Blasting hoses should be 3-4 times larger in diameter than the nozzle they are connecting to. This prevents loss of air pressure and avoids unnecessary wear on the hose.
Blue Dog blasting, your one-stop shop for serious sandblast equipment, offers a hardy line of 2-ply hoses that accept properly sized couplings and nozzles. Find the right ID size and length for your project here.
Length
The length of a blast hose can have a significant impact on the blasting performance. A longer hose can cause pressure losses which reduce the flow of air and abrasive to the nozzle. The optimum hose length is between three and four times the nozzle diameter. This size will provide sufficient air volume and adequate pressure to maximize productivity.
A longer hose can also make it difficult to work in tight spaces. It is a good idea to regularly check the pressure in your hose with a needle pressure gauge to ensure it is still at the correct pressure. The Elcometer 102 needle pressure gauge is a great tool for this purpose, allowing you to test the nozzle pressure directly without having to disconnect the blast hose.
A blast hose should be tough enough to withstand the normal wear and tear associated with a busy sandblasting site. It should also be able to withstand high levels of pressure and abrasion. Quality blast hoses such as the Elcometer 12bar hose are incredibly durable and made from a weather, ozone, abrasion resistant natural and styrene-butadiene rubber compound with an antistatic rating.
Diameter
The internal diameter of a blast hose is important because it determines how much pressure the blast hose can hold. Ideally, the blast hose inner diameter should be three to four times larger than the nozzle’s narrowest point. Blast hoses with an inner diameter lower than this will wear quickly and reduce the nozzle pressure.
Blast hoses with an inner diameter bigger than this will decrease the amount of air and abrasive that can pass through them, decreasing the nozzle’s capacity.
To ensure that a blast hose is in good condition, it should be properly connected to the blast pot and metering valve. It should also be kept away from chemicals and sharp edges that could increase the risk of damage. Also, it is essential to use high quality fittings that are designed to handle the high CFM and pressures of a blast hose. Incorrect fittings can restrict air flow, causing the blast hose to wear out faster.
Weight
Blast hoses carry compressed air and abrasive media from the blast pot to the blast nozzle, so they need to be sturdy enough to hold up against the pressure of the abrasive. A worn or damaged hose experiences increased friction, which results in air pressure drops. This slows down the abrasive flow and lowers productivity. Check the abrasive hose regularly for damage and wear. Then use a needle-type pressure gauge (such as the Elcometer 102) to check for hose leaks and to maintain an accurate measure of blast nozzle pressure.
Blue Dog, your one-stop shop for serious sandblasting equipment, offers a selection of tough 2-ply and 4-ply abrasive blast hoses. These hoses have thick outer walls that resist external abrasion and can be dragged over long runs of hose without collapsing. They also accept the appropriate size blast nozzles and couplings. They are a great choice for industrial settings that expect heavy abrasive wear and pressure loss.
Material
The material of a blasting hose affects the blasting performance by controlling the flow of the abrasive media and air pressure. Choosing the right blasting hose can improve productivity and safety, as well as reduce the frequency of hose replacement.
In a blast room, 2-ply hoses are often preferred because they are tough enough to stand up to external abrasion and resist cracking from vibration. For field applications, crews may prefer 4-ply hose for its durable outer casing and flexible inner liner. Both 2-ply and 4-ply blast hoses are compatible with standard couplings, nozzle holders, and blasting machines and can be used with most common blast media.
