Wrapping rubber
By Staff -- Plant Engineering, 9/1/1998
Problem: The metal fitting at the point of attachment between air-operated tools and the compressed air piping system often cuts the rubber hose, leading to countless, expensive leaks. How can this problem be minimized?
Solution: Place inexpensive rubber shrink wrap on each end of the hose where the fitting attaches. Use a heat gun to bond the wrap to the hose. Hoses become more rigid at the ends, which keeps them from flexing and greatly reduces the metal cutting problem. Thousands of dollars of previously wasted energy are saved.
Contributor: Monty Craddock, Piping Supervisor, Maintenance Dept., Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA; 757-380-2000
