Product Description

Stainless Steel Metal Hose, also known as SS Flexible Hose, SS Corrugated Hose, or Stainless Steel Braided Hose, is a flexible piping component designed for the safe transfer of liquids, gases, steam, and other industrial media under demanding operating conditions.

The hose is generally manufactured with a corrugated stainless steel inner tube that provides flexibility and movement absorption, combined with an external stainless steel wire braid that improves pressure resistance, mechanical strength, and protection. Single- or double-braid constructions can be selected according to the required pressure and application.

Stainless steel metal hoses are widely used in chemical processing, petrochemical plants, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food processing, power generation, HVAC, steam systems, cryogenic service, and general industrial piping.

Technical Specifications

For example, commercially available stainless-steel corrugated hose constructions include SS 304/304L, 316/316L and 321 grades, with pressure and temperature ratings determined by the particular hose design.

Material Selection

• SS 304 / 304L: General-purpose stainless steel with good corrosion resistance.
• SS 316 / 316L: Preferred where greater corrosion resistance is required, particularly in more aggressive chemical or process environments.
• SS 321 / 321L: Suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures and thermal cycling.

Advantages

1. Excellent Flexibility

The corrugated construction allows the hose to bend and accommodate movement, making it useful where rigid piping cannot easily be installed.

2. High Pressure Capability

Stainless steel wire braiding provides additional pressure containment and mechanical strength. Double-braid designs can be selected for higher-pressure applications.

3. Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel construction provides good resistance to corrosion and makes the hose suitable for many demanding industrial environments.

4. Temperature Resistance

Stainless steel metal hoses can be used across a broad temperature range, including high-temperature and cryogenic applications, when the appropriate grade and construction are selected.

5. Vibration Absorption

The flexible construction helps absorb equipment vibration and small movements, reducing stress transmitted to connected piping and equipment.

6. Thermal Expansion Compensation

The hose can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in piping systems, helping reduce mechanical stress.

7. Long Service Life

Stainless steel provides good resistance to abrasion, moisture, mechanical damage and harsh operating conditions.

8. Easy Installation

Flexible hose assemblies can simplify connections between equipment, particularly where there is limited installation space or pipe misalignment.

9. Fire Resistant Construction

Unlike many conventional elastomeric hoses, stainless steel metal hose does not rely on a combustible rubber tube for its primary pressure boundary.

10. Customizable

Hose diameter, length, braid layers, material grade and end connections can be selected according to the application.

Common Applications

Stainless Steel Metal Hoses are commonly used for:

• Chemical and pharmaceutical plants
• Oil & gas systems
• Petrochemical industries
• Power plants
• Steam and boiler lines
• HVAC systems
• Refrigeration systems
• Cryogenic applications
• Food and beverage processing
• Gas and fuel transfer
• Hydraulic and industrial equipment
• Pump and compressor connections
• Vibration isolation
• Thermal expansion compensation
• High-temperature fluid and gas transfer

These applications are consistent with manufacturer specifications for corrugated stainless-steel flexible hoses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a stainless steel metal hose?

A stainless steel metal hose is a flexible metallic hose generally manufactured from a corrugated stainless-steel tube, often covered with stainless-steel wire braid for additional pressure resistance and protection.

2. What is the difference between SS corrugated hose and SS braided hose?

SS corrugated hose describes the corrugated stainless-steel core. SS braided hose generally refers to the complete assembly consisting of the corrugated core plus an external stainless-steel wire braid. The braid increases pressure resistance and mechanical strength.

3. Which stainless steel grade is best for metal hoses?

There is no single best grade for every application. SS 304/304L is commonly used for general applications, while SS 316/316L is preferred for higher corrosion resistance. SS 321/321L can be suitable for elevated-temperature service.

4. Can stainless steel metal hoses handle high pressure?

Yes. Braided stainless-steel metal hoses are designed for pressure service, but the allowable working pressure depends on hose diameter, wall thickness, corrugation, braid layers, material and operating temperature. Always use the manufacturer's rated pressure for the exact assembly.

5. Can SS metal hoses be used for steam?

Yes. Stainless-steel corrugated hoses can be used in steam service when the hose material, pressure rating, temperature rating and end connections are correctly selected for the application.

6. Can stainless steel hoses be used for chemicals?

Yes, but chemical compatibility must be checked before selection. SS 316/316L may be preferable to 304/304L for some corrosive services, but neither grade is universally compatible with all chemicals.

7. Do stainless steel metal hoses absorb vibration?

Yes. Their flexible construction can absorb or dampen vibration and accommodate small movements between connected equipment and piping.

8. Can these hoses compensate for thermal expansion?

Yes. Flexible metal hoses can accommodate thermal movement and help compensate for expansion and contraction in piping systems.

9. What end connections are available?

Depending on the manufacturer and application, stainless-steel hose assemblies can be supplied with BSP, BSPT or NPT threaded connections, fixed/swivel flanges, welded ends, camlock couplings, and customized fittings.

10. How do I select the correct stainless steel hose?

Specify at least:

Media + operating pressure + operating temperature + hose size/ID + required length + movement/bend requirement + material grade + end connection.

The hose should then be selected based on the manufacturer's pressure, temperature, bend-radius and compatibility data.

11. Is a single braid or double braid better?

A double braid generally provides greater pressure capability than a single braid, but it can affect flexibility and is not automatically the best choice. The braid configuration should be selected according to the actual operating conditions.

12. What standards are used for stainless steel metal hoses?

ISO 10380 is a commonly referenced standard for corrugated metal hose assemblies. BS 6501 is also used for flexible metallic hose applications. The applicable standard should be confirmed for the particular product and market.