Dantec aims to protect hoses

PLEASE DO NOT BEND

HOSES • TAKING ITS SAFETY REMIT SERIOUSLY, DANTEC HAS ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM OF HOSE FAILURE WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW PRODUCT DESIGNED TO LIMIT FLEXING AT THE WEAK POINT

FOR MANY OF those involved in the transfer of bulk liquids products at the ship/shore interface, the composite hose is the go-to piece of equipment. Its key benefit over other types of hose and over loading arms is that it is lightweight, highly flexible and can be used for multiple purposes. Being manufactured from multi-layers of thermoplastics and an inner and outer wire helix, the hose has a long shelf life and high safety factor.

The only serious issue with composite hoses is that they can be damaged. Nevertheless, most end users feel the benefits of composite hoses outweigh the negatives, and their worldwide use is at an all-time high.

Dantec, a world leader in composite technology, has worked closely with its customers and quality assurance departments and has found that 70 per cent of composite hose failures result from a lack of support at the critical termination point. This causes overflexing and bending of the hose in the transition area between the relatively soft, pliable hose wall and the hard end-connection area.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTION Being fully focused on developing a costeffective solution that increases the longevity of composite hoses and puts safety at the forefront, Dantec has designed and developed the first ever Composite Hose Bend Limiter - Dan Pro~Tec BL. This innovative product fixes to the outside of the composite hose on the first string at either the tank or shipside, adding support to the hose and eliminating the over-flexing and bending that causes the damage.

“We firmly believe this first member of the Dan Pro~Tec family will further enhance the benefits of using composite hoses whilst addressing the most common failure mode,” says John Laidlaw, managing director of Dantec. “Trials in selected UK terminals have shown the BL150 to be extremely robust and – after some adjustments were made following valuable feedback – user friendly. The fact that it is completely reusable and transferable to any replacement hoses in the future makes the initial investment extremely worthwhile. The addition of handles has also improved the safety value of the product as the user can now lift the hose into place with straps, without causing any strain to the hose or the flange connection.”

The BL removes the strain from the fixed transition area and allows the hose to bend naturally further along its length. The BL, made from polyurethane, flexes with the hose while taking the strain and loosens again once the hose is relaxed. There is no requirement for it to be permanently fixed to one hose, so once purchased it can be easily moved and remounted on whichever hose is in use at a given time.

Having performed extensive, extreme over-flexing, bending and even half-tonne strain tests on the product, Dantec has proved that the concept works. The Pro~Tec BL150 is initially available in a 6-inch model for use at the jetty; an 8-inch model for ship-to-ship transfers is due to follow soon.

To ensure safe practice and to add longevity to the hoses Dantec supplies, a hose handling guide detailing storage, testing and inspection guidelines is included with every one of its large bore hoses. HCB www.dantec.com