How is flexible hose size measured?

Flexible hose size is primarily measured by the inside diameter, which is often specified in increments of sixteenths of an inch. This measurement is crucial because the inside diameter directly affects the flow capacity of the hose, ensuring that it can accommodate the required volume of fluid without causing issues like restriction or excessive pressure drop.

This information is especially relevant in aviation applications, where precise specifications are vital for safety and performance. The inside diameter measurement allows mechanics to determine compatibility with fittings and ensures that the hose can handle the specific operating conditions it will encounter.

While other measurements, such as outer diameter, total length, or the number of reinforcement layers, are important for different reasons—like overall structural integrity and fitting compatibility—they do not provide the most critical information for flow capacity. Hence, the inside diameter in increments of sixteenths of an inch is the standard method for measuring and specifying flexible hose size.