Hose

Abstract

A hose (200) is described that includes a first portion (210) having a cross-sectional area A1 and a second portion (220) having a cross-sectional area A2. The first portion is in fluid communication with the second portion, and in use, the first portion is upstream of the second portion. Additionally, A1 is at least twice the size of A2. A method of using and dispensing a slurry with the hose is also described.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose, and more particularly to a hose for producing building products from gypsum slurry. Background Art

[0002] The production of building products such as gypsum boards involves mixing gypsum slurry in a mixer. Various types of mixers are well known in the art, the most common types being tangential outlet mixers and bottom outlet mixers. In the case of using a bottom outlet mixer, a hose is connected to the bottom of the mixer to guide the gypsum slurry from the mixer to the forming table. Alternatively, a tangential outlet mixer can be used. The gypsum slurry exits from the side of the tangential outlet mixer and then moves via a tank into the hose. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The Applicant has found that in the case of using a bottom outlet mixer, the rotational movement of the gypsum slurry in the mixer propagates through the hose, resulting in a significant rotational component in the flow of the gypsum slurry within the hose.

[0004] The Applicant has also found that a rotational component exists within the hose connected to the tangential outlet mixer. Here, the tank introduces the rotational component into the flow of the gypsum slurry. Thus, regardless of whether a bottom outlet mixer or a tangential outlet mixer is used, the gypsum slurry entering the hose has a rotational component to its flow.

[0005] When producing building products, the rotational component associated with the gypsum flow can prove problematic. In the case where the gypsum slurry exits the hose via a single outlet onto the forming table, the rotational component of the fluid flow can cause uneven spreading of the gypsum slurry on the forming table. In the case where the gypsum slurry exits the hose via multiple outlets onto the forming table, the rotational component present in the gypsum slurry flow can cause even greater problems. Here, different volumes of gypsum slurry can exit each individual outlet, which is challenging when uniform spreading of the gypsum slurry on the forming table is required.

[0006] In view of the above, it is desirable to reduce the rotational component in the flow of the gypsum slurry within the hose. The Applicant has understood that a reduction in the rotational component of the gypsum slurry within the hose can result in more uniform spreading of the gypsum slurry on the forming table. The present invention seeks to address at least this problem.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hose for producing a building product from a gypsum slurry, the hose comprising a first part having a cross-sectional area A1 and a second part having a cross-sectional area A2, the first part being in fluid communication with the second part, wherein, in use, the first part is upstream of the second part, wherein A1 is at least twice the size of A2, wherein the hose comprises a third part, the third part comprising a cross-sectional area A3 located between the first part and the second part, wherein the first part is connected to the third part by an elbow, wherein the first part comprises a longest dimension d1 in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and wherein the elbow comprises an outer radius of curvature of at least half of d1.

[0008] In this way, a hose is provided which increases the uniformity of the spread of the fluid (most commonly a gypsum slurry) over the surface. The applicant has carried out numerical modelling and physical experiments which show that providing a hose with the above characteristics results in improved flow characteristics. The applicant believes that these improved flow characteristics are due to a number of phenomena within the claimed hose, the most important of which among these characteristics is the formation of a recirculation zone within the body of the hose, which recirculation zone serves to disrupt the rotational component of the fluid flow as it enters the hose. Typically, when producing a building product from a gypsum slurry, this rotational component is introduced into the gypsum stream via a bottom outlet mixer or a tangential outlet mixer tank.

[0009] Preferably, A1 is the maximum cross-sectional area of the first part. Preferably, A2 is the minimum cross-sectional area of the second part.

[0010] A1 is at least twice the size of A2. More preferably, A1 is at least three times the size of A2. Where the dimensions of the hose meet these limitations, the recirculation zone within the hose is larger and more significant, ensuring that the rotational component of the gypsum stream is more effectively disrupted, thereby increasing the uniformity of any flow leaving the hose.

[0011] Preferably, the size of A1 is at most four times the size of A2. While the applicant's modelling work shows that the beneficial effect of increasing the ratio of A1 to A2 continues above this value, this upper limit is generally preferred as it ensures that the hose can be fitted into existing gypsum board production systems and does not become unnecessarily large.

[0012] The hose includes a third part that includes a cross-sectional area A3 located between the first part and the second part. Preferably, A1 is equal to or greater than A3. Preferably, A1 is at most four times the size of A3. Where A3 ≤ A1 ≤ 4A3, the fluid flow in the hose creates vortices when it encounters the constriction of the third part. When the fluid enters the constriction, this vortex effectively cancels out the rotational component of the fluid, resulting in a well-balanced flow leaving the hose. Preferably, A3 is the minimum cross-sectional area of the third part.

[0013] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first part is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the third part. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first part is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second part. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the second part is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third part.

[0014] The first part is connected to the third part through an elbow. The first part includes a longest dimension d1 in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. More preferably, d1 is the longest dimension of the first part in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, where the plane is the plane of the first part closest to the elbow. The elbow includes an outer radius of curvature that is at least half of d1. Preferably, the elbow includes an outer radius of curvature that is at most twice d1. Advantageously, the radius of curvature within this range increases the size of the recirculation region within the hose.

[0015] Preferably, the elbow includes a continuous outer radius of curvature. Alternatively, the elbow includes a variable outer radius of curvature.

[0016] Preferably, the elbow includes an inner radius of curvature ((R In ), where the inner radius of curvature is equal to the outer radius of curvature minus d1. When the outer radius of curvature is less than or equal to d1, the inner radius of curvature is equal to zero. Preferably, the inner radius of curvature lies in the range 0 ≤ R In ≤ d1. More preferably, the inner radius of curvature is equal to zero.

[0017] Preferably, the second part includes at least two sub-parts, where the total cross-sectional area of the sub-parts is equal to A2. In the case where the second part includes multiple sub-parts, A2 is considered the cumulative total cross-sectional area of all the sub-parts. In the case where the second part includes multiple sub-parts, the non-uniform spreading of the fluid leaving the hose can generally be regarded as different volumes of fluid leaving each individual outlet. In the case where the second part includes a single outlet without sub-parts, the non-uniform spreading of the fluid leaving the second part can generally be observed via the preferential spreading of the fluid on a forming table or the like.

[0018] Preferably, the sub-parts diverge as they extend away from the first part. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of each sub-part within the multiple sub-parts is substantially equal.

[0019] Preferably, the first part includes a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the second part includes a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the third part includes a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the sub-parts within the plurality of sub-parts include a substantially circular cross-section. Any combination of the described cross-sections is envisioned.

[0020] Preferably, the first part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along most of its length. More preferably, the first part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 75% of its length. More preferably, the first part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 90% of its length. Most preferably, the first part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along its entire length.

[0021] Preferably, the second part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along most of its length. More preferably, the second part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 75% of its length. More preferably, the second part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 90% of its length. Most preferably, the second part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along its entire length.

[0022] Preferably, in the case where the second part includes a plurality of sub-parts, each sub-part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along most of its length. More preferably, each sub-part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 75% of its length. More preferably, each sub-part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 90% of its length. Most preferably, each sub-part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along its entire length.

[0023] Preferably, the third part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along most of its length. More preferably, the third part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 75% of its length. More preferably, the third part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along at least 90% of its length. Most preferably, the third part has substantially the same cross-sectional area along its entire length.

[0024] Preferably, the second part extends below the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the third part. Preferably, the second part is longer than the first part. Preferably, the hose comprises plastic. More preferably, the hose consists essentially of plastic.

[0025] Preferably, the hose includes a plane of mirror symmetry. More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first part, the second part or the third part lies in the plane of mirror symmetry.

[0026] A second aspect of the invention lies in the use of the hose as described above in the manufacture of building products.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a gypsum slurry, the method comprising providing a hose having a plurality of dispensing portions, wherein the hose comprises at least two portions having respective cross-sectional areas A1 and A2, and wherein the ratio of A1 to A2 is such that the flow asymmetry in the dispensing portions is less than 1%.

[0028] Preferably, the method is a method of dispensing a gypsum slurry to produce a gypsum-based product.

[0029] Preferably, the method further comprises providing a mixer, providing a forming table, and dispensing the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto the forming table via the hose.

[0030] Preferably, the hose is the hose previously described.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a gypsum product, the method comprising the steps of: mixing a gypsum slurry in a mixer, discharging the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto a forming table via a hose as previously described, and solidifying the gypsum slurry.

[0032] Preferably, the step of solidifying the gypsum slurry comprises heating the slurry.

[0033] Preferably, the step of mixing the slurry comprises mixing the slurry in a tangential outlet mixer or a bottom outlet mixer.

[0034] Preferably, the gypsum slurry contains foam. More preferably, the method comprises adding foam to the gypsum slurry in the tank of a tangential outlet mixer. The foam is used to reduce the density of the gypsum product. A lightweight gypsum product is prepared by including an increased amount of foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is an image of a prior art hose for manufacturing building products;

[0037] Figure 2 is an image of a hose according to the present invention for manufacturing building products;

[0038] Figure 3 is a graph showing the right / left flow non-uniformity of a hose system in numerical modeling;

[0039] Figure 4 is a graph showing the effect of changing the ratio of A1 to A2 on the modeled flow deviation;

[0040] Figure 5 is a graph showing the effect of changing the ratio of A1 to A3 on the modeled flow deviation; and

[0041] Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of changing the outer radius of curvature of the elbow section on the modeled flow rate deviation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] First, turn to Figure 1 , which shows the boot or hose 100 known in the prior art. As can be seen from the illustration of Figure 1 , the hose includes a first portion 110 and a second portion 120, and the second portion 120 includes two sub-portions 121. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 are in fluid communication, and the first portion 110 is connected to a tank (not shown) of a tangential outlet mixer (not shown).

[0043] From Figure 1 it can be seen that, as part of the building product manufacturing process, the hose 100 distributes the gypsum slurry 160 onto the forming table 170 during use. Here, the building product formed is a lightweight gypsum board.

[0044] Figure 1 Also shown is the non-uniform nature of the distribution of the gypsum slurry 160 from the prior art hose 100 onto the forming table 170. The flow rate of the gypsum slurry 160 from the right sub-portion 121 of the second portion 120 is much greater than the flow rate of the gypsum slurry 160 leaving the left sub-portion 121 of the second portion 120, as can be seen by the distance that the gypsum slurry 160 extends along the length of the forming table 170 from each sub-portion 121. The distance between the ends of the gypsum slurry extending from each sub-portion is marked as X1 on Figure 1 .

[0045] Now, turn to Figure 2 , which shows the hose 200 according to the present invention. As can be seen from the illustration of Figure 2 , the hose includes a first portion 210, a second portion 220 including two sub-portions 221, and a third portion 230 located between the first portion 210 and the second portion 220. Each of the first portion 210, the second portion 220, and the third portion 230 is in fluid communication with each other, and the first portion 210 is connected to a tank (not shown) of a tangential outlet mixer (not shown). The hose also includes an elbow connecting the first portion 210 to the third portion 230.

[0046] From Figure 2 it can be seen that, as part of the building product manufacturing process, the boot or hose 200 distributes the gypsum slurry 260 onto the forming table 270 during use. Here, the building product formed is again a lightweight gypsum board having the same formulation as that used for producing Figure 1 .

[0047] Contrary to Figure 1 ​Figure 2 shows that the hose 200 distributes the plaster slurry 260 much more evenly across the forming table than Figure 1 the prior art hose 100. Although the flow rate of the plaster slurry 260 from the right sub - part 221 of the second section 220 is still greater than the flow rate of the plaster slurry 260 leaving the left sub - part 221 of the second section 220, the difference between the two sub - parts 221 is greatly reduced. The length X2 is much smaller than the length X1, indicating that the hose 200 greatly increases the uniformity of the flow through the two sub - parts 221.

[0048] Although the hose 200 has distinct advantages compared to the prior art hose 100, the two hoses differ from each other in many design features. Therefore, in order to isolate the design features that contribute to the improved flow characteristics of the hose 200, numerical modeling was carried out.

[0049] Numerical modeling

[0050] Base model

[0051] As a first stage to ensure reliable data, a numerical model was developed to replicate Figure 1 and Figure 2 the physical results observed in Figure 1 and Figure 2 . For this purpose, the numerical modeling was carried out using the ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamics package with a continuous single - phase model. Within the framework of the model, the foamed plaster slurry used in the experiments depicted in

[0052] was modeled as an effectively incompressible fluid with non - Newtonian rheology. In addition, the rheological law used in the model was Herschel - Bulkley rheology, and the coefficients used in the model were based on experimental measurements with a laboratory rheometer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Additionally, to replicate the test conditions used to produce the images in

[0053] For comparison Figure 1 the prior art hose 100 with Figure 2 the effects of the hose 200 depicted in Figure 3 are depicted in

[0054] Figure 3 depicts the flow non-uniformity in the right and left sub-parts of both the prior art hose 100 and Figure 2 hose 200. When calculating the flow non-uniformity, the flow rate through each sub-part is calculated using the following equation:

[0055] Q Slurry = ∫ Ω u t dΩ

[0056] where u t is the local velocity transverse to the cross-sectional area, and Ω is the integral area of the cross-section. Then the right / left non-uniformity is determined as the percentage difference between the flow rates of the left and right sub-parts.

[0057] From Figure 3 it can be seen that the numerical model successfully replicated the results seen during the use of the prior art hose 100 and Figure 2 hose 200. Since the baseline model has been successfully established, a parametric study is conducted to isolate the characteristics of hose 200 that result in the observed reduction in flow non-uniformity.

[0058] Parametric study

[0059] In the parametric analysis, the prior art hose 100 shown in Figure 1 is taken as the baseline. Various dimensions and characteristics of the prior art hose 100 are individually changed, and in turn, those dimensions and characteristics that affect the right / left non-uniformity of the hose are isolated.

[0060] During the parametric study, the following characteristics are determined to affect the right / left non-uniformity of the hose.

[0061] First part and second part - ratio of cross-sectional areas

[0062] The parametric study shows that the ratio of the size of the cross-sectional area of the first part (A1) to the cross-sectional area of the second part (A2) has the greatest impact on the right / left uniformity of the hose. In these calculations, A1 is considered the total cross-sectional area of the first part. A2 is considered the total cross-sectional area of the second part, which in this case is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the two sub-parts of the hose.

[0063] From Figure 4 it can be seen that when the ratio of A1 to A2 reaches 1, an improvement in right / left non-uniformity can be seen. However, when the ratio of A1 to A2 is 2 or higher, the greatest improvement in right / left non-uniformity can be seen.

[0064] The ratio of A1 to A2 has a very strong influence on the right / left non-uniformity of the hose, and controlling this ratio alone is sufficient to reduce the right / left non-uniformity of the hose to an acceptable level. From the analysis of the numerical data, the applicant hypothesizes that the reduced non-uniformity seen when the ratio of A1 to A2 increases is due to the generation of a recirculation region within the hose. The applicant believes that when the gypsum slurry enters the hose, this recirculation region disrupts the rotational component of the gypsum slurry flow. This disruption of the rotational component of the fluid flow effectively reduces the swirl of the gypsum slurry, regardless of its source: directly from the mixer (such as in a bottom outlet mixer) or due to the tank (such as in a tangential outlet mixer). Thus, for both tangential outlet mixers and bottom outlet mixers, increasing the ratio of A1 to A2 improves the uniformity of the flow leaving the hose.

[0065] Ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the first part and the third part

[0066] The parametric study further reveals that the ratio of the dimensions of the cross-sectional area of the first part (A1) to the cross-sectional area of the third part (A3) also affects the right / left uniformity of the modeled hose. In these calculations, A1 is again considered the total cross-sectional area of the first part. Additionally, A3 is considered the total cross-sectional area of the third part.

[0067] As Figure 5 shown, the parametric study indicates that an improvement in the right / left uniformity of the modeled hose can be seen when the ratio of A1 to A3 reaches 1. A more significant improvement in the right / left uniformity of the model hose can be seen when the ratio of A1 to A3 is in the range of 2 to 3. Finally, the numerical modeling conducted shows that once the ratio of A1 to A3 exceeds 4, the right / left uniformity of the modeled hose decreases again.

[0068] Although controlling the ratio of A1 to A3 has a strong influence on the right / left uniformity of the hose, controlling this ratio is not as powerful as controlling the ratio of A1 to A2. From the analysis of the numerical data, the applicant hypothesizes that the change in right / left non-uniformity observed when the ratio of A1 to A3 is changed is the result of a change in the recirculation seen in the elbows of the hose. As previously mentioned, the gypsum slurry entering the hose from the tank of the tangential mixer has a rotational component to its flow. This is also the case if the gypsum slurry enters the hose directly from the bottom outlet mixer.

[0069] In the case where A3 is less than A1 or the same size as A1, the gypsum slurry flow generates swirl when it encounters the restriction of the third part. In the Figure 5 range highlighted, the applicant believes that when the gypsum slurry enters the restriction, this swirl effectively cancels out the rotational component of the gypsum slurry, thus producing a well-balanced flow. When the ratio of A1 to A3 increases beyond Figure 5In the case of the highlighted ratio, the right / left non-uniformity increases again, apparently due to the large change in cross-sectional area as it enters the third section introducing its own rotational component into the flow.

[0070] Elbow - Outer curvature radius

[0071] Certain embodiments of the present invention include an elbow or transition section that (1) connects a first section to a second section, where there are only two sections, or (2) connects a first section to a third section, where there are three sections. In these embodiments, the elbow has a direct impact on the right / left non-uniformity of the hose.

[0072] The shape of the elbow and the transition between the first and third sections can be described by the outer curvature radius R of the elbow Ex The outer curvature radius of the elbow is measured as the maximum curvature radius of the elbow, as Figure 6 shown.

[0073] In the presence of an elbow, parametric studies have shown that modifying R Ex can improve the right / left uniformity of the flow. These effects are also shown in Figure 6 When the first section is considered to have the longest internal dimension in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis d1, the numerical modeling performed has shown that when R Ex is equal to half of d1, an improvement in right / left non-uniformity is seen. The numerical modeling performed has shown that in the case where R Ex was equal to twice d1 before decreasing, these improvements still exist. These findings are shown in Figure 6 again.

[0074] Once again, the numerical model shows that controlling R with respect to d1 Ex has an impact on the right / left uniformity of the hose. However, this effect is not as obvious as changing the ratio of A1 to A2 and changing the ratio of A1 to A3. In addition, the analysis performed by the applicant further shows that controlling R with respect to d1 Ex has no impact on the right / left non-uniformity of the hose unless the control of the ratio of A1 to A2 has introduced a recirculation zone into the hose.

[0075] The numerical modeling performed by the applicant has shown that the improvement in right / left non-uniformity seen within the following ranges

[0076]

[0077] is due to the extension of the recirculation zone within the hose. This extension of the recirculation zone ensures that the rotational component of the gypsum slurry flow entering the hose is disrupted before the gypsum slurry reaches the second section, thereby increasing flow uniformity.

[0078] Aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention may also be defined by the following clauses.

[0079] 1. A hose for producing building products from gypsum slurry, the hose comprising: a first portion having a cross-sectional area A1, and a second portion having a cross-sectional area A2, the first portion being in fluid communication with the second portion, wherein, in use, the first portion is upstream of the second portion, and wherein the dimension of A1 is at least twice the dimension of A2.

[0080] 2. The hose according to clause 1, wherein the dimension of A1 is at most four times the dimension of A2.

[0081] 3. The hose according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the hose comprises a third portion having a cross-sectional area A3 intermediate the first portion and the second portion.

[0082] 4. The hose according to clause 3, wherein the dimension of A1 is the same as or greater than the dimension of A3.

[0083] 5. The hose according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the dimension of A1 is at most four times the dimension of A3.

[0084] 6. The hose according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the third portion.

[0085] 7. The hose according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the first portion is connected to the second portion by an elbow.

[0086] 8. The hose according to any one of clauses 3 to 6, wherein the first portion is connected to the third portion by an elbow.

[0087] 9. The hose according to clause 8, wherein the first portion includes a longest dimension d1 in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and wherein the elbow includes an outer curvature radius of at least half of d1.

[0088] 10. The hose according to clause 9, wherein the elbow includes an outer curvature radius of at most twice d1.

[0089] 11. The hose according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portion includes at least two sub-segments, the total cross-sectional area of the sub-segments being equal to A2.

[0090] 12. The hose according to clause 11, wherein the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of sub-portions is substantially equal.

[0091] 13. A method for manufacturing a gypsum product, comprising the following steps:

[0092] Mixing a gypsum slurry in a mixer,

[0093] Discharging the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto a forming table through a hose as described in any one of clauses 1 to 13,

[0094] Solidifying the gypsum slurry.

[0095] 14. A method for dispensing a gypsum slurry, comprising providing a hose having a plurality of dispensing portions, wherein the hose comprises at least two portions having respective cross-sectional areas A1 and A2, and the ratio of A1 to A2 is such that the flow asymmetry in the dispensing portions is less than 1%.

[0096] 15. The method according to clause 14, wherein the method is a method for dispensing a gypsum slurry to produce a gypsum-based product.

[0097] 16. The method according to clause 15, wherein the method comprises:

[0098] Providing a mixer,

[0099] Providing a forming table, and

[0100] Dispensing the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto the forming table through the hose.

[0101] 17. The method according to clause 15, wherein the hose is a hose as described in any one of clauses 1 to 13.

Claims

1. A hose for producing building products from gypsum slurry, the hose comprising: a first part having a cross-sectional area A1, and a second part having a cross-sectional area A2, the first part being in fluid communication with the second part, wherein, in use, the first part is upstream of the second part, wherein the size of A1 is at least twice the size of A2, wherein the hose comprises a third part having a cross-sectional area A3 intermediate the first part and the second part, wherein the first part is connected to the third part by an elbow, and the second part is connected to the third part by a transition portion, wherein the first part includes a longest internal dimension d1 in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and wherein the elbow includes an outer curvature radius of at least half of d1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first part is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the third part and the second part, and the longitudinal axis of the second part is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third part.

2. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the size of A1 is at most four times the size of A2.

3. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the size of A1 is the same as or greater than the size of A3.

4. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the size of A1 is at most four times the size of A3.

5. The hose according to any one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein the elbow includes an outer curvature radius of at most twice d1.

6. The hose according to any one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein the second part includes at least two sub-parts, and the total cross-sectional area of the sub-parts is equal to A2.

7. The hose according to claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area of each sub-part within the plurality of sub-parts is equal.

8. A method of manufacturing a gypsum product, comprising the steps of: mixing gypsum slurry in a mixer, discharging the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto a forming table through a hose according to any one of claims 1 to 7, solidifying the gypsum slurry.

9. A method of dispensing gypsum slurry, comprising providing a hose according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method is a method of dispensing gypsum slurry to produce a gypsum-based product.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The method comprises: providing a mixer, providing a forming table, and dispensing the gypsum slurry from the mixer onto the forming table through the hose.

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