanized steel, stainless steel, or brass, often with chrome or nickel plating for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Performance Advantages: These hoses demonstrate exceptional tensile strength, lateral compression resistance, torsion resistance, and outstanding chemical/thermal stability. While not fully hermetic, this makes them excellent for insulation or protective sleeving.

Selection Considerations: Performance depends on profile geometry, strip dimensions, material selection, and sealing methods. Cross-sections vary from circular to polygonal, with automotive applications typically using metal-sealed versions. Enhanced sealing can be achieved through integrated cotton, rubber, or ceramic sealing threads.

Renowned for pressure tolerance and sealing integrity, corrugated hoses maintain performance in extreme conditions—from marine environments to temperature extremes—making them ideal for high/low-temperature media transfer.

Structure and Functionality: Manufactured from seamless or longitudinally welded thin-walled tubes formed via mechanical/hydraulic corrugation, these completely sealed hoses handle pressurized liquids/gases or vacuum applications.

Performance Advantages: Key benefits include:

• High-pressure tolerance (up to 380 bar for small diameters)
• Temperature resistance from -270°C to 600°C+
• Superior corrosion resistance
• Perfect sealing capability
• Exceptional flexibility for complex routing

The history of metal hoses dates to 1885, when German jeweler Heinrich Witzenmann and French engineer Eugène Levavassèur patented the first interlocked metal hose, inspired by articulated necklaces. Early designs used spiral-wound metal strips with rubber-sealed gaps, creating flexible yet strong conduits.

Subsequent innovations included:

• 1894: Siegfried Frank's patent for corrugating rigid tubes
• 1909: Emil Witzenmann's seal-less welded hose variant
• 1920s: Albert Dreyer's advancement in annular corrugation techniques

Key selection criteria include:

• Application parameters (media, pressure, temperature)
• Hose type (interlocked vs. corrugated)
• Material compatibility
• Dimensional requirements
• Connection methods
• Compliance with ISO/ASME standards

From aerospace to nuclear technology, metal hoses continue enabling industrial advancement through their unique combination of resilience and adaptability.