Gates LifeGuard line-of-sight sleeving increases workers’ safety (Aug 2011)
Gates LifeGuard line-of-sight sleeving is said to protect nearby machine operators and personnel from catastrophic hydraulic hose failure using a new sleeve system.
Even an invisible pinhole leak in a hydraulic hose under pressure can release toxic fluid at more than 200 metres per second – close to the muzzle velocity of a gun. A jet like this can act like a hypodermic needle, penetrating both protective clothing and skin. Other dangers from hydraulic bursts or pinhole leaks can include personal injury from fluid burns and injection, fires, explosions, electric shock and mechanical failure.
Reliable and secure
According to Gates, a LifeGuard 4000-sleeved hose will hold back 8000 psi (55 MPa) bursts and 4000 psi (27.5 MPa) pinhole leaks at 100degC for up to five minutes on -4 to -16 hose sizes. The sleeve is slipped onto the hose and clamped and secured at each end with special channel clamps. The clamps allow leaking fluid to escape, so the fluid won’t collect behind the sleeve and cause it to burst. Fluid leaking past the clamps lets the operator know that there is a leak in the hose.
The inside sleeve layer is made of a tightly woven filament nylon fibre that elongates or stretches up to 20 per cent. By stretching, it can absorb the energy of a burst or pinhole leak. The outer sleeve is a textured nylon material that further helps to contain escaped fluids and redirects them to the clamped ends of the hose for release.
Protective covers for hydraulic hoses are still used to protect hoses on mobile construction and mining equipment. However, with the need for higher-pressure systems and more compact machine designs, there is an increasing need for ways to safely protect machine operators and personnel.
Compatible with a wide range of fluids
LifeGuard line-of-sight sleeving is claimed to be a safe, effective and economical alternative to metal and plastic shielding. The sleeving is compatible with a wide range of fluids, including environmentally friendly liquids and biodiesel fuel so you can use it in all kinds of situations. It protects at temperatures up to 100degC, the SAE standard for most industrial hydraulic applications.
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