HOSE CARE AND MAINTENANCE — IMPORTANT — READ CAREFULLY

Anhydrous Ammonia hose has a limited life and the user must be alert to signs of impending failure. Periodic inspection and testing, as described in Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) publication IP-11-2, is recommended to detect signs indicating hose deterioration or loss of performance before conditions leading to malfunction or failure are reached.

All new hose assemblies should be inspected prior to use to determine if they have been damaged in storage or shipment. Hose subjected to severe usage—for example, dragged over sharp rock surfaces, or sharply bent in storage or continually exposed to weather—will deteriorate more rapidly than carefully-handled hose. The hose should be visually inspected each day before the day’s use.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE:

Lay out the full length of the hose in a clean and preferably dry area. Inspect the outside cover of the hose for blistering, excessive abrasion of cuts, and coupling slippage. This inspection will be made when the hose is not under pressure.

1. Cuts in hose cover which expose or damage the reinforcement are cause for immediate replacement. Small cuts, nicks, or gouges in the cover which do not go completely through the cover are not cause for replacement of the hose. Hose strength is controlled by the plies of reinforcement, and for this reason, damage in this area cannot be tolerated.

Note: Pricking the hose cover is necessary for satisfactory hose performance. A uniformly-pricked cover should not be viewed with alarm.

2. Damage to the textile or wire braid is cause for immediate hose replacement. Wire braid reinforced hose that has been kinked or flattened, so as to permanently deform the wire braid in the unpressurized state, shall be removed from service.

3. Blistering or loose outer cover is cause for immediate hose replacement.

4. Examine couplings for slippage. Only permanently-attached fittings are to be used with anhydrous ammonia hose. Bolt-on or clamp-on type fittings must not be used. Slippage is evidenced by the misalignment of the hose and coupling and/or the scored or exposed area where slippage has occurred. Any evidence of slippage is cause for immediate hose replacement.

WARNING

A failure in service can result in injury to personnel or damage to property. Do not use at temperatures or pressures above those recommended.

Anhydrous ammonia is extremely volatile—and poisonous—in both liquid and gaseous (vapor) states. Contact with either state of anhydrous ammonia will burn skin, and is especially damaging to the eyes and lungs. Improper hose application or failure to inspect the hose may lead to life-threatening situations—poisonous gas leakages, fires, or explosions. Do not use anhydrous ammonia hose for LP gas, natural gas or refrigeration applications. Do not use with male swivel couplings. Do not use LP gas hose for anhydrous ammonia applications.