Author Archives: Justin Greenia

  1. McGill Hose’s Increased Metal Hose Fabrication Capacity & NAHAD Exam Passers

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    In this quarter’s NAHAD Newsletter, McGill Hose highlighted our increased Metal Hose Fabrication capacity.

    With additional welding booths, custom equipment, and trained staff, we are excited to announce we have significantly increased our capacity in our Metal Hose Fabrication Department. Please reach out for customized quick ship needs! Also, we can laser etch assembly information directly on to the hoses as needed. McGill Hose leverages years of industry knowledge and increased inventory to better serve the larger and more complex requirements of the NAHAD Community and our customers.

    For any questions regarding this or any of our capabilities, please contact us at 413-525-3977 or sales@mcgillhose.com.

    We are also happy to announce that Sheila Bailey, Kris O’Connor, and Liam Walsh have all completed assorted courses within the NAHAD Hose Safety Institute.

  2. How Using Hose Tags Can Streamline Maintenance Programs – by Hose & Coupling World

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    Here is a link to the article as it is found on Hose & Coupling World’s website. Click here to go to that site.

    How Using Hose Tags Can Streamline Maintenance Programs

    Industrial fluid systems have dozens of hoses that control the flow of critical fluids from one part of the system to another. Putting mission-critical data on tags can help prevent significant downtime.

    By Brian Aplin, Field Engineering Supervisor, Swagelok Company

    To service hoses in flow control applications properly, technicians often need to get answers to questions such as:

    • What types of fluids are being transferred?
    • Are those fluids at high pressures or temperatures?
    • Are they potentially hazardous?
    • How long has each hose been in service?
    • What materials are the hoses made of? What sort of replacement is necessary?

    For scheduled maintenance or in the event of a failure, the technician must identify the answers to these questions, which may involve referencing the system’s schematics. During this time the system must be shut down to prevent potential leaks from occurring. This additional downtime can potentially hurt production and reduce profits of the systems involved.

    Fortunately, unplanned downtime can be reduced by tagging all parts of a fluid system, even those deemed less essential. Tags provide technicians access to mission-critical data more easily which allows for more effective preventive maintenance and reduced system interruptions, see Figure 1. In the end, it allows maintenance programs to run more efficiently and helps to keep plants operating at peak performance.

    Figure 1: Tagging hoses in your system can provide mission-critical data to technicians enabling more effective decisions.

    Start With a Plant Audit

    The most effective hose tagging programs begin by understanding what components exist within a plant. Typically, this involves implementing a full plant audit that identifies each hose, noting the type, part number, process fluid, pressure or temperature ratings, and vendor names and contact information in a spreadsheet.

    Once this initial information is logged, then it is time to provide additional details. In the case of hoses, that can include the length, size, core material and construction, reinforcement layers, end connections, and mounting. It may also include cover type, operating conditions, cleaning procedures as well as the date the hose was installed and when it is scheduled for replacement. This information will form the basis of the tagging program.

    Figure 2: Avoid unnecessary downtime and potential errors caused by additional system and component research by tagging hoses in the system.

    Tagging Leads to Proactive Maintenance

    Although most plants do tag major fluid system components, hoses are sometimes overlooked. Placing tags on these components can often reduce the amount of time it takes for technicians to identify if and when a component needs to be replaced, see Figure 2. Proper tagging will offer technicians’ information such as when the hose was last installed, what its core material is, and what fluid it is carrying. Knowing this essential data provides insight into when maintenance on the components is necessary before they completely break down, causing a systemwide shutdown for repairs.

    Tagging can also be used to alert technicians to problems with the equipment that have developed onsite. These insights provide a full maintenance history to technicians and may allow them to troubleshoot smaller issues before they become systemwide.

    Figure 3: To enhance the effectiveness of tags include:
    • Part Number
    • Date of manufacture
    • Trace identification number

    Additional information that can be included on the tag:
    • System media
    • Operating pressure
    • Operating temperature

    Efficiency Is Improved with Proper Information
    Though tagging allows for easy identification of components and provides essential maintenance data, tags are only as effective as the information they contain, Figure 3. At minimum, tags should include the part number, date of manufacture, and the trace identification number so it can be tracked to its initial order. Additional information that can be included on the tag includes system media, operating pressure, and temperature.
    In most cases, this information can be obtained from the component manufacturers themselves. Often, they will also supply specific tag styles that correspond with the individual plant’s needs or those of the industry. Some suppliers offer everything from simple metal tags to color-coded tags that wrap around the hose. Color-coding the tags allows workers to immediately identify the types of fluids or gases that are flowing through them, which reduces the chances of an error being made.

    The amount of information that can be included on the tags will depend on the tag style and size. For instance, a typical tag contains approximately five lines of text with room for roughly 25 characters per line. If the plant requires it, tags can be coated with silicone to keep contaminants out and make cleaning them easier. Having this information readily available allows maintenance technicians to service their systems more easily and efficiently, Figure 4.

    Figure 4: Technicians can add information each time a hose is serviced, making future maintenance easier and enabling the operator to trend issues with the system.

    Tags Tell the Story

    In the end, tagging all the elements of an industrial fluid system will reduce the amount of downtime the system requires; maintenance technicians will not be searching for schematics or doing research. Instead, they will have the necessary information readily available that will allow them to take preventive action to keep the system always operating at peak performance, which will improve the plant’s bottom line, Figure 5.

    If you are interested in how to create a full tagging system for your facility, start by consulting with your component supplier. They should be able to advise you on the best system for your specific applications to expedite maintenance, improve system safety, and reduce unnecessary downtime.

    Figure 5: Maintenance becomes more effective and efficient with detailed information at the maintenance team’s fingertips.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Brian Aplin is Field Engineering Supervisor for Swagelok Company.

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  3. Nitrogen Service Hose Reels – NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH MCGILL HOSE!

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    Hose Reel
    Nitrogen Service Hose Reel

    Safety, Quality, & DURABILITY

    Green powder coated stainless reel for nitrogen service

    When using nitrogen in your facility, safety is of the utmost concern. Ensure your team’s safety by using this N800 Hannay Reel specifically colored green to specify that it is being used for Nitrogen Service and fitted with green air hose. Not only will this reel identify where nitrogen is being used, it is made by HANNAY REELS, the benchmark for quality & safety in hose reels and fitted with CONTINENTAL air hose prepared for nitrogen use.

    View this spec sheet below for additional information, and then call us for how to order!

  4. FILL-RITE Pumps now available!!!

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    Fill-Rite Pumps Now Available at McGill Hose!

    FILL-RITE Fuel Transfer Pumps and Filters
    FILL-RITE Transfer Pumps and Filters

    McGill Hose is proud to now be carrying Fill-Rite dispensing products. In listening to our customers and their fluid dispensing needs, our decision was a no-brainer to carry this product. Fill-Rite’s reputation for designing and manufacturing rugged and reliable fuel transfer pumps, meters, and accessories is unmatched in the industry. You can find them on our shelves in East Longmeadow MA and East Providence RI, or by contacting us directly today.

    About Fill-Rite Pumps

    This video highlights the FR112 and FR152 hand pumps that are compatible with a gasoline, diesel, biodiesel (to B20), light hydraulic oils, and other fuels for applications where there is no power available, or for smaller fueling needs. The FR112 is a rotary pump, and operates by cranking the handle. The FR152 is a piston pump that operates by pumping the handle up and down.  

    Watch the videos below to learn more about Fill-Rite Pumps

  5. Enjoy your retirement, Patti!!!

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    HAPPY TRAILS TO A WONDERFUL LADY!!!

    After 20 years at McGill Hose & Coupling, we say so long to Patti Vangsness! Patti has been an integral member of our Accounting team since 2001, and we here at McGill Hose & Coupling wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life!

    She is excited to spend more time with her husband, Peter, as well as her children and grandchildren!

    Although we will miss her terribly, we are excited for her to enjoy all that retired life has to offer!

    Best wishes, Patti!!!

  6. IDCO Award Finalist

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    For Release March 15, 2021

    McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc. receives
    IDCO – outstanding member award

    Custom Hose Fabricator honored as IDCO Member of the Year Finalist. Overcomes challenges of 2020 with positive growth.


    East Longmeadow, MA— 10:00 AM
    McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc. announced today their nomination for IDCO (Industrial Distributor Cooperative)’s, Dixon LeGros Member of the Year Award, given to a member who over the past year utilizes IDCO’s supplier network to its fullest, enriches their employee’s industry knowledge through IDCO University, and maintains a high level of customer and supplier satisfaction.

    Successful 2020 Rooted in Employee Dedication, Customer Relationships

    “McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc’s success in 2020 was the result in large part due to our employees believing in our processes and direction. 

    Knowing that we would support them, they felt comfortable pivoting their schedules, work locations, priorities, as well as being flexible with other last-minute changes. I would also be remiss not to mention the strong relationships with our customers, new and old, that have been built on trust. 

    Customers were comfortable with us handling their business with little to no interruption, as they knew we could be flexible during difficult times in 2020.”, added Alex McGill.

    “To have our efforts and commitment recognized by this great organization, is a true honor.,” said Alex McGill, VP of Sales & Operations at McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc.

    Founded in 1962, McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc. has consistently been a fluid conveyance industry leader in the Northeast and is a single source for the most complete line of custom fabricated assemblies built from PTFE & flexible metal hose, fittings, and fluid handling components.

    Founded in 1993, IDCO (Industrial Distributor Cooperative) is the premier co-op for independent distributors serving the industrial community with hose, fittings, gaskets, rubber materials and related products.

    ###

    For more information, press only:

    Justin Greenia

    Marketing Manager – McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc

    413-530-3977

    marketing@mcgillhose.com

    www.mcgillhose.com

    Melissa Woodley

    Director of Marketing Services – IDCO

    256-485-6788

    melissa@idco-coop.com

    www.idco-coop.com

  7. COVID-19 Cleaning Chemical Compatibility Chart

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    During the global pandemic and fight against the COVID-19 virus, keeping surfaces and facilities disinfected has become a key component in maintaining business continuity. Eaton’s team of chemists and materials science technicians have completed research and put together a list of recommendations on compatibility between common cleaning chemicals and Fluid Conveyance products that we are eager to share with you.

    The list includes a number of anti-viral chemicals proven by the EPA to kill COVID-19 and other viruses.

  8. McGill Hose & Coupling recognized as a STAR Distributor – 15 YEARS IN A ROW!

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    Continental STAR hose distributor award

    McGill Hose Recognized as a Continental Distributor

    McGill Hose and Coupling, Inc. was recognized by ContiTech as a STAR Distributor for the 15th year in a row. We are proud of this distinction as it shows our dedication to fabricating the highest quality hose assemblies, using the highest quality products. We cherish the partnership with we have with a company like ContiTech. They are very supportive of our needs as a distributor, and share in the passion for ensuring the product that the end user has at their fingertips is assembled correctly and with the best materials.
  9. #IDCO Success Stories: Flexaust + McGill Hose & Coupling

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    Great relationships are grounded in mutual respect and trust. And, that is exactly what Endorsed IDCO 1st Supplier Flexaust and IDCO member McGill Hose & Coupling have built their business partnership on.

    Flexaust has been a long-term supplier to McGill, particularly through the firm’s Amesbury, MA, location.  Having a local manufacturing facility near McGill’s headquarters in East Longmeadow, MA has been a significant benefit for the IDCO member because Flexaust has been able to provide on-site technical support for McGill’s outside sales force and customers over the years. Together, they have been able to solve a number of ducting problems for McGill’s customers, including hi-temperature applications, transferring abrasives and venting chemical fumes. In addition, Flexaust provides everyday products to McGill that are used in lawn care by homeowners and small and large contractors, which are common in the region. (more…)