Selecting Proper Hoses and Couplings: An Air Hose Case Study

Air is used as an energy source in almost every type of industry. It is an extremely efficient form of energy and is relatively inexpensive. It is easy to regulate and, when used with the proper equipment, is easy to clean and can be delivered relatively free of moisture, if necessary. Air, as it exists all around us, is at atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch. When it is used as an energy source, it is compressed and delivered through a piping system or air hose to tool or other piece of equipment at pressures many times higher than atmospheric. When the air is released at the tool and returns to atmospheric pressure, it does so with explosive force. Air hose and air hose fittings are designed to deliver that force with a high degree of reliability and, when properly selected and applied, do just that.