Vehicle exhaust fumes are dangerous, even at low concentrations. That is why garages and service centers typically remove the vehicle fumes through an exhaust hose attached to the exhaust pipe. There are various types of exhaust hoses depending upon the type of vehicle and whether you are going out a door, into an overhead duct, or an underground system. This post discusses why choosing the right type of exhaust hose is so important.
Types of Exhaust Hoses
Aside from automotive, fume extraction hoses find applications across industries such as chemicals, oil & gas, and so on. Most exhaust hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures, toxic fumes, and harsh environments in the automotive segment. Ideally, they will be used with fan-assisted systems to prevent overheating and wear, but high-quality rubber hoses can be used directly out a door as well. Here are some types of exhaust hoses:
- Rubber: Made from solid, synthetic rubber like EPDM, these tubes are the toughest and can be used on the floor and in heavy traffic areas. They fit onto the tailpipe via an adapter and can be easily made into a Y for dual exhaust as well.
- Fabric and wire: Lightweight and flexible options abound in this category. They are not the most durable, but when taken care of can last for many years. Some can stretch out as well, which can be handy. The type of material and helix style can vary quite a bit depending on the application the hose is designed for, so check your specs and talk to an expert to make sure you’re getting the right hose for the job.
- High temperature: These are a special class of fabric and wire hoses that are made with materials that can withstand temperatures up to 2000F and even handle sparks and flames. As a rule, the higher the temperature rating the more expensive the hose, so match up your needs to save money. These often contain a lot of fiberglass fabric, which can get brittle and crack with excessive bending and flexing, so care is needed to extend the service life.
- Reel: Many types of fabric and wire hoses can be used on reels, but not all. The key feature required is that the hose won’t crack when constantly being wound and unwound over time. Make sure the material you’ve selected for this type of application can handle that stress or you’ll be replacing it sooner than later.
- Telescoping: Material options vary here, but the concept is the same: A hose that can nest inside of itself for easy storage. These are handy and cost-effective solutions to a basic overhead system.
Applications of Exhaust Hoses
While these hoses are largely used in the automotive segment, here are a few more application areas of exhaust hoses:
- Chemical processing
- Clean rooms
- Welding and machining
- Oil & gas industry
- Defense and aerospace
- Airport service
If you are an owner of a garage or an automotive repairs shop, you may require good-quality exhaust hoses as part of the vehicle exhaust fumes extraction system. Ensure you source them from reliable and certified exhaust hose manufacturers and suppliers. Exhaust-Away offers a variety of exhaust hoses which are durable, yet flexible and crush proof. The company also offers many related accessories such as splice connectors, adapters, and easy-to-install hose splice kits.