The production process

How do we make your brewery hose assemblies?

High quality hose assemblies from start to finish

The breweries we supply are always showcasing how their beer is made so we thought we would do the same and show you how we make your bespoke hose assemblies.

Stage 1: Works Order Documents

After an order has come through our sales office it is printed as a “Works Order Document” which goes into our factory. It is allocated a red bin whereby the necessary components are selected, ready for manufacture.

Stage 2: The Hose

The second stage is where we pick the hose specified on your order. We stock an extensive range of brewery hose in 6 different colours, from sizes ranging between 1/2″ to 4″. This part of the process is where we choose the size and colour of the hose you’ve requested and then we cut it to the correct length.

Stage 3: The End Connections

From Tri-clamps to RJT’s, DIN 11851 to SMS, IDF to ISS, we stock a complete range of Shawlok hygienic fittings for use on food and beverage applications. Here we will pick and allocate the required amount of hose tail fittings and crimping ferrules which get swaged onto the hose to form the end to end hygienic hose assembly.

Stage 4: Identification / Etching

Identification is a core factor when it comes to traceability and hose registers. As standard, we etch all of our ferrules and fittings with a reference number as well as the date of manufacture in order that they can be traced when needed.

Stage 5: Component Check

Before we assemble all of the components for your hose solution we perform a check against the parts and the works order to make sure everything is correct. This simple quality check ensures all components are suitable for being assembled together.

Stage 6: Production

Identification is a core factor when it comes to traceability and hose registers. As standard, we etch all of our ferrules and fittings with a reference number as well as the date of manufacture in order that they can be traced when needed.

Stage 7: Swaging

Swaging, or crimping, is the method by which we connect our fittings to our hoses to form a hose assembly. The process works whereby the ferrule and the hose tail lock together in a groove or locking lip on the fitting and are then crushed together, with the hose between them. What this essentially achieves is a hygienic connection between hose and fitting minimising the chance for bacterial contamination. It is worth noting that a properly swaged hose assembly under pressure, should always burst from the hose, if it is to burst, instead of the end connection and hose separating from each other. The latter scenario is very dangerous for operators if occurring under pressure. Swaging is the method end connections should be fixed to the hose assembly, especially in hygienic applications whereas a simple jubilee clipped assembly is not appropriate for positive pressure or hygienic applications.

Stage 8: Testing

Perhaps the most important stage in the hose assembly production process is testing. Once the hose assembly is manufactured, hose and end connections complete and swaged, we then pressure test the hose to ensure no leaks and to make sure that the end connections are properly swaged. This ensures that the hose assembly will perform as required and safely.

Stage 8: Packing & Shipping

Identification is a core factor when it comes to traceability and hose registers. As standard, we etch all of our ferrules and fittings with a reference number as well as the date of manufacture in order that they can be traced when needed.