IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO HOSE

摘要

The invention relates to composite hose, which is capable of being used without leakage, and which has a longer length and/or diameter than has been previously achievable. A composite hose (10) comprises a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension. The hose (10) can have length above 30m and a diameter above 400mm. A method of, and apparatus for, making the hose (10) are also described, which involves the use of a non-metallic mandrel.