HoseXpress Fax Sheet

Chemical Spray demands most exacting hose selection

Lawn care and pest control chemicals present particular concerns regarding the aggressive nature of the chemicals, in combination with both internal and external stress on the hose itself.

Internal pressure on the hose results from the high pressure used to convey the chemicals and the nature of the chemicals in use. External pressures results from the hose being in contact with the applied chemicals and by pulling and dragging the hose while in use.

It is essential then that the correct hose be chosen and proper care is always maintained to ensure best performance and service life; and to ensure safety standards are met during application.

Regardless of the type of hose used, it?s important to ensure that the hose is drained after use ? especially if it?s going to stand for a long period of time. This is required since the chemicals may separate out of the water emulsion and collect at the top of the reel causing damage to the hose.

If hoses are not drained and stored properly the hose can be damaged, making it unsafe to use.

Lawn care and pest control chemicals fall into two main categories: wettable powders (WP) and emuslsifiable liquid concentrates (EC). Wettable powers come as a dry power or in granular form to be dissolved in water to create a sprayable solution.

Wettable powders are usually stable when in solution and they will not ?settle out? when standing.

Emuslsifiable concentrates however, present different concerns as these chemicals are supplied in a liquid form, which the herbicide or pesticide is dissolved in a solvent or oil-based substance. Even when mixed with water, the chemicals are not totally dissolved. If these hoses are allowed to stand, the chemicals will separate from the water, and float to the top, The emulsified carriers will negatively effect the hose?s core tube integrity.

Other critical considerations are the working pressure and operating temperature of the hose

All hoses are affected by temperature, and this is especially true with thermoplastic hoses. As operating temperatures rise, the hose material will soften, reducing the working and burst pressure levels. During the summer, it?s not uncommon for temperatures to rise to 120 degrees F. This means that the hose working pressure will drop to by an average of 40 to 60%. It?s important to take operating temperature factors into account when selecting any hose for any application purposes.

And one final caution: choose the correct type of hose fitting. HoseXpress can advise you on correct fittings, as well as which hose to use for any chemical application.

Visit the HoseXpress website for complete detailed information and specs on thousands of hoses for every application - www.hosexpress.com

Call us toll-free 1-866-397-4673 between 8 AM and 5 PM Central Standard Time

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HoseXpress is one of America?s largest suppliers of chemical, petroleum, air, and metal hoses, hydraulic hose fittings, hose reels, expansion joints, and all related accessories. HoseXpress fabricates & assembles virtually every type of hose used in industry today and maintains a large inventory available for immediate shipment.

f you have any questions about the suitability of a hose for a particular service, contact Hosexpress, (Toll Free 1-866-397-4673), for a recommendation.