Inspection transfer hoses

In small plants and especially in those in which certain items of equipment have multiple uses, temporary connections are relatively common. Transfer hoses are often used to make such connections. This practice increases operating flexibility, reduces costs, and often helps to avoid cross-contamination between batches. However, it also presents new hazards in handling of the hoses, potential exposure to dangerous material, possibly wrong connections at hose switch stations, and more frequent leaks. The use of hard piping cormections is therefore preferable to the use of transfer hoses. If this is not practicable, there should be, at a mmimum, a conscientious program of replacement, inspection, maintenance, and proof of correct connection of hoses. 

Code of Practice No. 14, Hoses for the transfer of LPG in bulk. Installation, inspection, testing and maintenance. Code of Practice No. 15, Valve for LPG cylinders. Part 1. Safety valves for LPG cylinders. Part 2. Outlet valves for butane cylinders - quick coupling types Code of Practice No. 17, Purging LPG vessels and systems... 

Any hose used to transfer a liquid, including refrigerants, that has an agency-reportable quantity listed for a spill. It does not include normal utility hoses such as steam, water, nitrogen, and air. It does not include hoses that are supplied by a contract carrier. It does not include hydraulic hoses or other such hoses that are permanently mounted as a part of equipment that has its own inspection schedule. Fire hoses are not included, but do have testing procedures for that particular service. NOTE that good judgment should be exercised with the use of all hoses, and any obvious defects should be addressed. 

If hoses are used to make sterile transfers, frequent inspection and replacements must be made. 

The plaintiffs in Barfield v. Atlantic Coastline RM.f were workmen involved in transferring oil from a dock to a ship by means of hoses. A latent defect in one of the hoses caused a hose to split, spilling oil and starting a fire. The Court reviewed evidence that the hoses had already undergone extensive tests and inspections and declined to hold the manufacturer liable for additional inspections. The court concluded that additional tests were not practical or economically feasible the possibility of harm had been foreseen and appropriate measures taken. 

Piping in transfer lines should be free of loops and pockets. Unloading connections may be flexible hose (typically 50-mm) lined with acid-resistant rubber, crosslinked polyethylene, or a fluorocarbon polymer. These hoses should not have quick disconnects. They should be inspected after every use. A sight glass on the transfer line will let the operator know when transfer is complete. 

Tank Hose Used in the Transfer of Carbon Dioxide Refrigerated Liquids. Sets minimum standards for the requalification and inspection of natural and synthetic elastomer-type reinforced hoses with internal diameters from Va inch to 4 inches and maximum working pressures from 125 psig to 500 psig. This standard is primarily written for elastomer carbon dioxide hoses, but the general inspections may be applied to hoses for other commodities (8 pages). 

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