DS-EN-1000 (07)

800-232-3539 

610-367-2260 

Fax 877-647-4011

 

www.penflex.com

sales@penflex.com        

21

20

Classification of Motion (continued)

Constant Radius Traveling Loop – Class A 

L = 4R + T/2 

H1 = 1.43R +T/2

Variable Radius Traveling Loop – Class B

L = 4R + 1.57T

H1 = 1.43R + 0.79T

H2 = 1.43R + 0.5T

H

1

2R

T

H

2

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

Support

H

1

2R

T

H

2

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

H

1

2R

T

H

2

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

Support

H

1

2R

T

H

2

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

C

 L

In plane traveling loop installation

Motion

Motion

Correct

in plane
flexing

Wrong

out of plane
flexing

Penflex corrugated hose is engineered to provide maximum 

service life when properly installed. Improper installation, 

incorrect flexing or careless handling in an application 

will reduce the effective service life of the hose and cause 

premature failure of an assembly. The following installation 

and handling precautions should be observed to achieve 

optimum performance from your corrugated  

hose assemblies.

Avoid torque.

Do not twist the hose assembly during installation when 

aligning the bolt holes in a flange or in making up pipe 

threads. The utilization of lap joint flanges or pipe unions 

will minimize this condition. It is recommended that two 

wrenches be used in making the union connection; one to 

prevent the hose from twisting and the other to tighten  

the coupling.

In plane lateral offset installation

Prevent out-of-plane flexing in an installation. Always install 

the hose so that the flexing takes place in only one plane. 

This plane must be the plane in which the bending occurs.

Assembly Installation (continued)

Avoid over bending. 

The repetitive bending of a hose to a radius smaller 

than the radius listed in the specification tables for 

corrugated hose will result in premature hose failure. 

Always provide sufficient length to prevent over 

bending and to eliminate strain on the hose. 

Avoid sharp bends. 

Utilize sound geometric configurations that avoid sharp bends, 

especially near the end fittings of the assembly.

Provide support.

When installing the assembly in a horizontal loop, 

provide support for the arms to prevent the hose 

from sagging.

Do not extend or compress axially.

A piping system which utilizes metal hose to absorb 

movement must be properly anchored and/or guided.
Always support the piping to prevent excessive weight from 

compressing the hose and relaxing the braid tension.

Handle with care.

Avoid careless handling of the hose assembly. Always lift or 

carry metal hose to prevent abrasion damage particularly to 

braided corrugated hose. Store metal hose assemblies away 

from areas where it can be subjected to spillage, corrosive 

fumes or sprays, weld splatter, etc.

Maximizing the Safety and Effectiveness of an Assembly

Do…

• 

follow any printed instructions included with the  

flexible connector.

• 

follow industry–recommended practices and use care in 

handling and installing flexible connector.

• 

install flexible connectors so that the bend is as close to the 

center of the connector as possible.

• 

observe the minimum bend radius as specified by the 

connector manufacturer.

• 

trial-fit threaded connections by hand, unmake and then  

make permanent.

• 

use a flexible connector of proper length to suit  

the installation.

• 

only wrench on the fitting hex flats as provided.

• 

design the installation to allow for ground movement after 

installation, such as settling or frost heave.

• 

install the proper length connector to allow a 2” straight run of 

hose at each end fitting.

• 

use pipe wrenches on both mating hexes to avoid  

twisting the hose.

• 

keep hose free from all objects and debris.

• 

handle and store connectors carefully prior to installation.

• 

check for leaks before covering the installation.

• 

install in such a manner that the connector can be removed.

• 

make sure the pressure rating of connector is not exceeded.

Don’t…

• 

apply a wrench to a hose, collar or assembly.

• 

twist hose assemblies during installation or when aligning the 

bolt holes in a flange or when making up pipe threads.

• 

“pre–flex” a flexible connector to limber it up. Over–bending 

could cause damage and result in leakage.

• 

over–bend a flexible connector. A 45°–90° bend should be 

sufficient to install any flexible connector.

• 

install a flexible connector with the bend next to the end 

fittings. This could cause damage and result in leakage.

• 

lay the flexible connector on rocks or objects which could 

puncture the hose and cause leakage.

• 

attempt to stretch or compress a flexible connector to  

 fit an installation.

• 

restrict flexibility by allowing connector to come into contact 

with other components or equipment during installation.