EPDM Rubber Flexible Joints in Fire Hoses

Rubber joints can greatly reduce the vibration and noise of the pipeline system, and can fundamentally solve the problems of socket offset, radial expansion and misalignment of various pipelines. Flexible rubber joints of different materials can be made into acid resistance, alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, acid and alkali resistance, high temperature resistance, etc.

1. Material characteristics and advantages

• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber with excellent weather resistance. This means that EPDM rubber flexible joints can maintain stable performance in different climate conditions, such as high temperature, severe cold, and humidity. For example, in extremely hot desert areas, firefighting facilities may be exposed to high temperatures, and EPDM rubber flexible joints will not age quickly due to high temperatures; in cold polar regions, it will not become brittle due to low temperatures.

• It is also very resistant to chemical corrosion and has good tolerance to various chemical fire extinguishing agents, cleaning agents and other chemicals that may be exposed in the fire protection system. For example, in some industrial sites, fire extinguishing agents containing acid and alkali components may be used, and EPDM rubber flexible joints can effectively resist the erosion of these chemicals.

• EPDM rubber also has good elasticity, which can effectively reduce the displacement and vibration of the fire hose caused by water flow impact, equipment vibration, etc., and play a good shock absorption and compensation role.

2. Structure and working principle

• Generally speaking, EPDM rubber flexible joints are composed of an inner rubber layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer rubber layer. The inner rubber layer is in direct contact with fire water or fire extinguishing agent, and its main function is to seal and prevent fluid leakage. The reinforcement layer is usually made of fiber fabrics or steel wires to enhance the strength of the rubber flexible joint so that it can withstand the working pressure in the fire protection system. The outer rubber layer mainly plays a protective role to prevent external factors (such as ultraviolet rays, physical wear, etc.) from damaging the internal rubber layer and reinforcement layer.

• When water flows through the fire hose, the rubber flexible joint will undergo elastic deformation as the pressure of the water flow changes and the vibration of the pipe. This deformation can absorb the displacement and vibration energy in the pipe system, while ensuring the normal delivery of fire water, and will not cause water flow interruption or leakage due to pipe deformation.

1. Connect different pipe components

• In fire protection systems, EPDM rubber flexible joints are often used to connect fire hoses with fire pumps, valves, fire hydrants and other equipment. Since fire protection equipment may generate vibrations during operation, the elasticity of rubber flexible joints can effectively isolate these vibrations and prevent vibrations from being transmitted to other pipe components, thereby extending the service life of the entire fire protection system. For example, when a fire pump is started, it will generate large vibrations. EPDM rubber flexible joints can absorb these vibrations so that the fire hose connected to it will not be damaged due to frequent vibrations.

2. Compensation for pipeline displacement

• The pipes of the fire protection system may be displaced due to factors such as building settlement and temperature changes. EPDM rubber flexible joints can compensate for this pipe displacement within a certain range. For example, in some large buildings, due to uneven settlement of the building foundation, the fire protection pipes will be displaced horizontally or vertically. The rubber flexible joints can adapt to this displacement through their own elastic stretching or compression to ensure the integrity and sealing of the fire protection pipe system.

3. Installation and maintenance points

• When installing EPDM rubber flexible joints, pay attention to the correct installation direction. Generally, install them in the direction indicated by the arrow on the joint product to ensure the normal flow of the fluid. At the same time, avoid excessive twisting or stretching of the rubber flexible joint. When connecting pipes, use appropriate tools, such as wrenches, etc., and tighten them according to the specified torque to prevent damage to the rubber flexible joint due to improper installation.

• For the connection between the fire hose and the rubber flexible joint, ensure that the connection is tight. You can use a suitable clamp or flange connection method, and perform a sealing check after the connection, such as a pressure test to verify the sealing of the connection. The test pressure generally reaches about 1.5 times the working pressure of the fire system.

• Regularly check the appearance of the rubber flexible joints to see if there are cracks, bulges, aging, etc. Especially for fire protection systems exposed outdoors, it is important to check whether the rubber flexible joints have aging problems caused by ultraviolet radiation. If the appearance is damaged, it should be replaced in time.

• At the same time, check whether the connection parts of the rubber flexible joints are loose. After the fire protection system has been running for a period of time, the connection parts may become loose due to the impact and vibration of the water flow. The connection bolts should be tightened regularly, and the sealing gaskets should be checked to see if they are intact. In addition, attention should be paid to the working environment of the rubber flexible joints to avoid contact with sharp objects or corrosive substances. If the surrounding environment changes, such as the construction of new facilities that may cause chemical pollution, protective measures should be taken in time.

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