Wilcox Hose Catalog
Headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, United Flexible (Willcox) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of performance critical flexible engineered solutions for the transfer of fluids and gases in extreme environments. Willcox is a proactive partner to distributors, operating in several attractive end-markets including power generation, general industrial, oil/gas, & transportation. Willcox’s critical flexible engineered solutions improve system performance by reducing weight, extending cycle life, improving pressure and temperature profiles while enhancing safety factors in a compact package. With manufacturing operations in Romeoville, Illinois and Houston, TX, Willcox can supply bulk hose to it’s distributors from coast to coast.
WILLCOX®
Our WILLCOX HOSE® brand, with heritage starting back to the 1880’s, was truly the first producer of composite hose (known as a “wire bound hose” at the time) and today is supported by an extensive network of fabricating distributors both nationally and internationally. Our WILLCOX HOSE® brand uses uniquely seamless tubes of polar and non-polar films that resist permeation and chemical attack.
Engineered for your Compatibility, Handling & Environmental needs
Both designs provide multiple tight-wound component layers that create a very long and complex course for fluids. The unique manufacturing process techniques assure the proper gauge and pitch of the inner and outer wires at all times. Combined with the “labyrinth seal” that is self-energized by the internal pressure of the liquids and the action of all material components, WILLCOX HOSE® brand creates composite hoses of unparalleled flexibility and reliability.
The result… engineered composite hose designs that don’t kink or collapse with superb flexibility; that provide great hoop strength, exceptional service life and offer superior safety and performance.
All of our mandrel manufactured composite hoses are built with many multiple wraps of both polar and non-polar thermoplastic films that contain the fluids and vapors inside the hose wall. The barrier layer in all our standard oil and chemical hoses prevents permeation by both polar fluids (like methanol) and non-polar liquids (like gasoline) from escaping the hose. The hose wall is then reinforced with bulk woven fabrics that help protect the films in the hose wall from mechanical damage. This provides you a composite hose with superb structure and heavy duty cover layers that do not deteriorate due to ozone, UV, oil or chemical attack; that maintains maximum strength, flexibility and durability and that are compatible with the widest range of fluids and vapors.
Electrical Conductivity Considerations
Typically, most hose assemblies have full end-to-end electrical continuity with less than 10 ohms resistance that is achieved by bonding both the inner and outer wires to the end connections and provide full hard vacuum capability.
Assemblies are also available with specified electrical resistance, semi-conductive or with nonconductive properties. This provides for a composite hose that prevents sparking and arc-over hazards and meets the electrical properties requirement of industrial applications.
Composite Hose Assemblies
Each end connection is specifically engineered, designed and manufactured to engage and make a perfect union with the hose wall and the hose shank or tailpiece. The ferrule and tailpiece are permanently engaged to the hose by the external swaging or crimping process. This provides the hose assembly that is engineered to perform to rated burst pressure and the client is assured of 100% performance of the complete hose assembly.
Real Advantages for your applications compared to rubber and metal hoses…
- Composite hoses are lightweight, kink proof and flexible for superb handling.
- Multi-layer construction prevents catastrophic failures.
- Flexibility is retained at low and even cryogenic temperatures
- Fatigue-free and do not age or weather.
If you’d like to take a closer look at the benefits of using a composite hose over rubber or metal hoses, feel free to schedule a visit to our shop for a full demonstration. If you prefer, one of our energetic field techs can stop by your facility, please contact Dennis Gonzalez or Jose Llanos to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your call.
