A "Spiral" or "Helix" hose is a specialized hose designed for **suction and discharge (S&D)**. Unlike a "discharge only" hose (like a layflat), a suction hose is built with a rigid internal spiral (helix) made of PVC, plastic, or steel wire.
This guide from Glory Engineering Supplies serves as a complete technical reference. Its purpose is to explain the critical function of this helix—**to prevent the hose from collapsing under vacuum**—and to help you select the right material (PVC, Rubber, PU) for your specific application, whether it's water, slurry, or abrasive dust.
We stock all common types: clear PVC for water, oil-resistant PVC, heavy-duty Rubber S&D for slurry, and PU for severe abrasion (sawdust/grains).
We carry a complete inventory of hose sizes (1" to 12") along with the necessary fittings, including Camlocks, shanks, and T-bolt clamps.
Our hoses are selected for their strong helix construction, ensuring maximum flexibility, a full vacuum rating, and resistance to kinking and collapse.
Our team provides professionally assembled hose sets with the correct shanks and clamps, ensuring a secure, leak-proof seal for your suction application.
The hose material and helix type define its application.
| Hose Type | Construction | Key Characteristics & Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| General Purpose PVC | Smooth clear PVC tube with a white or colored rigid PVC helix. |
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| Heavy-Duty Rubber S&D | Black rubber tube, fabric plies, and a high-tensile steel wire helix. |
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| PU (Polyurethane) Hose | Clear PU wall, often with a bronze-coated wire helix. |
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| Oil-Resistant PVC/NBR | NBR-blended PVC tube with a rigid PVC helix. |
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Suction hoses are rated for both **Pressure** (pushing) and **Vacuum** (pulling). The vacuum rating is often measured in inches of Mercury (inHg), where 29.9 inHg is a perfect vacuum.
| Hose Size (ID) | General Purpose PVC | Heavy Duty Rubber S&D | PU (Abrasion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 100 PSI | 150 PSI | ~50 PSI |
| 1-1/2" | 80 PSI | 150 PSI | ~40 PSI |
| 2" | 70 PSI | 150 PSI | ~35 PSI |
| 3" | 55 PSI | 150 PSI | ~30 PSI |
| 4" | 50 PSI | 150 PSI | ~25 PSI |
| 6" | 45 PSI | 150 PSI | N/A |
| 8" | 35 PSI | 100 PSI | N/A |
Unlike high-pressure hoses, suction hoses use "shank" fittings that are inserted into the hose and secured externally with clamps.
The #1 choice for suction hose. A shank (Type C or E) is inserted into the hose, allowing for quick connection to a pump (Type A or F).
The part that goes *inside* the hose. It has "barbs" or "ridges" to grip the hose tube and create a seal when clamped.
The external lock. T-Bolt or heavy-duty Band Clamps are used to tighten over the hose, compressing it onto the shank to prevent leaks or blow-offs.
For heavy-duty rubber S&D hoses, the fitting is often a "built-in" rubber flange or a shank-flange that is secured with clamps.
Proper installation ensures a full vacuum seal and prevents premature failure.
Solution: The seal is made by the clamp. Ensure the shank is fully inserted. Use heavy-duty T-Bolt or Band Clamps (often two per fitting) and tighten them securely.
Problem: This is a **SUCTION** hose, not a pressure hose. Exceeding the low working pressure (e.g., on a pump discharge) can cause the hose to burst or blow off the fitting.
Problem: Bending the hose too sharply will "kink" the helix, creating a flat spot that restricts flow and will eventually crack, causing a vacuum leak.
Problem: PVC becomes very stiff and brittle in the cold (can crack) and very soft and weak in high heat (can collapse or kink easily). Use rubber for extreme temperatures.
The helix is the hose's "skeleton." Its only job is to provide structural rigidity to **prevent the hose from collapsing inward** when you apply suction (a vacuum). A hose without a helix (like a fire hose) will instantly flatten when you try to suck through it.
Yes, but only for LOW pressure. As you can see in the table, the working pressure is much lower than a discharge-only hose. It is designed for vacuum, not high pressure. Never exceed the rated working pressure.
PVC is lightweight, economical, and often clear (so you can see the fluid). It's perfect for water and light-duty use. Rubber S&D is much heavier, more durable, has better temperature resistance, and is far superior for handling abrasives (like sand or slurry) or heavy-duty construction use.
PU has an abrasion resistance that is 5-10 times *better* than rubber or PVC. Sawdust, grain, and plastic pellets are highly abrasive and will wear through a PVC hose very quickly. A PU hose is specifically designed to handle this type of "dry material" abrasion.
From a simple water pump hose to a heavy-duty abrasive slurry line, we have the right hose, fittings, and clamps. Contact the Glory team today for a quote on a complete assembly.
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