Choosing between hard wall mining hose and soft wall mining hose is an important part of selecting the right hose for your application. While both are used across mining and slurry transfer systems, they are designed for different duties and operating conditions.
Understanding the differences in construction, pressure capability, vacuum resistance, and handling can help improve reliability and reduce downtime.
What Is Hard Wall Mining Hose?
Hard wall mining hose is the most common style of mining hose used in the industry. It is suitable for both suction and discharge applications and is widely used across slurry handling systems such as process piping, tailings pipelines, pump suction spools, and dredge suction lines.
The key feature of hard wall hose is its reinforced construction with an internal wire helix. This wire helix supports the hose wall and prevents collapse under vacuum, making it ideal for suction lines and pump inlet duties. It also assists with pressure resistance, allowing our hard wall mining hoses to be manufactured with pressure ratings of up to 80 bar, depending on size and design.
What Is Soft Wall Mining Hose?
Soft wall mining hose does not contain a wire helix. Because of this, it is not suitable for suction or vacuum service and should only be used on discharge lines.
Unlike hard wall hose, soft wall hose naturally folds flat when not pressurised. Once pressure is applied, the hose opens up into its working shape. This makes it easier to move, handle, and store when not in use.
Soft wall hose is also lighter than hard wall hose, which can be a major benefit for temporary pipelines, mobile operations, or jobs requiring regular relocation. It can also be practical where hoses may be run over by equipment or flexed beyond the recommended radius, as the hose can flatten/ kink without any permanent damage.
Why Not Just Use Layflat Hose?
Soft wall hose is sometimes compared with layflat hose, but the two products are very different.
Layflat hose is generally designed for lighter-duty water transfer and lower pressure service. By comparison, soft wall mining hose is a heavy duty hand-made product lined with abrasion resistant rubber such as our Abrasatech compound.
It can be manufactured with built-in flanges and designed for much higher pressures than achievable with layflat.
This makes soft wall hose a far better option where slurry, higher pressure, or mining duty conditions are involved.
| Application | Recommended Hose Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hose requires vacuum resistance for pump inlet or suction duty | Hard Wall Mining Hose | Internal wire helix prevents collapse under vacuum |
| Hose will operate under high pressure | Hard Wall Mining Hose | Wire helix and textile reinforcement is better suited to higher working pressures |
| Hose will be flexed beyond its recommend radius | Soft Wall Mining Hose | No wire helix removes the risk of permanent damage after kinking |
| Hose will be used on the discharge side of a pump or dredge | Hard Wall or Soft Wall Mining Hose | Both options can be suitable for discharge only applications |
| Hose must flex while maintaining round shape | Hard Wall Mining Hose | Holds shape during movement and bending |
| Lightweight temporary discharge line for dewatering | Layflat Hose | Easy to move, deploy and store for water transfer |
| Abrasive slurry discharge | Soft Wall Mining Hose | Higher pressure capability with high abrasion resistance |
| Permanent slurry process piping or tailings pipeline | Hard Wall Mining Hose | Durable solution for high wear resistance |
| Hose may be driven over by equipment | Soft Wall Mining Hose | Can flatten and recover without permanent damage |
Final Thoughts
The key difference between hard wall mining hose and soft wall mining hose is construction and intended duty.
Hard wall hose is the standard all-round option for suction and discharge applications. Soft wall hose is discharge only, but offers fold-flat storage, lighter handling, and practical benefits for temporary or mobile operations.
Choosing the right hose for the application can significantly improve hose life, ease of use, and total operating cost.
Please reach out to our team if you are still unsure on the right hose for your application.
