Hoses Made to Handle Hot Sun

Kuriyama’s new polyurethane material-handling hose features UV resistance.
Hoses Made to Handle Hot Sun
Kuriyama of America national sales manager John Kohls (right) discusses Tigerflex Amphibian polyurethane hoses with a 2015 WWETT Show attendee. The yellow hose in the middle is Kuriyama’s new Tigerflex Solarguard Amphibian AMPH-SLR Series hose, which is designed to resist damaging UV photons. (Photo by Craig Mandli)

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Material-handling hose needs durability to pump abrasive liquids and toughness to withstand prolonged use in harsh environments, including snow, ice and rain. But hoses used outdoors for prolonged periods of time are also subject to damaging heat and UV light.

That’s why a new hose introduced by Kuriyama of America at the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show makes so much sense. Tigerflex Solarguard Amphibian AMPH-SLR Series heavy-duty polyurethane-lined wet or dry material-handling hoses are specially constructed to resist this type of damage.

“We actually use a special compound that contains a double dose of UV stabilizers that reflect the damaging UV photons away from the hose,” says John Kohls, national sales manager for Kuriyama of America. “We first found success using this material for hoses in the methane gas industry, then decided to transfer it to the hydrovac and pumper truck market.”

Solarguard hoses are made from a reflective yellow pigment that reduces heat absorption. They can remain up to 10 degrees F cooler than darker-colored hoses, further protecting the hose and extending the service life. Tests commissioned by Kuriyama showed a 3 percent reduction in hose material strength after prolonged UV exposure, whereas the company’s standard PVC hoses showed over 40 percent strength loss over the same period.

“We knew from the testing that this was going to be a success,” says Kohls. “The Solarguard hose does cost a little more than our traditional polyurethane hose, but it’s going to last twice as long.”

Solarguard Amphibian AMPH-SLR Series hoses are ideal for hydroexcavation, industrial vacuum equipment, material handling (including heavy-duty abrasives), sewer truck boom hose and slurry handling. It has a durable PVC cover with polyurethane liner and PVC helix and is rated for use in temperatures from -4 to 150 degrees F. A multi-strand grounding wire built into 6- and 8-inch hose helps prevent the buildup of static electricity for added safety and to help keep material flowing smoothly. Kuriyama began selling the hose in December 2014 in a limited capacity before officially launching the product to the wastewater industry at the WWETT Show.

“The feedback we’ve received from those using Solarguard hose in the field has been excellent,” says Kohls. “Our big goal having it at the WWETT Show is to educate potential consumers on the strong value it provides, despite the little bit higher cost.”

Kohls says the feedback he and the rest of the on-floor Kuriyama staff received regarding the Solarguard hose was overwhelmingly positive. He pointed out that the company came into the show with high expectations, and it was apparent almost immediately those would be surpassed.

“This product solves a big problem that a lot of contractors in the field were dealing with and told us about in previous years,” Kohls says. “Attending this show gives our staff a great opportunity to gather that feedback from different portions of the market and use it to make better products. That’s why we’re excited to be here.” 847/755-0360; www.kuriyama.com.



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