How to detect signs of wear or aging on Type C Air Conditioning Hose?

As a core component in automotive or industrial refrigeration systems, Type C air conditioning hoses are responsible for the critical task of transmitting high-pressure refrigerants. Once the hose leaks or breaks due to wear or aging, it can reduce system efficiency at best and cause safety accidents at worst.
1. Visual inspection: Capture surface abnormalities
The outer rubber layer of the hose is the first line of defense against environmental erosion. Early problems can be quickly discovered by visually inspecting the following details:
Cracks and cracks: Long-term exposure to high temperatures or ozone environments can easily cause fine cracks on the surface of the hose, especially at bends.
Swelling or deformation: When the refrigerant pressure is abnormal or the internal structure of the hose is damaged, local areas may bulge or twist.
Oil or dirt accumulation: Oil or dust clumps at the hose joints may be indirect evidence of refrigerant leakage.
Pro tip: Use a strong flashlight to shine diagonally on the surface of the hose to more clearly identify fine cracks.
2. Touch and hardness test: evaluate material performance degradation
Rubber materials will harden or soften after aging, resulting in reduced pressure resistance.
Tactile inspection: Press the hose with your fingers. Healthy rubber should have moderate elasticity and rebound quickly; if it feels sticky (softened) or stiff (hardened), be vigilant.
Hardness measurement and quantitative detection: Use a Shore A hardness tester to measure. If the hardness value deviates from the initial value by more than ±5 degrees, it indicates that the material has aged significantly.
3. Air tightness test: locate hidden leaks
Even if there is no obvious damage to the surface, micro leaks may still occur due to internal wear or loose joints.
Soap water detection method: Apply soapy water to the surface of the hose and observe the location of bubbles after pressurization.
Electronic leak detector: Accurately locate the source of tiny leaks, suitable for complex pipeline systems.
Pressure decay test: Pressurize the hose to 1.5 times the working pressure and maintain the pressure for 15 minutes. If the pressure drops by more than 10%, it is considered to be failed.
4. Endoscopic inspection: see through the internal structure damage
If the nylon or rubber lining of the inner layer of the hose is damaged, it may cause refrigerant contamination or abnormal flow.
Flexible endoscope exploration: insert the probe through the hose port to check whether the inner wall is peeling, perforated or embedded with foreign matter.
Key focus areas: parts of the hose with a small bending radius and the inner wall of the joint, which are prone to wear due to stress concentration.
5. Environmental and historical data analysis
The aging speed of the hose is closely related to its use environment:
Temperature record: long-term exposure to an environment above 80°C will accelerate rubber deterioration.
Chemical exposure history: hoses exposed to engine oil, acidic substances or solvents need to shorten the inspection cycle.
Service life: after exceeding the manufacturer's recommended service life of 5-8 years, it is recommended to replace it even if the appearance is intact.