Stainless Steel Hose and Pump Connectors should not be confused with an Expansion Joint and whilst they can look similar in appearance they each solve totally different problems
Stourflex Stainless Steel Hoses and Pump Connectors are primarily used on pumps, chillers and other reciprocating machinery to reduce noise and vibration. The flexible element of a hose assembly is manufactured from corrugated stainless steel with a stainless steel braid and is fitted with end fittings to suit installation needs. The braided connectors cannot compress or extend, and therefore do not compensate for thermal expansion and therefore should not be used as expansion joints. Expansion Joints solve the problems associated with Thermal Expansion in pipework systems.
Hose and Pump Connectors are designed to isolate pump vibration which if not eliminated will severely impair the performance of the pump and will result costly damage to the system. Typical problems that will result from not installing the correct hose and pump connector are damage to pump seals and bearings which will result in leaks. The right hose and pump connector can eliminate the problems caused by noise which if not controlled will be magnified through the piping system.
Stourflex Stainless Steel Hoses and Pump Connectors offer significant benefits and should be used as an alternative to rubber bellows when
- The application exceeds the temperature limitations of rubber bellows and can be used on hot water applications up to 300 deg C
- The application requires a Water Regulations Approved Scheme (WRAS) approved product
- The application requires a product suitable for Potable Water or Domestic Hot Water services
- The application requires a product installed in a critical environment with an extended service life requirement.
All Stourflex Stainless Steel Hose and Pump Connectors have been approved by the Water Regulations advisory Scheme (WRAS) which means when they are installed in accordance with the requirements of the water regulations they are suitable for potable and wholesome water applications
In order for the products to provide correct performance they should always be installed in accordance with our fitting instructions. Our comprehensive fitting instructions show the vitally important function of installing pipework anchors and / or fixed points and guides. This is because stainless steel hoses and pump connectors will exert a pressure thrust in service and must be anchored to protect adjacent pipework and equipment. As with all Hoses and Pump Connectors they will extend under pressure and must be anchored to prevent this from happening.
In summary, Stainless Steel Hose and Pump Connectors offer the installer many advantages.
- Excellent service life for both hot and cold water applications.
- Offers a longer service life than rubber bellows.
- The flexible element of a stainless steel hose and pump connector can be produced to different lengths enabling the manufacture of bespoke products
Flexible pipe connectors
At Stourflex, we are a leading source of flexible pipe connectors and have been providing first-class solutions to our clients for many years. We can provide you with stainless steel pump connectors and hose assemblies for use in all kinds of applications, including heating, hot and cold water. For our EPDM Fan Coil Hoses we are able to fit class ‘O’ insulation if this is required. Depending on the hose we have options for flanged, screwed and compression ends.
Large stock holdings
If you need swift access to connectors, we can assist you. We recently increased our stock facilities by around a third to cope with increased demand and to help our customers reduce downtime during maintenance and breakdowns. It’s essential that stainless steel hose and pump connectors are not confused with expansion joints as they solve entirely different problems. Stainless steel hoses and pump connectors are normally used with pumps, chillers and other kinds of reciprocating machinery, reducing both noise and vibration. Flexible elements of hoses are manufactured from stainless steel core with stainless steel braids. Flanged and Screwed end fittings are fitted into your solution to meet your installation requirements.
Eliminate pump vibration
If pump vibration is not eliminated, the performance of your pump could be impacted. Hose and pump connectors are designed to isolate vibration. If the wrong hose or pump connectors are installed, you could face problems with leaks. By using the right kind of hose or pump connector, you can reduce problems linked to noise.
An alternative to rubber bellows
Stainless steel hoses and pump connectors can offer a valuable alternative to rubber bellows when your application surpasses the temperature limitations of rubber bellows or when a WRAS-approved product is required. To achieve the right level of performance from our products, ensure they are installed in line with the fitting instructions.
WRAS-approved solutions
Our hoses and pump connectors can potentially have greater longevity than rubber bellows, and the hoses can be manufactured to specific lengths. Stourflex is a Midlands-based company serving customers not only across the UK but overseas. We are also a noted source for air and dirt separators, rooftop supports and expansion bellows.
Getting in touch with Stourflex
To find out more about our flexible pipe connectors, call us on (+44) 01384 393329. Alternatively, send a message to info@stourflex.co.uk. We are confident we can provide the dependable solutions that you are looking for, at the right price.
Get in touch
