A concrete pump hose is a crucial component of any concrete line pump. They help place concrete efficiently, without wasting materials or creating a mess on the job site. The hose needs to be strong and durable enough to resist damage from the concrete that is being pumped through it. It also needs to be flexible enough to navigate around obstacles and curves.

Flow

Concrete pumping is all about flow. A pump's spec book might say it can produce 50 yd/hr, but the limiting factor is usually the hose. The hose must be the right size to get maximum performance. Several factors influence the yards per hour that a concrete pump can produce, including material cylinder diameter and length, piston face pressure, horse power, and the concrete mix itself. Blockages in a concrete pump line can cause hose blowouts or whipping. The air trapped in the delivery system stores energy that can discharge through the end of the hose and strike workers in the area. The risk of hose-whipping can be reduced by ensuring that no one not involved in the pour is in the "end-hose movement area" at any time. It is also recommended that a ball catcher be fitted to the end of the steel line to prevent concrete from dropping out and catching the wind, which could then propel it across the work site.

Durability

Concrete pump hoses are highly durable and can withstand high pressure. Their sturdy construction resists damage from chemicals and corrosion. They also have an easy-to-clean outer covering that protects the hose against abrasion. These hoses are also lightweight, making them easier to transport and use. In addition to being durable, concrete pump hoses are made to be easily cleaned. They are designed with clean-out balls to clear away residue and cement from inside the pipes and hoses. These clean-out balls help reduce the chances of a clog. It is important to monitor the wear of the hoses to avoid a rupture. This is especially important in a twin-wall pipe. Because the inner surfaces aren’t easily visible, companies typically monitor their hoses by measuring the thickness of the hoses at their ends. They also keep yardage records. These programs help determine when a hose needs to be replaced. Other measures include using a slurry of concrete or oil to prevent the hose from clogging.

Safety

Concrete pump hose is often used on cranes and booms to convey concrete to pour sites. It is important that the hose-man understands the risks associated with this equipment and follows safe operating procedures. Hose whip accidents occur as a result of air trapped in the delivery system, which can be caused by: starting the pump; restarting the pump after a move; allowing the concrete level to free fall below the valve; or moving the boom away from a discharge point before allowing the line to be re-established (ACPA). Using the correct size tip hose will help prevent this type of accident. A properly hung hose should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight. In addition, the boom should be positioned well away from all overhead, energized power lines. If the operator needs to place the boom closer to a power line, a spotter should be stationed to watch for any potential contact and to ensure that all members of the boom crew maintain a minimum of 20 feet of approach distance.

Performance

Unlike hand mixing concrete or using a bull float, pumping concrete is faster and more accurate. It's also cheaper since you save on labour costs. Workers can be injured and even killed by 'hose whip' which is the violent motion of the flexible rubber hose at the end of a boom or concrete pump delivery line. It happens when trapped air is momentarily compressed and then released causing the hose to whip violently. The risk of hose whip can be minimised by following safe systems of work and ensuring the line hand has an exclusion zone when the pump is in use. Only pump concrete that is a pumpable mix as specified by the concrete supplier, other mixes may block the line and cause hose whip. Always clean out the hose's outports after every job to ensure they are not blocked by concrete or debris. And finally, remember to regularly read the operator and safety manuals which came with your concrete pump.