This article contains information regarding hose reels, including their types and uses.
You will learn:
A hose reel is a device designed for storing and managing a hose, typically mounted on a drum or barrel, to facilitate easy access and use. It helps organize hoses, cords, flexible tubes, and wires, making them readily available when needed.
There are various types of hose reels, each tailored for specific applications, with some reels designed to handle different kinds of cord-like materials efficiently.
Hose reel cylinders are constructed from materials such as metal, fiberglass, or plastic. The most prevalent type is the spring-driven hose reel, which automatically retracts the hose. Other variations include hand-crank reels and motor-driven reels. The capacity of a hose reel is determined by the diameter of the cylinder and the length of hose it can accommodate.
Hose reels are designed to store and dispense hoses effectively, providing a practical solution for various applications including gardening, firefighting, and industrial tasks. They are crucial for keeping hoses organized, preventing kinks and tangles, and ensuring easy access and storage.
At their core, hose reels feature a cylindrical or drum-like structure made from durable materials such as steel, plastic, or aluminum. The hose is coiled around a central spindle or drum inside the reel. Users operate the reel using a handle or crank, which allows for manual or automatic winding and unwinding of the hose.
To use a hose reel, simply turn the handle or engage the motor (for motorized reels) to rotate the drum. This action neatly coils the hose around itself, preventing kinks and wear. When needed, you can pull the hose from the reel, and it will unwind smoothly without twisting or tangling.
Hose reels come in various designs and sizes to suit different hose lengths and types, from small garden hoses to robust industrial models. They may be wall-mounted, portable, or vehicle-mounted, such as on fire trucks. Some reels feature automatic retracting mechanisms or adjustable tension controls for added convenience. Overall, hose reels enhance hose management by keeping them organized and extending their lifespan in diverse applications.
Hose reel designs vary based on their intended use. Home hose reels are generally lightweight, designed for ease of use in less demanding environments. In contrast, industrial hose reels are built to be robust, durable, and heavy-duty, often featuring specialized designs and enhancements to withstand rigorous conditions.
Hose reels can retract hoses using different mechanisms, including manual, electric, hydraulic, spring, and pneumatic methods. The choice of retraction method depends on factors such as hose weight, pressure, the type of fluid being dispensed, and the speed required for rewinding the hose.
Cable hose reels are designed to manage and organize cables, keeping workspaces tidy and ensuring proper cable storage. They are built for durability while providing easy access to cables, ropes, or wires. These reels can be operated by various methods, including spring, motor, or hand crank mechanisms, to retract the cables efficiently.
Power cord hose reels are designed to store power cords securely, ensuring both safety and ease of access. They are available in various lengths and thicknesses, accommodating cord lengths from 30 feet to 250 feet (9 to 76.2 meters). These reels can feature hand cranks, electric motors, or spring-driven retraction mechanisms for efficient cord management.
Certain types of power cord reels remain attached to an electrical outlet while in use and do not require the use of the full length of the cord. They can be detachable as well as flat for easy storage. Power cords for power cord hose reels come with 50 amp and 30 amp power cords.
Static discharge reels are essential for managing grounding and fueling operations in potentially hazardous environments. Commonly used in industries such as aviation for refueling, chemical processing, grain handling, rescue operations, and hazardous material situations, these reels are designed to prevent static electricity build-up. They ensure smooth operation to avoid cable pulls, and their primary function is to prevent random electrical charges that could ignite flammable fuels or chemicals.
High pressure hose reels are a safety device for storing high pressure hoses. They are designed to withstand the pressure in the hose and must meet specific application standards. High pressure hose reels prevent pressurized hoses from kinking, tangling, or being damaged, which could lower the pressure in the hose line.
High-pressure hose reels enhance the durability and efficiency of hoses, particularly in heavy machinery operations. Selecting the right reel involves considering the hose's size, length, type, retraction mechanism, and mounting position. Proper placement in spacious areas facilitates quicker retrieval and protects the hose, extending its service life and improving performance.
The hose on an air hose reel is connected to an air compressor with the hose wound around the reel. They prevent extra wear on the hose and are normally hung from the ceiling in auto and tire repair shops. The two types of air hose reels are storage and continuous flow. Storage reels store the house while it isn‘t in use, while continuous flow reels allow the usage of the hose when it is wound.
Audio cable reels are designed to accommodate extensive lengths of audio cable, exceeding 1800 feet (548.6 meters), and facilitate easy transportation across multiple locations. Constructed from materials like heavy-duty steel or plastic, steel is preferred for its durability under frequent movement. These reels are versatile, supporting not only audio but also video and fiber optic cables, and can handle wire gauges of 10, 12, and 14.
A chemical hose reel is engineered for secure handling of chemical substances. These reels are constructed to endure the impact of corrosive and hazardous chemicals, featuring a stainless steel construction that resists corrosion.
Beverage hose reels are employed in various stages of food processing, including transfer, production, cleaning, and steam applications. These reels are crafted to adhere to food industry standards, particularly for beverages, and are built to resist vibrations, ensuring reliable operation.
Ensuring safety is paramount when transferring fuel. Fuel hose reels, illustrated below, keep the hose organized and shielded. Constructed from durable materials to endure challenging environments, these reels feature either manual or motorized rewind mechanisms.
Hydraulic hose reels are designed for scenarios where the hydraulic feed distance may fluctuate. These reels maintain tension on the hose as it extends and are covered with a protective layer. They accommodate various hose types, including thermoplastic and rubber. When the hose reaches the desired position, it locks securely to prevent inadvertent retraction.
Fire and rescue operations require a diverse range of hose reels to manage various tools and equipment, including rescue gear, electrical cables, breathing apparatuses, flood control, and water hoses. These reels are built to endure Class A fires, which involve burning of combustible materials. They are generally larger and more robust to handle longer hoses and heavier loads, featuring mounting brackets and ball valves for quick access to water or chemicals.
Lay flat hoses are specifically designed for emergency flood situations. They are ideal for such scenarios due to their rapid deployment and extended length compared to traditional rigid hoses. Lay flat hoses can be easily connected to pumps and valves to facilitate efficient water removal during emergencies.
Teach pendant hose reels, also known by names like roboreel or smart pendant reel, are designed to manage robotic cables effectively. They help keep cables organized, prevent tangling, and keep them off the floor. Using these reels not only extends the lifespan of the teach cable but also enhances worker safety. Teach cables typically range from 33 to 98 feet (10 to 30 meters) in length and link the control panel with the teach pendant box.
The teach pendant control system enables programming of the robot from the most advantageous viewing position. After programming, the pendant cable is coiled and secured on a bracket near the control box, with the pendant control also placed in the vicinity. Allowing the cable to lie on the floor can create various issues, including safety hazards.
In the absence of a teach pendant hose reel, cables are at risk of damage from dropped objects, passing traffic, and forklifts. Protecting teach pendant cables is crucial due to their high cost, which can exceed $1000. Investing in a teach pendant hose reel can save the expense of cable replacement, making it a worthwhile investment.
Flat hose reels are designed to store and deploy lay flat hoses such as fire hoses. They are a highly efficient and durable type of hose reel that is capable of retrieving and releasing flat hoses safely, effortlessly, and in a controlled manner. Flat hose reels have several types of mountings, from ones mounted on trailers and skids to ones mounted on trucks. They are capable of supporting a single hose or multiple hoses, depending on their design. Flat hose reels hold 70% more hose than hard hose reels. They can have a manual or powered drain and rewind system.
Hose reels commonly utilize three retraction methods: hand crank, spring-driven, and motor-driven. This retraction mechanism is a key factor distinguishing between different hose reel types, which are categorized into storage and live connection reels. Storage hose reels are designed to keep the hose neatly coiled when not in use, while live connection hose reels enable the hose to remain functional even while it is wound on the reel.
Hand cranking is the most basic method for retracting a hose. To unwind the hose, you pull it while turning the crank. After use, the hose is retracted by turning the crank in the opposite direction, which coils the hose back onto the reel.
Advantages of Hand Cranked Hose Reels:
Spring-driven hose reels feature a spring mechanism that automatically retracts the hose.
While unwinding the hose, the spring accumulates tension. Once the task is completed and the tension is released, the hose is automatically recoiled back onto the reel.
Advantages of Spring-Driven Retraction:
Motor-driven hose reels utilize a motor connected to the reel for retraction. Various types of motors can be used, and they require minimal energy to operate. These motors efficiently and smoothly rewind the hose.
Motor-driven hose reels use mechanical energy from a motor to retract the hose. The motor can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, depending on the application.
Advantages of Motor-Driven Retraction:
In an electric motor retraction system, the hose can be dispensed by pulling it out. When the hose is not needed, it can be retracted easily by activating the motor on the reel, ensuring smooth and efficient retraction.
Pneumatic motors, or air-powered motors, operate using compressed air and are ideal for environments where electrical hazards or spark risks are present.
Hydraulic-driven hose reels are built to withstand tough and hazardous conditions, often used in mining operations for their superior strength and durability.
Hose reels can be positioned using one of five methods: ceiling mounted, wall mounted, post mounted, free standing, and mobile mounted.
Ceiling-mounted hose reels help save floor and wall space, commonly found in auto repair and welding shops, and provide convenient access to the hose.
Wall mounting offers similar benefits to ceiling mounting, freeing up floor space and reducing room usage. Many wall-mounted reels feature a hinge and locking pin, allowing the hose to be adjusted for better application reach.
Post-mounted hose reels are placed on posts to bring them closer to their point of use. They can be designed to be either hinged or fixed in place, similar to wall-mounted reels.
Free-standing hose reels are positioned permanently near their application site. They are constructed from robust materials like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, often with coatings to resist corrosion and rust. They feature an A-frame design and can be wall, truck, or trailer mounted.
Mobile hose reels come in various forms, including trailer, cart, truck, or ship mounted. They are commonly found at airports for aircraft refueling or on firefighting apparatus. Mobility allows these hose reels to be used in multiple locations while still offering convenient retraction.
Hose reels are essential in any industry that uses cords, wires, cables, or hoses. They provide an effective solution for organizing, accessing, and storing hose-like materials. While often associated with liquid dispensing, hose reels are also utilized in cleaning systems, fire prevention, and a range of industrial applications.
Military hose reels serve numerous functions and come in various types. They are utilized for tasks such as fuel delivery, cable management, water supply for firefighting, and more. These reels must be exceptionally robust and durable to handle the demanding conditions they face. Those approved by the United States government are assigned a National Stock Number (NSN), signifying that they meet stringent military standards.
Sewer jetters use high pressure to clean drainage systems by directing a powerful stream of water into drains to clear clogs and blockages. As depicted in the image below, these jetters are mounted on a hose reel that extends outward, allowing convenient access to the jetter hose.
Firefighting hose reels are engineered to withstand extremely high water pressures, often exceeding several thousand psi. These reels must be exceptionally durable, featuring corrosion and rust resistance, a robust coated steel frame, and the capacity to accommodate hoses that can extend hundreds of feet.
Pendant cables are used to control robotic systems that function in harsh environments, including exposure to flames, chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Various types of pendant cables are employed across different industrial operations to manage robotic functions. Robotic cable reels help keep these cables organized, minimizing the risk of accidents and hazards.
Offshore oil rig hose reels are coated with corrosion-resistant materials and constructed from robust stainless steel or steel. They are built to handle various functions, including both high and low-pressure fluid transfer. Fuel transfer pressures can range from 20 bar (100 kilopascals) to 1000 bar, depending on the specific application. These hose reels often have large diameters to accommodate the demands of offshore operations.
Aviation depends on the use of cords, hoses, and cable reels for ground support of aircraft. Aviation hose reels are designed to withstand highly adverse conditions and must be made of material designed for any set of conditions. Equipment used in aviation receives repetitive use and constant stress. Hose reels, used under those conditions, are built to last for hanger service, aerospace research, and high or low pressure transfer of oil, air, or water.
Exhaust removal hose reels are designed to manage hoses used for extracting hazardous fumes from automotive repair shops and testing facilities. These reels offer an efficient storage solution for exhaust removal hoses, enabling workers to easily extend the hose and secure it in position.
Hydroseeding hose reels are mounted on trucks to accommodate the specific requirements of seeding operations. These reels handle hoses that deliver fertilizer, seeds, water-retaining polymers, and additives under pressure. Given the intensive use of hydroseeding equipment, these hose reels are constructed from robust materials and are designed to support various hose diameters.
Welding hose reels come in different lengths and are designed to hold twin-line welding hoses. Their primary function is to enhance safety by keeping welding areas clear of hazards and preventing trips over hoses that carry gases. The hoses are extended to the work area and feature a spring-loaded mechanism for effortless retraction.
Storage hose reels are designed to retract hoses but do not permit their use while coiled. They are intended to keep hoses, cables, and wires neatly stored when not in use. To utilize the hose or wiring, it must be removed from the reel and connected. The durability of a storage hose reel varies depending on the type of hose it is intended to store. Reels for larger diameter hoses may need to be more robust than those used for smaller diameter items, such as thin electrical wires.
Choosing the appropriate hose reel for a particular application involves understanding the various types of hose reels available. The selection process starts with identifying the intended use of the hose, as there is a hose reel tailored for virtually every application.
Spring-loaded hose reels are best suited for shorter hoses as they are lightweight and do not strain the reel system. For longer hoses, particularly those extending to hundreds of feet, motorized hose reels are more efficient and require less manual effort. While manual hose reels are also effective for shorter hoses, they can be used for longer hoses with a small diameter. Hose reels can accommodate hoses ranging from 50 to 500 feet (15 to 152 meters).
The hose reel must be capable of withstanding the pressure applied to the hose, particularly for reels that enable hose use while still mounted. High-pressure hose reels are designed to manage pressurized water and air hoses, preventing issues such as dragging and entanglement. These problems can lead to kinks or damage, which may reduce hose pressure and impair operational performance.
The storage temperature of a hose reel is usually not a critical factor, as hose reels are constructed from robust materials. However, it is important to consider the operating temperature of the hose itself, which can range from -40°F (-4°C) to 212°F (100°C). For high-temperature applications, rubber hoses that can withstand extreme conditions are typically used.
The choice of hose reel is influenced by the hose's composition, which is selected based on factors such as chemical compatibility, erosion resistance, flexibility, durability, corrosion resistance, and cost. The more hazardous and toxic the material being transported, the higher the cost of the hose. Hoses can be made from a variety of materials including metal, rubber, PTFE, PVC, and various composites.
Hose reels should be constructed to complement the hose's function while being resistant to corrosion, durable, able to withstand temperature fluctuations and impacts, non-abrasive, and strong. Common materials used include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. For lighter applications, materials like fiberglass, lightweight metals, wood, and plastic may be suitable. The materials used for sanitary or food-grade conditions differ from those used in industrial environments with toxic substances.
The retraction method is determined by the hose’s size and length. Manual retraction, while cost-effective, can become cumbersome and inefficient over time. Automatic rewind options, such as spring-loaded or motorized reels, provide better convenience and functionality. For very long hoses, especially if they are heavy, motorized reels—whether pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical—are typically required.
Like any heavy-duty equipment in an industrial environment, hose reels require regular maintenance. For mobile hose reels, proper storage is crucial and should be a key consideration when purchasing. Even though industrial hose reels are built for tough conditions, neglecting maintenance can lead to failures during critical situations. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance and storage plan is essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of a hose reel.
Hose reels are used in a wide range of applications, from truck-mounted systems for aircraft refueling to organizing cables on a film set. When selecting a hose reel, it’s important to consider its application and how it integrates with the overall operation. The decision-making process may involve various personnel, depending on how the hose and reel are used within the specific context.
Using a hose reel provides numerous advantages for managing and storing hoses effectively. Here are some key benefits:
Hose reels help protect hoses from damage caused by kinking, twisting, or exposure to harsh weather, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing replacement costs.
By keeping hoses neatly coiled and off the ground, hose reels minimize tripping hazards, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents in work or garden areas.
Hose reels facilitate easy extension and retraction of hoses, saving time and effort compared to manually coiling and uncoiling the hose.
Hoses stored on reels are less prone to tangling or knotting, reducing frustration during use and streamlining cleanup.
Hose reels can be wall-mounted, post-mounted, or portable, helping to free up valuable floor space in garages, workshops, or gardens.
Keeping hoses on a reel helps shield them from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause material degradation, maintaining their condition longer.
Hose reels allow for precise guidance of the hose to targeted areas, promoting effective watering of plants and gardens while minimizing water waste.
By organizing hoses neatly and keeping them out of sight when not in use, hose reels enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space or work area.
Properly coiling and storing hoses on a reel prevents kinks and leaks, which helps extend the hose's service life.
Hose reels with crank or spring-loaded mechanisms enable swift deployment and retrieval, making tasks such as watering or cleaning more efficient.
Various types of hose reels are available for different uses, including garden hoses, air hoses, and fire hoses, allowing you to select a reel that meets your specific requirements.
Some hose reels are designed to be portable, offering convenience for contractors or individuals who need to move hoses between different job sites or locations.
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