The NUOENWEI HOSE RETRIEVER for PCAir SYSTEM is a high-performance, spiral-wound ducting solution specifically developed for aircraft ground air conditioning systems. It delivers cold or warm, high-pressure air from PCA units to aircraft cabins with minimal thermal loss and maximum operational reliability.
The hose consists of three fabric layers securely connected by steel spiral reinforcement. It is constructed from a spiral-wound fabric tape joined by a specially engineered steel wire that is bent and clamped together with the fabric tape. The steel spiral body does not cover PVC strips, with a spacing of 12 cm between spirals and a wire diameter of 5 mm.
Mechanical Crimping, No Welding: The steel wire is connected to the fabric via mechanical crimping, eliminating the need for welding processes. This results in extended hose service life and superior operability.
Reduced Friction: Compared to PVC strip-based alternatives, the steel wire design generates less friction on wing surfaces.
Enhanced Compression Ratio: The absence of black PVC stripes increases the hose's compression ratio, allowing for more compact storage.
Standard Length: 7 meters, connected via industrial-grade zipper and Velcro fasteners.
End Fitting: The hose terminates with a 14-inch to 8-inch fabric reducer cone for connection to standard aircraft adapters.
The NUOENWEI HOSE RETRIEVER for PCAir SYSTEM is an engineered, spiral-wound ducting solution designed specifically as the operational component of automated Hose Retriever (HR) systems. It forms the critical link between ground-based Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) units and aircraft, delivering temperature-controlled air with maximum efficiency and reliability. Constructed with an internal steel wire core, an external steel reinforcing strip, and a triple-layer insulated fabric build, this hose ensures leak-free performance, thermal efficiency, and long-term durability under constant movement and high pressure.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | NUOENWEI |
| Product Name | Hose Retriever (HR) Hose for PCAir SYSTEM |
| Steel Spiral Outer Diameter | 375 mm |
| Hose Diameter | 14 inches (356 mm) (customizable) |
| Standard Length | 7 meters (customizable) |
| Fabric Material (Inner & Outer) | PVC-coated polyester fabric |
| Insulation Layer | Polyethylene (PE) foam, 2–5 mm thickness; trapped air provides additional insulation |
| Spiral Reinforcement | Internal steel wire core (copper-coated); External cold-formed steel strip |
| Steel Spiral Pitch | 12 cm |
| Steel Wire Diameter | 5 mm |
| Weight | 2.8 kg/m |
| Tensile Strength | 2700 N/5 cm (ISO 1421/1); 270 N (DIN 53363) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.06 W/mK |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Working Pressure | Up to 12,000 Pa |
| Test Pressure | 20,000 Pa |
| Connection Type | Industrial zipper (slide fastener) + Velcro covering joint |
| End Fitting | 14-inch to 8-inch fabric reducer cone (for aircraft adapter) |
| Flammability Standard | UL94 VTM-0 |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, UL94 VTM-0, |
Engineered for Automated Hose Retriever Systems
The NUOENWEI HOSE RETRIEVER for PCAir SYSTEM is the core moving component of Hose Retriever systems, enabling safe, hands-free deployment and retraction directly from PCA units. Engineered to be deployed and retracted automatically, it delivers temperature-controlled air from the PCA source directly to the aircraft interface. This automation-ready design significantly reduces labor requirements and enhances operational safety on the apron.
Modular Zip & Velcro Connection
Industrial-grade zippers with Velcro seals allow for quick, tool-free assembly of hose sections. Standardized Start, Intermediate, and Final sections enable customizable total lengths and easy section replacement—drastically reducing downtime and maintenance costs compared to replacing an entire hose. This modular approach provides unparalleled flexibility in configuring hose length to suit any gate setup.
Superior Thermal Insulation
Triple-layer construction—PVC-coated polyester fabric / PE foam / PVC-coated polyester fabric—minimizes thermal loss, prevents condensation, and maintains air temperature from source to aircraft. The air trapped between layers provides significant additional insulation. This thermal efficiency translates directly into energy savings and consistent cabin comfort for passengers.
Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio
With a high tensile strength of 2700 N/5 cm (ISO 1421/1), the hose withstands significant pulling forces during deployment and retraction. Meanwhile, a low weight of 2.8 kg/m reduces the load on the HR system for energy-efficient operation. This optimal balance of strength and weight ensures reliable performance without overburdening the retrieval mechanism.
High Compression Ratio
The hose can be compressed to one-ninth of its extended length, drastically saving storage space on mobile PCA trucks or within fixed HR housing. This 1:9 compression ratio, made possible by the absence of rigid PVC stripes, allows for compact coiling and efficient use of valuable ground support equipment space.
Mechanical Crimping for Extended Lifespan
Unlike traditional welded connections, the steel wire is mechanically crimped to the fabric—eliminating weak points and heat-affected zones. This results in maximum extension life and superior operability, ensuring the hose withstands thousands of retraction and extension cycles without premature failure.
Aviation-Grade Fire Safety
The hose meets stringent fire resistance standards, including NFPA 701 and UL94 VTM-0 certifications. This ensures compliance with aviation and ground support safety regulations, providing peace of mind in high-risk airport environments.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
Rated for reliable operation from -20°C to +70°C, the hose performs consistently in diverse climatic conditions—from freezing winter tarmacs to scorching summer aprons.
Aircraft Ground Air Conditioning (PCAir Systems)
The primary application for the NUOENWEI HOSE RETRIEVER for PCAir SYSTEM is delivering preconditioned air to parked aircraft. The hose connects ground-based PCA units to aircraft cabins, providing temperature-controlled air that keeps passengers comfortable while the aircraft's own auxiliary power unit (APU) remains off—reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution at the gate.
Airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
The hose integrates seamlessly into the fleet of ground support vehicles and fixed HR systems. Whether mounted on mobile PCA trucks or installed in fixed ground-based housings, the hose's modular design and automation-ready construction make it an ideal component for modern GSE operations.
Maintenance Hangar Air Ventilation
The hose serves as effective ducting for climate control within large hangar facilities. During aircraft maintenance, it delivers conditioned air to specific work areas or directly into aircraft interiors, ensuring comfortable working conditions for maintenance crews.
Mobile and Fixed HVAC Ducting for Aviation
Beyond PCA applications, the hose provides a reliable solution for other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs in aviation environments. Its flexibility, thermal insulation, and durable construction make it suitable for various temporary and permanent ducting installations.
Airport Gate Operations
At busy airport gates, the hose enables rapid connection and disconnection between PCA units and aircraft. The modular zipper and Velcro system allows ground crews to quickly assemble the exact length needed for each gate configuration, minimizing turnaround time and maximizing operational efficiency.