To determine whether rubber-plastic tubing requires replacement, evaluate it based on three criteria: physical appearance, performance, and service life. Prompt replacement is recommended if any abnormalities are detected to prevent potential safety hazards.
Physical Appearance Inspection
Surface Damage: Immediate replacement is required if the tubing shows obvious bulging, cracking, scratches, or localized signs of fluid seepage.
Material Property Changes: Signs of aging include the tubing becoming noticeably hard, brittle, or excessively soft, or failing to spring back quickly after bending.
Abnormal Color Changes: Yellowing, darkening, or the appearance of irregular stains or black corrosion marks across the tubing are typical indicators of aging.
Connection Abnormalities: Prompt replacement is necessary if joints show swelling, looseness, powdery residue, or signs of rust.
Performance Verification
Leakage Issues: Even minor fluid seepage or gas leakage indicates damage to the internal sealing layer; immediate replacement is mandatory.
Functional Failure: Performance degradation is indicated if insulation-grade tubing frequently develops condensation, or if fluid-conveying tubing experiences unstable flow rates or abnormal pressure drops.
Structural Damage: Localized collapse, indentations, or damage to internal support structures suggest that continued use could lead to blockages or pipe bursts.
Service Life Check
Exceeding Standard Lifespan: It is recommended to inspect and replace-as needed-standard rubber-plastic hoses used for more than two years and insulation-grade tubing used for over twenty years.
Premature End-of-Life Due to Harsh Conditions: Tubing exposed to prolonged outdoor sunlight, strong corrosive media, or continuous 24-hour high-frequency operation requires more frequent inspections and prompt replacement at the first sign of minor abnormalities.
