In critical industrial operations, the cleaning and maintenance of Gassoflex composite hoses are just as important as the fluid transfer itself. Proper cleaning prevents contamination, ensures process safety, and extends hose service life, reducing replacement costs and downtime.
1. Cleaning
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For most chemicals, rinsing with fresh water is sufficient.
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Hot water can be used, but always within the hose’s maximum working temperature.
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If water cleaning is not suitable, chemical cleaning may be carried out under the guidance of a chemical engineer, ensuring compatibility with the hose lining (PP, PTFE, polyamide, etc.).
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Open-ended steaming is acceptable but should never exceed 15 minutes, and working temperature limits must never be surpassed.
⚠️ Important:
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Never use steam lances directly.
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Composite hoses must never be pigged.
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Hoses must always be cleaned before pressure testing.
2. Draining
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After completing a transfer operation, hoses must be completely emptied by elevating them to ensure full drainage.
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Before disconnecting, end caps or blank flanges must be fitted to prevent leakage or contamination.
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On ships and barges, cleaning can be carried out while still connected to the manifold, provided it complies with MARPOL regulations.
3. Infrequently Used Hoses
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When dedicated to a single product, hoses may be stored dry and blanked for the next use.
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However, they should always be drained after each operation and, if appropriate, cleaned to avoid long-term degradation caused by product exposure.
4. After Cleaning and Drying
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After flushing/cleaning, hoses must be well drained and securely blanked.
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Complete drying is essential to avoid corrosion, especially if seawater was used for cleaning.
5. Storage
Improper storage—short or long-term—can drastically reduce hose life.
Best practices for storage:
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Store hoses off the ground, horizontally, on a solid platform.
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Keep end fittings aligned and never left unsupported.
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Protect hoses from weather and direct sunlight.
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Do not stack hoses on top of each other to avoid deformation or damage.
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Ensure couplings and flanges are positioned so they do not press against or damage the hose body.
✅ Conclusion
Proper cleaning and storage of Gassoflex hoses not only guarantee safe transfer of chemicals and hydrocarbons but also:
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Extend service life.
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Optimize operating costs.
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Prevent cross-contamination.
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Ensure compliance with international safety standards.
At Gassó, we provide our customers with technical protocols, expert advice, and maintenance services so that every operation is safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
📩 Request the complete Gassoflex maintenance guide at: gasso@gasso.com
🌐 Learn more about our services here: Gassó | Assembly, Technical Assistance and Maintenance
👨🔧 Our technicians travel directly to your facilities to perform testing, maintenance, and customized technical assistance, tailored to your environment and operational needs.
