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Heat Testing

Mertex® polyurethane lined hose radiant heat testing methods and outcomes.

TESTS SHOW THE KRAKENEXO® REMAINED EFFICIENT AT FIGHTING FIRE AFTER EXPOSURE TO EXTREME HEAT.

Back in 2016 & 2017, we worked with Underwriters Laboratories and Intertek, in support of the NFPA 1961 Fire Hose Standard Committee, to develop testing methods to establish the performance of fire hose under heat assault.

As a result, a new radiant heat test method for all attack fire hose was included in the NFPA 1961 per UL 19 — required as of March 2021. Our KrakenEXO® was among the first tested to the new standard, showing superior performance after extreme heat exposure.

WHO CONDUCTED THE TESTS.

Underwriters Laboratories and Intertek tested the KrakenEXO®, in support of the NFPA 1961 Fire Hose Standard Committee, in order to develop new testing methods for fire hose.

HOW IS THE HOSE TESTED?

Standard Test Method

The New Standardized Test

First, the radiant heat test exposes the hose to extreme heat of 30 kw/m2 while pressurized to 150 PSI, measuring time until the hose loses 20 PSI.

Subsequently, the dynamic flow test measures the leakage while again pressurized to 150 PSI — estimating delivery performance after radiant heat exposure.

WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?

Shortly after exposure to extreme heat, our Mertex® hose produced self-protecting pinholes — weeping water that in turn prevented further damage. With minimal pressure and flow loss, the KrakenEXO® remained fully capable of fighting fire.

OUR HOSES SELF-PROTECT — THEY ARE DESIGNED TO WEEP SMALL AMOUNTS OF WATER SOON AFTER EXPOSURE IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE FURTHER DAMAGE AND FLOW LOSS

KrakenEXO VS Competitors

KrakenEXO® VS Competitors

2020 UL 19 RADIANT HEAT TEST RESULTS
KRAKENEXO® 1 3/4” YELLOW
EXPOSURE DURATION           1 MIN. 34 SECS.
AVERAGE LEAKAGE.05 GPM
MAXIMUM LEAKAGE.05 GPM
 
      
 

RADIANT HEAT TESTS MERTEX® POLYURETHANE LINED HOSE VS COMPETING THRU THE WEAVE LINED HOSE

STEP 1

2020 UL RADIANT HEAT TEST

Exposure Duration per 2020 UL Radiant Heat requirements (time until hose loses 20 PSI)

 

MERCEDES TEXTILES 1-3/4”
KRAKENEXO® MERTEX® LINED

EXPOSURE DURATION 1 MIN. 30 SEC.

COMPETITOR 1-3/4”
THRU THE WEAVE LINED

EXPOSURE DURATION 2 TO 4 MINUTES

STEP 2

HIGH PRESSURE TEST - 150 PSI

After the radiant heat tests, the hose is tested at 150 PSI and
the water loss is measured with a flow meter.

MERCEDES TEXTILES 1-3/4”
KRAKENEXO® MERTEX® LINED

AVERAGE LEAKAGE RATE 0.05 GPM

COMPETITOR 1-3/4”
THRU THE WEAVE LINED

60 TO 900 TIMES MORE WATER LOSS
THAN KRAKENEXO®



 
 
CONDUCTIVE HEAT TESTS

MERTEX® POLYURETHANE LINED HOSE VS SOME COMPETITORS RUBBER LINED HOSE

 
When exposed to conductive heat Mertex® lined hoses weep water to self-protect the reinforcing jacket. This Mertex® process tends to prevent yarn failure, whereas large serious holes could develop in some rubber lined hose. Test methods (NFPA 1961 and UL 19) were established in order to demonstrate these modes of failure.
 

KRAKENEXO® MERTEX® LINED HOSE REMAINED VIABLE EVEN AFTER HEAT EXPOSURE

SOME RUBBER LINED HOSE
ARE COMPROMISED

Test methods (NFPA 1961 and UL 19) were established in order to demonstrate these modes of failure.

 
HOSE LOOM WITH EXTRUDER
INNOVATIVE MERTEX® LINING PROCESS.
FIRST OF ITS KIND.
A unique Mertex® process designed especially for the manufacturing of fire hose was developed exclusively by Mercedes Textiles Limited. This process uses a lining material in a molten state, which is then introduced into the fabric jacket as it is being woven at the loom. No adhesives are used in this process. With this innovative technology, a smoother waterway is produced, yielding greater water flow.
MERTEX® PROCESS SYNTHETIC HOSE LINING
(smooth surface = less friction/greater flow)
MORE REASONS TO USE THE KRAKENEXO®.
  • UL listed to the latest NFPA 1961 revision
  • Creates an inseparable bond without the use of adhesives
  • No delamination
  • Smooth waterway yields extremely low friction loss
  • Lower elongation under pressure
  • Burst safety factor of 3.75 times the service pressure for greater security
  • Remains flexible to -65℉ / -55℃
  • Locks fibers together for greater strength while still allowing for high flexibility
  • Standard with Wayout® reflective recessed arrow couplings
  • 2-10-L warranty
  • Weighs less, kinks less, and flows more water
COMPETITOR'S SYNTHETIC HOSE LINING
(rough surface = less flow)
All fire hoses can burn. The results from the radiant heat test are based on controlled laboratory testing and do not represent actual conditions encountered during firefighting. These results are intended to be used as a baseline for hose comparison purposes only and are not indicative of specific field performance. Several factors can influence hose performance relative to radiant heat, please see Guidance for Lined Fire Hose and Hose Assembles, UL 19G for further information on these results.
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