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Sizing Compressed-Air Hoses Correctly

A compressed-air hose is more than just a flexible connection between two fittings. Its inner diameter, length, and the entire connection chain influence the actual flow rate available at the point of use. Especially in applications with high air demand, a hose that is too small can cause a significant loss of pressure.

The current product range includes compressed-air hoses with inner diameters of 19, 25, 32, and 38 mm on 40-meter rolls. Hose safety restraints are also available for larger hose sizes. This allows for the establishment of an air supply for both workshop and industrial applications as well as for mobile compressed-air consumers.

The inner diameter is more important than the outer diameter

The internal clear diameter is particularly important for compressed air flow. As the flow rate increases, flow resistance rises if the cross-sectional area is too small. The same applies to longer hose runs. A hose that is sufficient for a small compressed-air consumer can therefore become a bottleneck when used with a large consumer.

When selecting a compressor, the compressor’s air delivery rate, the required flow rate at the point of use, the desired operating pressure, and the hose length should all be considered together. For high air volumes, a larger-capacity compressor is often more practical than attempting to compensate for pressure losses by increasing the compressor pressure.

19, 25, 32, or 38 mm inner diameter

The current hose variants cover four inner diameters. The right size does not depend solely on the compressor. The decisive factor is the equipment connected to the hose. Pneumatic tools, blasting systems, and other continuous, high-volume consumers can require very different air flow rates.

Transitions, couplings, and fittings should also match the selected hose cross-section. An oversized hose line loses its advantage if the airflow is severely restricted immediately before or after it by an unnecessarily small connection.

Consider hose length and routing

Long pipeline runs increase flow resistance. Therefore, the hose length should be chosen so that there is sufficient freedom of movement, but no unnecessarily long hose runs are created. For permanent, stationary installations, it is also advisable to determine which sections can be effectively designed as fixed compressed-air lines and where a flexible hose is actually needed.

Hose safety cable for larger compressed-air hoses

Pressurized hose lines must be securely connected and protected against uncontrolled movement in the event of disconnection. The current product line includes hose safety restraints for larger inner hose diameters. The safety restraint must be compatible with the respective hose dimensions and connection configuration and does not replace a properly installed coupling.

Check the compressed-air hose regularly

Hoses are exposed to mechanical stress, movement, and aging during operation. Damage, severe abrasion, abnormalities at the ends, or loose couplings should therefore not be ignored. The condition of the entire connection is just as important for reliable operation as the original design specifications.

Buy a compressed-air hose

Anyone looking to buy a compressed-air hose should not base their decision solely on price or connection size. For an efficient compressed air supply, the inner diameter, length, air consumption, and working pressure must all be properly matched. Especially with high continuous flow rates, it pays to choose a generously sized hose to ensure that the power generated by the compressor actually reaches the end user.