CORE technology
Innovations
A revolutionary turning point in rescue tool technology making your procedures safer, quicker and easier.
What is CORE Technology?
CORE or COaxial Rescue Equipment Technology refers to the way hydraulic oil is directed from the pump to the tool and vice versa. A traditional dual hose (twin line) system consists of separate pressure and return hoses connecting pump and rescue tool. A CORE system consists of only one hose: a high pressure inner hose surrounded and protected by a low pressure outer hose. What makes this coaxial hose design possible is our patented CORE coupler. This coupler has a built-in, automatic return valve that eliminates the need for a dump valve on the pump. Switch tools any time: Simply connect the hose and you’re ready to go!
Why CORE Technology?
CORE Technology is a revolutionary turning point in rescue tool technology. More than just a new tool, hose or pump it is a new hydraulic system that fundamentally changes the extrication process. When lives are at stake, it’s all about speed and safety. Compared to working with a traditional system, working with CORE is safer, quicker & easier. Once you try CORE Technology and discover its unprecedented benefits, you will not want to go back to a traditional system.
Safer
Why working with CORE Technology is safer:
One-hose system (hose in hose), protected power
- High pressure hose inside and protected by low pressure hose
- Increased safety for the rescuer
Para-aramid fiber reinforced hose (no steel)
- High pressure hose inside and protected by low pressure hose
According to international safety norms
- 4:1 safety ratio for both pressure and return lines
- Tested by independent bodies according to EN 13204 and NFPA 1936 (certificates available)
Safety couplers
- One step auto-lock coupler: Couples and locks in just one push
- Two step uncoupling system: Accidental uncoupling impossible during rescue operation
Hose testing
- Holmatro tests every individual hose according to all appropriate safety norms
Quicker and Easier
Why working with CORE Technology is quicker and easier.
Simple set up
- Connect CORE hose to pump or tool with or without pump running
Change tools under flow
- Quick: Change tools any time without operating a release valve on the pump
- Efficient: Saves precious manpower
Para-aramid reinforced hose
- Lightweight: about 40% lighter than traditional steel reinforced hoses
- No kinking
- Easy to handle / manoeuvre
- Easy to roll and unroll
Unique patented CORE couplers
- 360° rotating couplers on both tool and pump: No hose entanglement
- Maintenance friendly flat face couplers: Easy to clean and no dirt inside
Coupler mounted directly on the tools (no pigtail hoses)
- Compact: Saves space in rescue vehicle
- Tool coupler not lying in the dirt
- No swinging pigtail hoses when carrying the tool
Coupling and uncoupling with one hand
- You can (dis)connect a tool with one hand while standing
- Special grips at both hose ends
FAQ
Do you have a question about Holmatro’s CORE system? Find the answer below or contact Holmatro or your local dealer.
Is the CORE Technology hose/coupler system NFPA and EN Compliant?
Yes. The CORE hose has been tested by independent third parties according to both EN 13204 and NFPA 1936 standards. Holmatro and its local dealers can provide documentation on request.
What happens when you disconnect the coupler while under flow?
The ability to couple and uncouple tools under flow (pump running, hose connected, but tool control handle not activated) is one of the main advantages of CORE Technology. When uncoupling under flow, the coupler’s built-in automatic return valve is activated and the oil automatically returns to the pump.What happens when you disconnect the coupler while under pressure?
What happens when you disconnect the coupler while under pressure?
As with a standard dual hose / twin line system, it is very unlikely that you will be able to disconnect the coupler under pressure (during the process of spreading, cutting, etc.). However, if by some chance you were able to disconnect under pressure, CORE Technology has the advantage of a built-in automatic return in the coupler. If a coupler is disconnected, the oil automatically returns to the pump through recirculation that removes any pressure immediately.
Is it possible to make a wrong connection?
It is virtually impossible to make a mistake with CORE Technology system connections. Like using a fire hose or an electrical extension cord, there is a male and female end to a CORE hose. The power units have female connectors and the tools have male connectors. With only one connection per tool, there is only one way to connect the hose (The right way!).
When rolling out a dual / twin line hose, it doesn’t matter which end is extended to the tool because it can be used in either direction. With a uni-directional CORE hose, couldn’t you waste a lot of time advancing the wrong end to the tool?
With CORE Technology there is no need to waste time rolling the hose out before you connect it. Male and female CORE couplers swivel a full 360°. It is now possible to connect the hose to the pump and the tool while the hose is still coiled. As you advance the tool toward the action circle, the hose spins freely and uncoils while you walk, saving valuable time. If you still want to lay out the hose before you make your connections, the CORE hose is imprinted with icons indicating the direction of flow, allowing you to determine which end goes to the tool, even if you start in the middle of the hose.
Where did the return line go?
The pressure and return line are both contained in the coaxial design of the hose. The pressure line is at the core, surrounded and protected by the low pressure return hose.
How much pressure is in the inner and in the outer hose?
A CORE Technology system operates at the same pressures as a standard dual hose / twin line system. The high pressure hose is inside and protected by the the low pressure outer hose. The inner hose has a maximum working pressure of 720 bar / 10,500 psi, with a 4:1 safety factor.The outer hose is the low pressure return line, which has a maximum working pressure of 25 bar / 363 psi, with a 4:1 safety factor. However, under normal operating conditions the pressure in this hose is only a few bar / psi.
What happens if the inner hose gets damaged?
As the high pressure inner hose is inside and protected by the low pressure outer hose, it is very unlikely that it gets damaged. In the unlikely event that the inner hose is damaged, any leaks will be contained by the outer low pressure return line. When the pressure within the inner hose is released, either through a valve or a leak, the pump automatically switches back to its first stage (low pressure) and the flow circulates through the outer hose, back to the pump.
What happens if the outer hose gets damaged?
As the CORE hose is reinforced with a para-aramid fiber instead of steel wire it is not susceptible to kinking or pinholes. Therefore it will not easily get damaged. However, should you notice any damage, immediately take the hose out of service and contact Holmatro or your authorized Holmatro dealer to repair or replace is. As the outer hose is the low pressure line, a leak would pose far less risk to the user than with a traditional dual hose / twin line system.
What is the maximum hose length I can use?
Although the CORE hose remains effective at much longer lengths, to provide the best tool performance (considering transit and pressurization times) Holmatro recommends a maximum length of 50 m / 150”.
Can I convert my Holmatro dual hose / twin line system to CORE Technology?
In most cases: Yes. Holmatro offers conversion kits for both tools and pumps. Contact Holmatro or your authorized Holmatro dealer to upgrade your equipment to a CORE system.
What happens with thermal expansion on the CORE hose?
As with any closed hydraulic circuit, thermal expansion will cause the internal pressure to increase. Should this occur with your CORE hose, you can release the pressure using the pressure release device supplied on the power unit.