Wealth of Experience

Beginning his professional career in the manufacturing of hoses & expansion joints , Levitsky gained a well-rounded knowledge of the industry from the onset . “ After several years working on the manufacturing side , I moved into inside sales . Having gained an understanding of how the product was constructed , and first-hand experience with all the components and processes that lead to the final product , I could engage with customers at new levels ; I became a resource to my customers and colleagues ,” said Levitsky .

When Levitsky started at Echelon Supply and Service he took on the role of a Product Specialist , working in sales . Since then , his role has transitioned to include product management . “ I still work with the sales team as a specialist and now have been introduced to the marketing side of the business . However , as Product Manager , I am now also involved with product promotion and lead prospecting while still aiding in solving customers ’ technical problems , and more . It has become a very diverse role .”

“ Every day is different ,” continued Levitsky . “ Some of my daily responsibilities consist of working with the production department and ensuring they have the necessary components needed to assemble customer orders , quoting customers , and supporting the inside and outside teams with any metal hose requests . I also review all technical inquiries & customer specifications / drawings .”

Working with Metal Hoses

for a difficult hose selection process , with our product expertise we can help with any application ,” said Levitsky .

Levtisky ’ s niche hose is primarily composed of 300 series stainless steel . “ Two of the most used materials are 321 and 316 stainless steels . However , we can supply hoses of other materials , such as C276 or other exotic alloys that may be required for the application .”

Chemical plants often have a variety of chemicals that are stored and transferred throughout the process . 300 series stainless steel can offer some corrosion resistance to many applications but not all chemicals . Moving to a C276 hose assembly can offer greater corrosion resistance and a longer life cycle to the hose assembly . It is critical to perform a chemical compatibility check for the media being transferred to ensure the proper hose alloy is selected .

Of course , a metal hose is not a onesize-fits-all product . “ There are different subsets of metal hoses within our product line that are better for some applications than others ,” he continued . “ Users may need a corrugated hose , an interlock hose , or may require expansion joints . Decisions are really made on an application-to-application basis .”

Metal Welded Fittings

Fittings , as opposed to couplings , are generally used on a metal hose . “ As a significant amount of pressure is typically applied to the media being transported through hoses , there is always

the potential for a hose fitting to blow off a crimped hose during a pressure surge . The strength of a welded fitting mitigates the risk of this issue ,” said Levitsky . Depending on the fitting type that is used on the equipment , the mating fitting is welded onto the hose assembly and a pressure test is performed to test the integrity of the weld and check for any leaks throughout the assembly before shipping to the customer .

To weld a fitting to a metal hose , a tungsten inert gas ( TIG ) welding process is often used . This process uses a tungsten electrode that sends the current to the welding arc , and then an inert gas that cools and protects the tungsten as it welds . 1 “ Typically with an industrial hose , there is a crimp collar and a shank on the fitting that will be inserted into the hose and crimped to secure ,” explained Levitsky . “ However , with a metal hose attachment , there is not a shank on the fitting rather a butt weld style fitting is used with a braid collar . A cap weld is used to combine the three layers , hose , braid , and collar .” After the cap weld is finished , the fitting can then be added using an attachment weld to complete the connection . Along with the cap and attachment welds on a hose , there can also be full penetration welds needed whenever there is a pipe-to-pipe connection .

The materials used for metal hose fittings vary depending on the kind of industry the hose will be used in . “ Stainless steel and carbon steel are the most used . For air and water service , customers tend to go with carbon steel fittings , however , whenever

Joseph Levitsky .

there is any sort of process fluid , carbon steel may not be the best choice .”

The Houston , Texas location of Echelon Supply and Service has its own welding department to ensure that the correct fittings are used for the correct applications , and to guarantee that the fittings are welded correctly . “ Our metal hose assemblies are welded in-house by ASME IX-certified welders . It is incredibly beneficial to have in-house welding capabilities as we can offer shortened lead times , custommade-to-order assemblies , and versatility when it comes to fittings . Our ability to weld any fitting to a hose is limitless .”

Mitigating Risks

As hoses are used in a variety of applications , there are an endless number of challenges that can pop up . What may be an issue at one plant , may not necessarily be an issue at another . “ For example , two customers using a hose for essentially the same process : moving high-pressure air through the hose .

Metal hoses are typically used for higher pressure and higher temperature applications where a rubber or other non-metal product simply will not last . “ It is all about those extreme environments and chemical applications where there is the likelihood for failure that makes a metal hose the best fit ,” explained Levitsky .