Air Hose Reels
An air hose reel, also known as a pneumatic hose reel, can refer to two types of hose reels: a hose reel that is used to convey air or a hose reel that utilizes pneumatic power to wind and unwind the hosing. A hose reel is a cylindrical device around which a variety of hoses can be manually or mechanically wound.
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Applications of Air Hose Reels
The majority of air hose reels refer to the type designed to house air hosing, which is typically small in diameter. Air hoses are especially helpful in industrial settings when pneumatic power must be transported some distance, especially if the source, such as an industrial air compressor, is too large to be moved.
While the transport applications of air hose reels are wide-ranging, they are not the only applications of air hose reels. Air hose reels are also advantageous for storage applications to ensure that the hose stays wrapped neatly around the reel rather than on the floor, preventing safety hazards and maximizing efficiency. Additionally, air hose reels are widely used in the automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries, as well as in personal residences for various maintenance projects.
Materials Used in Manufacturing Air Hose Reels
Air hose reels are typically manufactured from such materials as metal, fiberglass, or plastic. The most common materials used are steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and polyethylene.
Air Hose Reel Design and Customization
Air hose reels also can have a variety of design features, such as different retractable options. While there are a wide range of retraction methods, they are principally divided into manual and mechanical hose reels. Manual hose reels require physical winding by way of a handle. Mechanical hose reels utilize electric, spring, or pneumatic power to do the majority of the work of winding or unwinding the hose. A spring-driven air hose reel is designed in a slightly different fashion than other mechanical retraction options because the spring motor must often be hermetically sealed to isolate it from both dirt and moisture.
Notable Types of Air Hose Reels
There are two main types of air hose reels: storage and continuous flow. A storage reel is meant purely for storage while the hose is not in use. Continuous flow reels are designed so the hose can be used while remaining wound around the reel.
Benefits of Using Air Hose Reels
When used properly, air hose reels may assist in preventing tripping accidents, as well as the wear and tear on the hoses from being left on the ground. These reels also help to keep the nozzle on the air hose from being stepped on or smashed from the hose lying haphazardly on the ground. The small expense that is spent to install an air hose reel is nothing compared to the convenience and the ease of use this tool provides.