The Swedish company Trelleborg , a global damping and sealing systems specialist, has developed the Wear Indicator System (WIS) to monitor rubber hoses. It requires hose models that incorporate copper strands into the core, that is, the layer that comes into contact with the product. The strands are connected with a special seal via an electronic sensor and a display device. If one of the strands is damaged, red LEDs light up and an e-mail is sent to the operator by radio. The system also informs him when it is time to completely replace a hose.

Trelleborg is already using the system on the Performer GL AD10H hose model, which was designed especially for the hydraulic and pneumatic transport of abrasive materials. The manufacturer plans to expand the offer and extend it to hoses for the chemical, oil and food industries.