Shelf Life of Hydraulic, fuel and Lub oil rubberized hoses

[Greenvalley285]

If the manufacturer has not mentioned, shelf life of rubberized hose, then as a rule, what should be the max shelf life to be considered for hydraulic, oil and fuel hoses. Some of the hoses are rubberized, without a metallic braid/ sleeve, while some hoses come with metallic braid/ sleeve.

Considering they are stored, in normal storage condition. Then what should be the criteria for accounting shelf life.

 

????

[iChris]

Hose in general should be used within 4 - 6 years of the date of manufacture, providing its properly stored. Guidelines for Proper Hose Storage:

 

·Leave the hose in its original box or reel.

 

·Store hose in a cool, dry, and dark place.

 

·Ideal temperature for hose storage is 50°F - 70°F

 

·Avoid exposing hose to damaging elements such as excessive heat, direct sunlight and extreme cold.

 

·Be careful not to crush or kink hose.

 

Hoses have been classified in two groups:

 

GROUP A: Fuel, Oil, pneumatic and hydraulic pressure hoses.

GROUP B: All other hoses like hydraulic return line and instruments hoses etc.

 

Beyond that, the total storage/shelf life of both types of hoses should be limited to 10 years from the cure date of manufacture provided they are stored under standard conditions of storage, normally airtight packaging

 

During storage, non- airtight packaging, periodic inspection should be carried out once a year for signs of deterioration, weather cracks, signs of corrosion on end fittings etc. and hose pressure tested to 1-1/2 times the working pressure every two years.

 

If in question, before installation on aircraft pressure test should be carried out at 1-1/2 times the working pressure.

 

You can also check out the following Link:

Technical Standard Order: TSO-C53a, FUEL AND ENGINE OIL SYSTEM HOSE ASSEMBLIES

Edited September 3, 2016 by iChris

[Greenvalley285]

Thanks for a detail reply.

[Guest pokey]

take a look on the Eaton/Aeroquip site, the newer AE701 hose has no shelf life. That is pretty much your standard general aviation fuel/oil/hydraulic hose.(for piston engines anyhow)

[iChris]

take a look on the Eaton/Aeroquip site, the newer AE701 hose has no shelf life. That is pretty much your standard general aviation fuel/oil/hydraulic hose.(for piston engines anyhow)

 

"Aeroquip AE701 AQP hose retains its flexibility over a long period of time and has unlimited shelf life. The tube has long-term resistance to degradation caused by various fluids used in aerospace applications. Size and complexity of hose inventory can be reduced because of hose compatibility with nearly all fluids."

 

Eaton Aeroquip AE701 Hose

 

Yes, they quote unlimited...However, there are still general guidelines (not establish limitations) depending on the Elastomeric Material.

 

"Elastomeric Materials: these materials are exceptionally soft, aromatic polyurethane elastomeric alloys which can be used as a substitute for rubber, silicone or latex in many applications. These materials can be processed using conventional extrusion, injection and blow molding methods and is an optimal material for applications requiring elastic properties."

 

Age Controls for Hose Containing Age-Sensitive Elastomeric Material

 

http://standards.sae.org/as1933/

 

http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1500-1599/download.php?spec=MIL_STD_1523A.1419.pdf

 

http://www.fortworthgasket.com/Mil-Spec/MIL-HDBK-695E.pdf

 

STORAGE AND HANDLING

 

Bulk hose and hose assemblies - hose should be stored away from sunlight, heat, ozone, etc. To minimize obsolescence or deterioration of hose in storage, follow “first in, first out” principle in releasing stock for production or shipment.

 

Short hose lengths or assemblies may be conveniently stored in closed containers to protect them from dust. Other hose assemblies should have the ends capped. Hose assemblies made up in the field should be marked with the date of assembly before being placed in storage.

 

All hose assemblies taken from storage should be proof- tested prior to installation in aircraft.

 

Age of rubber - Hose exceeding established age limits of AS1933 or showing signs of weather checking, cracks, or separation of plies, should not be installed in aircraft.

 

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@aero/documents/content/pct_1228803.pdf

Edited September 9, 2016 by iChris

[Hobie]

Are aircraft hoses printed with manufacture dates?

[iChris]

Are aircraft hoses printed with manufacture dates?

 

Under Part 514 - Technical Standard Orders for Aircraft Materials, Parts, Processes, and Appliances that information is provided on the hose and/or hose packaging in the form of a serial number, lot number, or date of manufacture. From the serial number or lot number a call to the manufacturer can verify the cure date (aka..date of manufacture).

 

Subpart A of the TSO provides, that a manufacturer of an aircraft material, part, process, or appliance for which standards are established prior to its distribution for use on a civil aircraft of the United States, shall furnish a written statement of conformance certifying that the material, part, process, or appliance meets the applicable performance standards established.

 

Subpart A also requires appropriate marking of materials, parts, processes, and appliances as follows:

 

a ) Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for compliance,

b ) Equipment name, or type or model designation,

c ) Weight to the nearest pound and fraction thereof,

d ) Serial number and/or date of manufacture, and

e ) Applicable Technical Standard Order (TSO) number.

 

 

Edited September 12, 2016 by iChris