ISO 6807:2003

Overview - ISO 6807:2003 (rubber hoses for rotary drilling & vibration)

ISO 6807:2003 is the International Standard specifying requirements for textile- and steel-reinforced rubber hoses and hose assemblies used in rotary drilling and vibration applications. It covers hoses for pumping large volumes of water‑based and/or oil‑based drilling mud at high pressure, up to a maximum fluid temperature of 82 °C, with a minimum aniline point of 66 °C (per ISO 2977). The standard applies to hoses rated for ambient temperatures −20 °C to +52 °C, is focused on durability (ageing and tropical resistance) and expressly excludes hoses intended for gases.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Classification / Grades: Five pressure grades (A–E) defined by maximum working and proof pressures; burst pressure minima specified per grade.
• Materials & construction:
  • Lining: oil- and water‑resistant rubber.
  • Reinforcement: textile and/or steel layers.
  • Cover: oil-, abrasion- and weather‑resistant rubber with a longitudinal coloured lay line.
  • Couplings: carbon or stainless steel, traceable to steel manufacturer; line‑pipe threads allowed per ISO 10422.
• Dimensions & tolerances: Internal diameters, minimum bend radii and finished‑length tolerances specified (measured per ISO 4671).
• Physical properties (compound tests): tensile strength, elongation, accelerated ageing, ozone resistance, oil swell, abrasion limits (methods: ISO 37, ISO 188, ISO 1431-1, ISO 1817, ISO 4649).
• Performance tests:
  • Bend radius (ISO 1746), burst and hydrostatic tests (ISO 1402 and Annex A) including working/proof pressure behavior, twist/movement/elongation limits, and vacuum test (ISO 7233).
  • Marking, storage guidance (ISO 8331) and manufacturing traceability requirements.
• Design verification & testing frequency: Design verification on largest size at least every 5 years or upon design/material/manufacturer change (exceptions allowed with independent certification).

Applications and practical value

• Intended uses:
  • Flexible high‑pressure connections in the mud supply circuit (e.g., between standpipe and swivel).
  • Long rotary hoses between barges and offshore rigs (lengths >13.5 m).
  • Shorter vibrator hoses (≤9 m) to isolate vibration and accommodate misalignment.
• Practical benefits:
  • Ensures safety and reliability of high‑pressure mud handling systems.
  • Provides procurement and QA criteria for manufacturers, purchasers and testing labs.
  • Helps avoid premature failures from abrasion, oil exposure, ozone or ageing.

Who would use this standard

• Hose manufacturers and raw‑material specifiers
• Offshore/onshore drilling contractors and maintenance teams
• Procurement, QA/QC and engineering departments
• Test laboratories and certification bodies

Related standards

• ISO 2977 (aniline point), ISO 1402 (hydrostatic testing), ISO 4671 (dimensions), ISO 1746 (bending), ISO 7233 (vacuum test), ISO 8330/8331 (vocabulary, storage/use), ISO 10422 (line‑pipe threads).

Keywords: ISO 6807, rubber hoses, hose assemblies, rotary drilling, vibration hoses, drilling mud, high‑pressure hoses, burst pressure, hydrostatic testing, hose grading.