Residual Torsional Stress and Why it Matters
25 May 2021 Flexible Hoses
Torque can cause extreme wear and damage to metal hoses over time. Though torque and pressure are normal for most operations, some hoses are more suitable for high-pressure applications. Knowing what torsional stress is and why it matters will allow you to make an informed purchasing decision for your application. As leading providers of quality metal hoses, industrial dampers, and expansion joints, Flextech Industries knows how detrimental residual torsional stress can be. That is why each of their metal hoses are precision-built to ensure minimal residual torsion and optimal performance in any application or environment.
Read about where and when to use flexible metal hoses.
What is Residual Torsional Stress?
Residual torsional stress (RTS) is a by-product of most manufacturing processes for metal hoses. A key indication of RTS is a visibly twisted seam weld that binds the hose together. This inefficient weld is created due to the amount of twisting that occurs during the manufacturing process. RTS accelerates wear and fatigue on metal components, reducing the usable life of the hose.
Though a twisted seam weld is problematic for metal hoses, many current manufacturing processes can create one while creating the corrugations in the hose. These corrugations will twist in an attempt to straighten out when the hose is pressurized, increasing movement and wear. Helical forming and cam forming are popular manufacturing methods for metal hoses due to their lower cost, but both tend to result in a twisted seam weld.
How to Counter Residual Torsional Stress
Though all hoses must meet certain standards, not all hoses are built with the same attention to detail. At Flextech Industries, we offer a wide variety of metal hose options that are suitable for a variety of different applications and work environments. Each hose is constructed with an axial technique, minimizing the amount of RTS by straightening out the weld. This results in minimal twisting during operation, even with heavy pressure or extreme temperatures. By combining this technique with quality stainless steel, bronze, Hastelloy, or Monel, their hoses are designed to offer quality performance by balancing thermal pressure and correcting misalignment issues.
To learn more about residual torsional stress and their metal hoses, reach out to the team at Flextech Industries through their online contact form. They will work with you to provide the perfect solution for your specific application requirements.
