In modern industrial applications, rubber tubes are one of the indispensable components and are widely used in petrochemical, machinery manufacturing, automobile industry, construction and other fields. Although rubber tubes have good flexibility and pressure resistance, they often face problems such as cracking and aging during use, which not only affects production efficiency, but also may bring safety hazards. In order to effectively prevent the occurrence of these problems, it is particularly important to understand the main causes of cracking and aging of rubber tubes and their preventive measures.

 

Main causes of cracking and aging of industrial rubber tubes

 

1. Chemical corrosion

 

Industrial rubber tubes are corroded by chemical media when conveying corrosive liquids or gases. Corrosive substances react chemically with rubber materials, causing the molecular structure of rubber to be destroyed. This chemical reaction accelerates the aging and deterioration of rubber materials, causing them to lose elasticity and strength, and eventually lead to cracking. For example, in acid and alkaline environments, rubber is extremely susceptible to corrosion.

 

2. Physical wear

 

During use, rubber tubes are often subjected to friction and wear from inside and outside. The inner wall is subjected to long-term erosion and wear by the flow of the medium, while the outer wall may be subjected to friction by external mechanical equipment and particulate matter. Coupled with the thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, the rubber material is prone to surface wear and cracks, which in turn causes more serious cracking.

 

3. Ultraviolet radiation

 

When the rubber tube is exposed to the sun for a long time, ultraviolet rays will cause the molecular chain of the rubber material to break, causing surface cracking and hardening. Ultraviolet rays not only directly affect the structure of the rubber, but also accelerate the aging of the material, reducing its physical properties and service life.

 

4. Thermal oxidative aging

 

In the high temperature environment of the rubber tube, oxygen and the molecules in the rubber material undergo oxidation reactions, causing the rubber to oxidize and deteriorate. Thermal oxidative aging not only reduces the elasticity and mechanical properties of the rubber, but also makes it prone to cold flow and fracture during long-term use.

 

5. Pressure and fatigue damage

 

Industrial rubber tubes are prone to fatigue damage under high pressure or high frequency application conditions. Repeated pressure changes will form microcracks inside the rubber tube, which will cause the rubber tube to crack suddenly when accumulated to a certain extent. Such problems are often caused by unreasonable tube design or use beyond its rated pressure range.

 

Industrial rubber hose prevention measures

 

1. Material selection upgrade

 

Choosing suitable rubber materials according to the use environment is the basis for preventing cracking and aging. For different chemical media and physical conditions, high-performance rubber materials such as fluororubber and silicone rubber can be selected, which have better corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance.

 

2. Strengthen the protective layer

 

In order to protect the rubber tube from external factors, an anti-ultraviolet coating or heat insulation protective layer can be added to the outer layer of the rubber tube. These protective layers can greatly reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and slow down the impact of temperature on the rubber tube material.

 

3. Improve pipeline layout

 

Rationally arrange the rubber pipe to avoid direct friction with external mechanical equipment or materials. Especially at the bends or inflection points, ensure smooth transition and reduce mechanical wear. At the same time, when installing the rubber tube, ensure that there is no excessive bending or twisting.

 

4. Regular maintenance and inspection

 

Establish a regular maintenance and inspection system, conduct regular inspections on the rubber tube, and promptly detect surface cracks and signs of aging. If problems are found, they should be repaired or replaced immediately. In addition, the inspection should also include compressibility and water leakage detection to ensure the all-round safety of the system.

 

5. Proper use

 

When using rubber hoses, ensure that their operating parameters are within the design pressure and temperature range. Avoid overload and frequent switching operations, which can not only extend the service life of rubber hoses, but also help improve the overall stability of the system.

 

Conclusion

 

The cracking and aging of industrial rubber hoses are the result of the combined action of many factors. It is very important to understand the main causes and take effective protective measures. Through scientific material selection, enhanced protection, reasonable use and regular maintenance, the failure rate of rubber hoses can be significantly reduced, and the safety and reliability of industrial systems can be improved. Only refined control in the production and management process can comprehensively improve the efficiency and life of rubber hoses.