A hose consists of three basic components:

• The tube is made from several different rubber compounds and composites that must chemically resist

the fluid being conveyed. The tube must also resist corrosion, deterioration and the effects of high or

low temperatures.

• The reinforcement must resist fluid pressures, pressure spikes and hose bursts. It determines the

working pressure of the hose. The reinforcement can be a braid or spiral wrap and can be made of

natural fibers, synthetic materials or steel wire. Some hoses use a combination of fiber and steel wire or

multiple layers of steel wire braids or spirals.

• The cover is designed to protect the tube and reinforcement from heat, abrasion, corrosion and

environmental deterioration. The cover can be made from synthetic rubber, fiber braids or a

combination of both depending on the application.