It is important to use the correct type of hose for the required gas(es) to be used. Any non-standard application should always be checked by and approved before being put into operation. Pressure drops will occur through hoses and hose fittings, therefore allowances must be made to compensate for this when setting up equipment and adjusting regulators. 10mm bore hose should be used for large flow applications and where long lengths of hose are to be used. Colour coding of hoses and different threads for fuel and Oxygen prevents incorrect connections of hoses to the wrong gas type.
SAFETY NOTICE – HOSE LENGTH
As per abstract from Australian Standard AS4839-2001 for guidelines on safe use of portable oxy-fuel gas systems Section 6.5 Hoses. ‘The maximum hose length shall be 15 metres for each gas, or such distance which will allow the operator of the hand-held equipment to be in sight of all the supply cylinders, whichever is the smaller. Hoses shall be single length.
NOTE: Where single lengths not practicable, lengths of hose up to a total length of 15 metres may be joined using only fittings that comply with AS4267.
If hoses exceed 15 metres, the operator must be in sight of the supply cylinders as per the standard.
Obtain a copy from Standards Australia at www.standards.org.au