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Basic characteristics of TPU lined hose
(I) Unique properties of TPU materials
TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, is a polymer material between rubber and plastic. Its molecular structure consists of soft segments and hard segments, and this unique structure gives TPU many excellent properties. From a chemical point of view, the soft segment is usually composed of polyester or polyether polyols, providing flexibility and low-temperature performance; the hard segment is composed of diisocyanates and chain extenders, which determine the hardness, strength and heat resistance of the material. TPU has a wide range of hardness, from 60A to 95D on the Shore A, which makes it adaptable to the requirements of material hardness in different application scenarios.
In terms of mechanical properties, TPU has excellent tensile strength. Tensile tests show that TPU can withstand large tensile forces without breaking, and its tensile strength is significantly higher than many traditional rubber and plastic materials. For example, in the test simulating the impact of high-pressure water flow on the fire hose, the TPU lining showed good tensile resistance, ensuring that the hose would not break due to stretching under high pressure. TPU also has outstanding wear resistance. In practical applications, such as firefighting operations, the hose may rub against the ground, buildings, etc. The TPU lining effectively reduces the material loss caused by friction and extends the service life of the hose with its high wear resistance. Compared with ordinary rubber linings, the wear of TPU linings is greatly reduced under the same friction conditions.
(II) Structural characteristics of TPU lined hoses
The structural design of TPU lined hoses fully combines the characteristics of TPU materials to meet the strict requirements of firefighting irrigation and other fields. Its basic structure usually includes a TPU lining layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer protective layer. The TPU lining layer is in direct contact with the conveying medium, and uses the chemical resistance, water resistance and low friction coefficient of TPU to ensure that the medium can be smoothly conveyed and reduce energy loss. For example, in fire irrigation, water can flow quickly in the TPU lined pipe without corroding the inner wall of the pipe.
The reinforcement layer is a key part of the TPU lined hose structure, and its main function is to improve the pressure bearing capacity of the hose. Common reinforcement materials include fiber braids, such as polyester fiber, aramid fiber, etc., and wire winding structures. The fiber braided reinforcement layer is evenly distributed on the outside of the TPU lining layer by interweaving warp and weft, just like putting a layer of solid armor on the lining layer. When the hose is subjected to internal pressure, the fiber braided layer can effectively disperse the pressure and prevent the lining layer from rupturing due to excessive pressure. Different braiding methods and fiber material selections will affect the pressure bearing performance and flexibility of the hose. For example, the reinforcement layer woven with high-density polyester fiber can enable the hose to withstand higher working pressure while maintaining a certain flexibility, which is convenient for bending and arrangement at the fire scene.
The outer protective layer protects the reinforcement layer and the lining layer from physical damage and chemical erosion from the external environment. The outer protective layer material usually has the characteristics of wear resistance, weather resistance, and UV resistance, such as specially formulated polyurethane or rubber materials. In outdoor fire irrigation applications, the outer protective layer can resist ultraviolet rays in the sun, prevent material aging, and protect the internal structure from damage when the hose rubs against objects such as the ground. This multi-layer structure design enables the TPU lined hose to have excellent pressure resistance, wear resistance and environmental resistance while ensuring good delivery performance.
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Application of TPU lined hose in the field of firefighting
(I) Application scenarios in firefighting operations
In firefighting operations, TPU lined hoses are widely used in a variety of scenarios and play a vital role. In urban fire fighting, firefighters often need to quickly lay water hoses to deliver high-pressure water to the source of the fire. TPU lined hoses are easy for firefighters to carry and quickly deploy due to their good flexibility and lightness. In narrow streets or inside buildings, TPU lined hoses can be easily bent, bypass obstacles, and quickly establish water supply channels. For example, in fire rescue in old residential areas, narrow passages make it difficult for large firefighting equipment to enter, while TPU lined hoses can be carried by firefighters on their shoulders and hands, quickly reaching the vicinity of the fire point, and spraying water to extinguish the fire in time.
In terms of industrial fire fighting, the advantages of TPU lined hoses are more obvious. Industrial sites often have complex pipeline systems, mechanical equipment, and flammable and explosive items, and the situation is critical when a fire occurs. The high pressure resistance of TPU lined hoses enables it to withstand the high-pressure water flow output by fire pumps, meeting the needs of industrial fire fighting for large flow and high-pressure water supply. For fires in petrochemical enterprises, TPU lined hoses must not only withstand high pressure, but also resist the erosion of chemical substances. The chemical resistance of TPU materials enables lined hoses to maintain structural integrity and transportation performance when in contact with corrosive liquids such as petroleum and chemical raw materials, ensuring the smooth progress of fire fighting. In large oil depot fires, firefighters use TPU lined hoses to connect foam fire trucks to accurately deliver foam fire extinguishing agents to the fire area and effectively extinguish the fire.
Forest fire fighting is also one of the important application scenarios of TPU lined hoses. The forest terrain is complex and transportation is inconvenient, and traditional large-scale firefighting equipment is difficult to penetrate into the forest area. The lightness and coilability of TPU lined hoses solve this problem. Firefighters can carry TPU lined hoses on their backs and cross the woods to reach the fire scene. In the case of a long distance from the water source, it can also be connected through multiple sections of hoses to achieve long-distance water supply. For example, in the fight against forest fires in mountainous areas, TPU lined hoses can be used to draw water from rivers or reservoirs at the foot of the mountain, and the water can be transported to the fire area on the mountain by relay, providing sufficient water for fire fighting.
(II) Comparative advantages with traditional fire hoses
Compared with traditional rubber fire hoses, TPU lined hoses have significant advantages in many aspects. In terms of weight, TPU lined hoses have obvious lightweight characteristics. The TPU material itself has a low density, and its structural design is optimized, which greatly reduces the weight of the entire hose. According to actual measurements, the weight of TPU lined hoses of the same specifications is much lighter than that of rubber hoses, which is of great significance to firefighters. In emergency rescue operations, reducing the weight of equipment can reduce the physical exertion of firefighters and improve the efficiency of operations. Firefighters need to carry hoses to run quickly, climb stairs, etc. The lightness of TPU lined hoses enables them to reach the fire scene faster and start firefighting operations.
In terms of flexibility, TPU lined hoses perform well. Rubber hoses tend to harden and become brittle in low temperature environments, and their flexibility is greatly reduced, which brings many inconveniences to firefighting operations. TPU materials have good low-temperature properties. Even in the cold winter, TPU lined hoses can still remain soft, easy to bend and operate. In winter fire rescue in northern regions, rubber hoses may be difficult to unfold due to low temperatures, and may even break when bent, while TPU lined hoses are not affected and can be used normally. This good flexibility also allows TPU lined hoses to be more flexibly arranged in narrow spaces and complex terrains to adapt to different firefighting scenarios.
The service life of TPU lined hose is also significantly longer than that of traditional rubber hose. Rubber hoses are easily affected by water erosion, ultraviolet radiation, mechanical friction and other factors during long-term use, leading to aging and cracking. TPU material has excellent hydrolysis resistance, weather resistance and wear resistance, and can effectively resist these adverse factors. The hydrolysis resistance of TPU lined hoses prevents the material performance from significantly decreasing when in contact with water for a long time; weather resistance enables it to be used for a long time in outdoor environments and is not easily aged by ultraviolet radiation; high wear resistance reduces damage caused by friction. Taking these factors into consideration, the service life of TPU lined hoses can reach several times that of traditional rubber hoses, reducing the replacement cost and maintenance frequency of fire-fighting equipment.
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Application of TPU lined hoses in irrigation field
(I) Application methods in agricultural irrigation
In the field of agricultural irrigation, TPU lined hoses have played an important role in improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring the growth of crops with their unique performance characteristics. In large-scale farmland irrigation, drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are the two main methods commonly used, and TPU lined hoses are widely used in both methods.
In the drip irrigation system, the TPU lined hose is used as a water pipeline to transport water to the fields, and the water is evenly dripped into the soil near the roots of crops through the drippers installed on the hose. This irrigation method can accurately control the amount of water, reduce water waste, and improve water utilization efficiency. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the TPU lined hose ensure that it will not be damaged by impurities, chemicals in the water, and the acid-base environment in the soil during long-term use. In some saline-alkali areas, ordinary irrigation pipes are easily corroded by salt in the soil, while the TPU lined hose can resist this corrosion and ensure the stable operation of the drip irrigation system. The flexibility of the TPU lined hose allows it to be flexibly laid according to the terrain and crop layout of the farmland. Whether it is flat cultivated land or mountainous land with a certain slope, it can easily adapt to achieve precise irrigation.
For sprinkler irrigation systems, TPU lined hoses are also indispensable. Sprinkler irrigation is to spray water into the air through a nozzle to form fine water droplets that fall evenly on crops. TPU lined hose delivers pressurized water to the sprinkler head. Its high pressure resistance can withstand the working pressure required by the sprinkler system and ensure that the water flows smoothly to the sprinkler head. In the sprinkler irrigation operation of large farms, water needs to be transported over long distances and at large flow rates. TPU lined hose can meet this demand. In the transportation process, due to its smooth inner wall and low water flow resistance, it can effectively reduce energy consumption. Compared with traditional irrigation pipes, TPU lined hoses are also more convenient to install and maintain. During the installation process, its lightness and flexibility enable construction workers to lay pipes quickly, reducing construction time and costs; in terms of maintenance, due to the stability of TPU materials, it is not easy to have problems such as leakage and blockage, reducing the maintenance workload and frequency.
(II) Impact on irrigation efficiency and water resource utilization
The application of TPU lined hoses has a positive and far-reaching impact on improving irrigation efficiency and optimizing water resource utilization. From the perspective of irrigation efficiency, the many characteristics of TPU lined hoses provide strong support for efficient irrigation. Its good water delivery performance, such as smooth inner wall and low water flow resistance, enables water to be delivered to the irrigation area quickly and stably. In the drip irrigation system, the dripper can drip water evenly, ensuring that each crop can get the right amount of water, avoiding the dead corner of irrigation caused by uneven water flow. In the sprinkler irrigation system, the TPU lined hose can ensure that the sprinkler obtains sufficient water pressure, so that the water sprayed by the sprinkler can evenly cover the crops, improving the uniformity of irrigation. Compared with the traditional flood irrigation method, the drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation system using TPU lined hose can increase the irrigation efficiency several times, greatly shorten the irrigation time, and increase the irrigation coverage rate of farmland.
In terms of water resource utilization, the application of TPU lined hose has a significant water-saving effect. Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are water-saving irrigation methods in themselves, and the use of TPU lined hose further enhances this water-saving advantage. By accurately controlling the water output of the dripper and the spraying range of the sprinkler, precise irrigation can be carried out according to the water demand of the crops, avoiding the waste of water resources. In arid areas, water resources are scarce, and the water-saving characteristics of TPU lined hoses are particularly important. It can minimize water consumption and improve water utilization efficiency while meeting the needs of crop growth. The durability of TPU lined hoses reduces water leakage caused by pipeline damage and further reduces water resource losses. On the whole, the application of TPU lined hoses in agricultural irrigation is of great significance for alleviating the pressure of water shortage and ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture.
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The performance advantages of TPU lined hoses in fire irrigation
(I) Pressure resistance ensures efficient transportation
In the field of fire fighting and irrigation, the pressure resistance of TPU lined hoses is one of the key factors to ensure their efficient operation. In fire fighting operations, high-pressure water flow is an important means of extinguishing fires. Fire pumps usually pressurize water to a higher pressure to ensure that the water flow can be sprayed to a sufficient height and distance to effectively cover the fire source. TPU lined hoses must have sufficient pressure resistance to withstand the impact of such high-pressure water flow and ensure the smooth progress of fire fighting. In high-rise building fire fighting, water needs to be transported to a height of tens or even hundreds of meters, which requires the fire hose to withstand extremely high pressure. TPU lined hose can easily cope with this high-pressure environment with its high-strength structural design and high-quality TPU material. The high-strength fiber braiding or wire winding structure used in its reinforcement layer can evenly disperse the pressure and prevent the lining layer from rupturing due to excessive pressure. Experimental data show that when the TPU lined hose is subjected to high pressure, its deformation is extremely small, and it can maintain good water delivery performance, providing firefighters with a stable and powerful fire-fighting water source.
In the field of irrigation, especially in large-scale farmland irrigation and high-lift irrigation systems, the pressure resistance of TPU lined hose is also crucial. In the process of long-distance water delivery and lifting water to higher terrain, the water needs to be pressurized to overcome gravity and pipeline resistance. TPU lined hose can withstand the working pressure required by the irrigation system to ensure that water can be smoothly transported to every corner of the farmland. In irrigation projects in mountainous areas, water sources are often located in low-lying areas, and water pumps are needed to lift water to farmland on the mountain for irrigation. TPU lined hoses can withstand the high pressure generated by water pumps, ensure the stability of water during long-distance transportation and high-lift lifting, and provide sufficient water sources for the growth of crops in mountainous areas.
(II) Wear resistance extends service life
The wear resistance of TPU lined hoses plays a decisive role in extending their service life in firefighting and irrigation applications. At the firefighting site, the use environment of water hoses is extremely complex and harsh. When firefighters lay and drag water hoses, the water hoses will frequently rub against the ground, the rough surface of buildings, and various obstacles. At the fire scene, the ground may be covered with sharp objects such as gravel and glass fragments, which can easily cause damage to the water hoses during the friction of the water hoses. The outer protective layer and inner lining layer of the TPU lined hose are made of materials with high wear resistance, especially the outstanding wear resistance of the TPU material itself, which can effectively resist the damage caused by such friction. In multiple field tests simulating firefighting operations, the TPU lined hose has significantly lower surface wear than traditional rubber hoses after a lot of friction, and its structural integrity is still good, without problems such as rupture and leakage, which greatly extends the service life of the hose.
In the field of irrigation, TPU lined hoses also face various wear challenges. In farmland, hoses may rub against soil, crop straw, and agricultural machinery. In orchard irrigation, hoses need to shuttle between rows of fruit trees, and the scratches of branches will also cause certain wear on the hoses. TPU lined hosesIts wear resistance enables it to be used for a long time in this complex agricultural environment. Compared with ordinary irrigation pipes, TPU lined hoses can withstand more times of dragging and friction without damage, reducing the need for frequent replacement due to pipe wear, reducing the maintenance cost of agricultural irrigation systems, and improving the stability and reliability of irrigation operations.
(III) Weather resistance adapts to complex environments
Firefighting and irrigation operations often need to be carried out in various complex outdoor environments. The weather resistance of TPU lined hoses enables them to adapt to different climatic conditions and environmental factors. In terms of firefighting, the occurrence of fires is not limited by time and season. Whether it is hot summer or cold winter, TPU lined hoses need to be put into use at any time. In the high temperature environment in summer, TPU materials will not soften or deform due to excessive temperature, affecting their pressure resistance and water delivery performance. In the strong sunlight outdoors, the outer protective layer of TPU lined hoses can effectively resist ultraviolet radiation and prevent material aging and brittleness. In the cold climate of winter, TPU lined hoses can still maintain good flexibility and will not harden or crack due to low temperature like traditional rubber hoses. In winter fire rescue in northern regions, TPU lined hoses can be normally unfolded and used in low temperature environments to ensure that firefighting operations are not affected.
For the irrigation field, the weather resistance of TPU lined hoses is also of great significance. Farmland irrigation facilities are exposed to the outdoors all year round and need to withstand the test of natural environments such as wind, sun, and rain. In different regions, the climate conditions vary greatly. From arid and hot desert areas to humid and rainy southern regions, TPU lined hoses can adapt. In arid areas, TPU lined hoses can withstand long-term high temperatures and strong ultraviolet radiation and maintain good performance; in humid and rainy areas, the water resistance and mildew resistance of TPU materials prevent them from mold and rot due to long-term contact with moisture, ensuring the normal operation of the irrigation system. The weather resistance of TPU lined hoses enables them to work stably in various complex outdoor environments, providing reliable protection for firefighting and irrigation operations.
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Challenges faced by the application of TPU lined hoses
(I) Cost factor analysis
The wide application of TPU lined hoses in the field of firefighting irrigation is subject to certain constraints of cost factors. From the perspective of raw materials, the production cost of TPU material itself is relatively high. The production process of TPU involves complex chemical reactions and fine process control. The prices of its main raw materials such as diisocyanates and polyols fluctuate greatly, and some high-performance TPU products have extremely high requirements for the purity and quality of raw materials, which further increases the cost of raw materials. In the process of synthesizing TPU, it is necessary to accurately control the reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure and reaction time, to ensure the stability of product performance, which also increases the technical difficulty and cost of production.
In terms of production process, the manufacture of TPU lined hoses requires advanced equipment and professional technicians. The production process of its multi-layer structure is relatively complex, especially the weaving or winding process of the reinforcement layer, which requires high precision and stability of the equipment. In order to ensure the quality of TPU lined hoses, manufacturers need to invest a lot of money to purchase advanced production equipment and regularly maintain and update the equipment. It also costs a certain amount of money to train professional technicians to operate and maintain these equipment. In the quality inspection link of TPU lined hoses, in order to ensure that the products meet the strict standards in fields such as fire protection and irrigation, high-precision testing instruments and complex testing processes are required, which also increases production costs.
Compared with traditional rubber hoses and ordinary irrigation pipes, the price of TPU lined hoses is generally higher. This makes some cost-sensitive users, such as small agricultural growers and fire departments in some economically underdeveloped areas, give priority to lower-priced traditional products when choosing products, thus limiting the further expansion of the market share of TPU lined hoses. Although TPU lined hoses have obvious advantages in terms of service life and performance, the high procurement cost in the short term is still an important challenge for their promotion and application.
(II) Key points and difficulties in installation and maintenance
The installation and maintenance of TPU lined hoses are crucial to ensure their normal operation in fire irrigation, but there are also some key points and difficulties. In terms of installation, although TPU lined hoses have certain flexibility, they still need to be operated with caution when laying over long distances and under complex terrain conditions. During the laying of fire hoses, avoid excessive bending or twisting of the hoses, because excessive bending and twisting may cause damage to the internal structure, affecting its pressure resistance and water delivery effect. When crossing obstacles, appropriate protective measures need to be taken to prevent the hoses from being scratched by sharp objects. In agricultural irrigation, the laying of TPU lined hoses needs to be reasonably planned according to the topography of the farmland and the irrigation layout to ensure that each irrigation area can get a uniform water supply. When laying irrigation hoses in mountainous farmland, the effect of the terrain slope on the water flow pressure should be considered, and the boosting equipment and pressure reducing devices should be reasonably set to ensure the stable operation of the entire irrigation system.
