Concept Fluid Solutions has been developing a new marine steering hose in association with Gates, with the result being a more flexible hose due to its synthetic chloroprene cover and nitrile lining. It also has extremely low volumetric expansion properties and a complimentary range of standard hose end terminations.

'We feel the new hose will bring a whole new dimension to this sector of the market, said Concept's Rob Woodley.

Concept is set up to serve as both consultants and suppliers. Rob Woodley added, 'Our intention is to offer a fluid solution to every customer, whether it is a hydraulic pump, a fitting, a hose or a complete system. We will discuss it, specify it, supply it and even install it if required.'

A new innovation from Gates is its 8M5K wire-braid hose, which combines a pressure tolerance of 350 MPa and a compact minimum bend radius of 90 mm in a wire braid construction. 8M5K offers an alternative to heavier, more expensive spiral hose in a variety of applications, especially load handling equipment and mounted boom cranes.

8M5K has been designed for use with the Gates Global MegaCrimp no-skive coupling range, ensuring a leak free assembly impulse tested to 600,000 cycles at 133% of the working pressure.

For those in need of fluid solutions, Concept will be waiting on Stand 165 at Seawork 2005 .

MJ Information No: 20525