Whip Check Guide: At What Pressure Are They Needed?
When choosing a whip check, there are two questions you may wonder: “At what pressure are whip checks required?” and “Does my hose operate at a pressure that requires a whip check?”
In fact, there is no uniform pressure value in industrial hose applications. Especially in concrete pumping, the actual pressure is affected by different pumping conditions.
This article will focus on the operating pressure and practical applications of whip checks to help you understand when to use hose restraint devices.
At What Pressure Are Whip Checks Required?
Due to variations in hose design, pressure ranges can differ. Therefore, there is no fixed pressure value applicable to all hoses when determining whether a whip check is needed. Whenever there is a risk of hose fittings failure, you should consider using whip checks or other suitable hose restraint devices based on the specific operating conditions.
You may often see pressure values like 200 psi or 300 psi online used to determine whether whip checks are necessary. However, these values typically refer to standard whip checks, mainly used for compressed air hoses. They should not be used as the sole basis for determining the need for whip checks in your actual applications.
Why Does Hose Pressure Matter?
The operating pressure of a hose influences the energy of the “whipping” action that occurs if a hose coupling fails, as well as the potential level of danger. The higher the internal pressure, the greater the energy released. For concrete delivery hoses, operating pressure is not stable all the time. Actual operating conditions involve pressure fluctuations caused by factors such as pump startup and shutdown, or hose blockages. Peak pressures can even significantly exceed the standard operating pressure.
The fact that the hose itself is capable of withstanding a certain working pressure, but this doesn’t mean that the entire hose assembly can safely withstand the same operating conditions. Therefore, pressure is merely one factor to consider when determining whether to use a whip check or other hose restraint device.
What Other Factors Should You Consider?
Pressure
Whenever there is internal pressure in the hose, there is a risk of hose whip if the connection fails. Furthermore, one cannot simply consider normal operating pressure; it is difficult to predict the pressure fluctuations that may occur during actual operation.
Hose Size
The larger the diameter and the longer the length of the hose, the larger the volume of the contained medium. In such cases, if the fitting fails, you must be concerned not only with the hose’s range of motion but also with the danger of the medium spraying out under pressure.
Connection Type
Different connection methods may require different restraint devices. In a hose-to-hose connection, where both ends consist of flexible hoses, there is no rigid anchor point available for installing a whip check. In such cases, a whip sock may be required.
Operating Conditions
When a hose operates under different conditions, its internal pressure fluctuates will also change. During pump start-up, shutdown, restart, or other situations, the pressure on the hose may differ from the pressure during normal concrete delivery.
Work Environment
The working environment is another factor to consider. You need to observe whether there are people nearby while the hose is in operation. If the hose connection fails, it could suddenly move out of control, leaving personnel with insufficient time to get out of the way.
Hose failures are often unpredictable. Rather than focusing on “at what pressure are whip checks required”, it is better to select the appropriate hose restraint device based on actual operating conditions to enhance job site safety.
Which Hose Restraint Should You Use for Different Applications?
Whip checks are common type of hose restraint device used on construction sites, but it is not suitable for all operating conditions. In addition to whip checks, other common restraint devices include whip socks and hose safety slings. You should select the proper restraint device based on actual operating conditions, such as the hose connection method and working pressure.
Whip Check
Since a whip check requires connecting the hose to a reliable anchor point to restrict its movement, in concrete pumping applications, it is typically used at the connection between the concrete delivery pipe and the hose, or between the hose and other rigid equipment capable of serving as a reliable anchor point.
whip-check
Whip Sock
Whip socks feature a distinctive design. The sock-like structure can wrap the hose connection, and the mesh structure can limit the movement of the hose when tightened. Additionally, it is equipped with metal eyelets at both ends for secure attachment. The whip sock itself encloses the hose connection and restricts hose movement in the event of a coupling failure. It is most commonly used for hose-to-hose connections.
whip-sock
Hose Safety Sling
Hose Safety Slings (nylon whip checks) are typically made of high-strength nylon webbing. Compared to traditional whip checks, they are softer and more flexible to use.
nylon-whip-check
There is a risk of hose whip whenever a hose is under pressure and unrestrained.
This is particularly relevant in concrete pumping operations, where pressure fluctuates with changing working conditions. Therefore, hose restraint devices are essential on construction sites.
FAQ
Whip checks are typically available in two materials: galvanized steel and stainless steel. Both materials offer corrosion resistance, and we manufacture both types.
A whip arrestor is simply another name for a whip check, both are used to restrain hoses from whipping.
Nylon hose restraint devices used on all high pressure hose connections are generally referred to as nylon whip checks or hose safety slings.
A whip check functions by securing its metal loops to anchor points on both the hose and the equipment to which the hose is connected. If a hose coupling failure, the whip check instantly tightens, restricting the hose’s movement and thereby reducing the risk of dangerous whipping.
Step 1. Ensure the whip check is sized correctly for the hose.
Step 2. Secure both ends properly.
Hose-to-hose connection: Secure the two ends of the cable to the hoses on either side of the coupling.
Hose-to-tool connection: Secure one end to the hose and the other to the equipment’s anchor point.
Ensure the loops are fully engaged and correctly positioned.
Step 3. Allow for appropriate slack.
The cable should have sufficient slack to accommodate the hose’s movement during normal operation.
The steel cable is broken, shows severe surface wear, or has become noticeably thinner.
There are signs of rust.
The metal ring is deformed or loose.
For a nylon whip check, the webbing shows obvious signs of wear or tearing.
If any of the above signs of damage appear, you should replace the hose restraint device promptly.
No, you certainly cannot. You must ensure that the hose’s operating pressure falls within the rated capacity of the whip check. If the hose operates at high pressure, a whip sock is recommended for restraint. The appropriate device should be selected based on the specific operating conditions.
Hose restraint devices are essential safety components that should not be overlooked. Regardless of the operating pressure, the appropriate restraint device must be selected based on specific working conditions, also its correct installation and use must be ensured.
If you are planning to procure hose restraint devices for your project, please feel free to contact us via email: info@jewinner.com for more product information.
