Floating Rubber Hose
Product Overview
The floating rubber hose is a specialized composite hose engineered for demanding marine and offshore applications, particularly in the transfer of hydrocarbons, chemicals, and other fluids. Designed to remain buoyant on the water surface, this robust hose facilitates safe and efficient loading and unloading operations between tankers, buoys, and shore facilities. Constructed with multiple layers of premium materials, including an inner rubber liner, textile and steel reinforcements, and an outer cover integrated with flotation elements, the floating rubber hose ensures exceptional flexibility, durability, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
Compliant with international standards such as OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) guidelines, our floating rubber hoses are tailored for single point mooring (SPM) systems, CALM (Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring) buoys, and tandem offloading configurations. With customizable lengths up to 300 meters and diameters ranging from 6 to 20 inches, these hoses provide reliable performance in dynamic sea states, minimizing downtime and operational risks. Ideal for the oil and gas sector, petrochemical industry, and dredging operations, the floating rubber hose represents the pinnacle of marine hose technology, combining buoyancy, strength, and longevity for superior fluid transfer efficiency.
Key Features
- Superior Buoyancy: Integrated flotation modules ensure the floating rubber hose remains on the surface, preventing submersion and facilitating easy handling during operations.
- High Flexibility: Multi-ply reinforcement allows bending radii as low as 6 times the hose ID, accommodating vessel movements in rough seas.
- Exceptional Durability: Abrasion-resistant outer cover and UV-stabilized materials extend service life beyond 10 years under normal conditions.
- Chemical and Oil Resistance: Inner liner formulated from NBR or CSM rubber withstands hydrocarbons, acids, and alkalis, preventing permeation and degradation.
- Pressure Performance: Rated for working pressures up to 25 bar and burst pressures exceeding 125 bar, suitable for high-volume transfers.
- Easy Installation: Lightweight design with integrated end fittings (flanges, quick-connects) simplifies deployment and maintenance.
- Customizable Options: Available with electrical continuity wires, anti-static features, and color-coded buoyancy for enhanced safety and identification.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inner Diameter (ID) | 6" to 20" (152mm to 508mm) |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | ID + 100-150mm (depending on reinforcements) |
| Length | 10m to 300m (custom lengths available) |
| Working Pressure | 15-25 bar (217-362 psi) |
| Proof Pressure | 1.5 x Working Pressure |
| Burst Pressure | 5 x Working Pressure (minimum 125 bar) |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to +80°C (-4°F to +176°F) |
| Inner Liner | NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) or CSM (Hypalon) for oil/chemical resistance |
| Reinforcements | High-tensile textile plies (Typh 1 or Typh 2), steel wire helices |
| Outer Cover | CR (Neoprene) or Hypalon, UV and abrasion resistant |
| Buoyancy Material | Closed-cell polyethylene foam or syntactic foam modules |
| Bend Radius (Minimum) | 6 x ID (static), 12 x ID (dynamic) |
| Weight | Approx. 20-50 kg/m (depending on size) |
| End Fittings | ANSI 150/300 flanges, API adapters, swivel joints |
| Standards Compliance | OCIMF 2007 Guidelines, ISO 15540, ABS Type Approved |
Note: Specifications are customizable based on specific project requirements. All floating rubber hoses undergo rigorous factory acceptance testing (FAT) including pressure, electrical continuity, and buoyancy checks.
Application Scenarios
The floating rubber hose excels in a variety of marine and industrial fluid transfer scenarios where buoyancy and flexibility are critical. In offshore oil and gas operations, it is the go-to solution for tanker-to-buoy and buoy-to-shore transfers at SPM and CALM systems, handling crude oil, refined products, and LNG with minimal spillage risk. Dredging projects benefit from its abrasion resistance during slurry transport in ports and waterways.
For petrochemical facilities, the floating rubber hose supports chemical unloading from sea-going vessels, while in FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) units, it enables tandem offloading in deepwater environments. Additional applications include marine mining, wastewater discharge, and bulk liquid cargo handling. Its ability to operate in water depths up to 50 meters and wave heights of 3 meters makes it indispensable for global trade and energy infrastructure projects.
Advantages
Opting for our floating rubber hose delivers unmatched value in marine hose applications. Compared to traditional submarine hoses, it eliminates the need for costly retrieval equipment and reduces mooring times by allowing surface-level connections. The integrated buoyancy prevents kinking and twisting, extending operational life by 30-50% over competitors' products.
Advanced material formulations provide superior resistance to ozone, saltwater corrosion, and hydrocarbons, minimizing leaks and environmental impact. With a safety factor exceeding industry norms, these hoses undergo non-destructive testing (NDT) and are certified for use in hazardous areas (ATEX/IECEx). Cost savings are realized through lower maintenance needs, rapid deployment, and compatibility with automated monitoring systems for real-time pressure and continuity checks.
Why Choose Us
As a leading manufacturer of marine hoses with over 25 years of expertise, we specialize in premium floating rubber hoses engineered for the most challenging international projects. Our state-of-the-art production facilities adhere to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 standards, ensuring every hose meets or exceeds OCIMF and ABS requirements. We offer full lifecycle support, from custom design and prototyping to installation supervision and periodic inspections.
Our global supply chain guarantees rapid delivery worldwide, backed by a network of certified distributors and service centers. With a proven track record supplying major oil majors like Shell, ExxonMobil, and BP, we prioritize quality, innovation, and client collaboration. Choose us for reliable, high-performance floating rubber hoses that enhance safety, efficiency, and profitability in your operations.
FAQ
What is the expected service life of a floating rubber hose?
Under normal operating conditions and with proper maintenance, our floating rubber hoses last 10-15 years, with annual inspections recommended per OCIMF guidelines.
Can floating rubber hoses handle cryogenic fluids like LNG?
Yes, specialized versions with low-temperature liners are available for LNG transfer, rated down to -196°C.
How is buoyancy maintained over time?
Closed-cell foam modules resist water absorption, and design includes redundancy for long-term flotation stability.
Are custom end fittings available?
Absolutely. We provide flanges per ANSI, DIN, JIS standards, plus swivel joints and quick-release couplings tailored to your setup.
What testing is performed on each hose?
Every floating rubber hose undergoes hydrostatic testing, electrical continuity, vacuum collapse, and buoyancy verification before shipment.
Is the floating rubber hose suitable for dynamic sea conditions?
Yes, designed for significant wave heights up to 3m and vessel motions, with Typhoon-rated options for extreme environments.
How do I store and maintain the hose?
Store coiled on reels in shaded, dry areas. Inspect for wear, clean after use, and avoid direct sunlight or chemical exposure.