Types of Industrial Hoses
The types of industrial hoses cover a wide range of specialized hoses designed to perform specific functions. As new and innovative processes are developed, unusual and unique uses for industrial hoses are introduced, making the categorization of industrial hoses challenging and difficult. One of the methods used to define industrial hoses is their working conditions, which can vary from simple movement of water to the transfer of caustic chemicals.
- Water Hoses - Water hoses are used for irrigation, gardening, building, fire, equipment and tank cleaning, agricultural fertilizers, manure, and industrial waste water drainage. Their inner tube or inner layer is normally made of plastic due to the non-caustic nature of their function.
- Water and Steam Hoses - Water and steam hoses are more substantial than water hoses and are used for refrigeration equipment, cooling water for engines, food processing, and hot water and saturated steam for the dairy industry. Due to the need of water and steam hoses to resist high temperatures, their inner tubing is generally made of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
- Beverage and Food Hoses - The regulations required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) necessitate that hoses for beverage and food manufacturing be of the highest quality. They are made of polyurethane, designed for extraction and suction, and pressure and injection for food products and pharmaceuticals. Beverage and food hoses are used for transporting milk, carbonated beverages, orange juice, beer, animal and vegetable oils, and drinking water.
- Air Hoses - Air hoses are some of the strongest hoses due to the pressure that they must withstand. They are widely used with compressors, pneumatic lines and systems, blowing machines, spray guns and sprayers, and applications at construction sites, garages, and mines. Air hoses are made from synthetic rubbers, reinforced rubbers, and highly durable polymers. They are exceptionally flexible and are manufactured using extrusion, spiral wrapping, and calendaring.
- Ventilation Hoses - Ventilation hoses are used for handling air, smoke, dust, gases, fumes, sawdust, chips, abrasive dust, powdered and granular materials, chemicals, and wood. They are lightweight, flexible, and available in a wide range of materials.
- Material Handling Hoses - Material handling hoses are widely used for transporting gas, mist, powder, particles, fibers, gravel, cement, fertilizer, coal dust, and fluids that contain sand, concrete and gypsum. The different forms of material handling hoses include high pressure braided and spiral hoses for hydraulic systems and small-bore low-pressure hoses.
- Oil Transmission Hoses - Oil transmission hoses are used for transmission of oil, petroleum and petroleum products. Their inner lining or tube is made of various substances including NBR, PVC and SBR. Due to the nature of the applications for which they are used, their outer layer is exceptionally impact and abrasion resistant.
- Chemical Hoses - Chemical hoses are specially designed hoses that have an inner layer made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is covered with a rubber outer layer. The nature of the work of chemical hoses requires that they adhere to a strict set of standards for the protection of the transported products and the safety of workers. In most cases, chemical hoses transport highly caustic acidic chemical products. They are required to be resistant to most chemicals and hostile environments with a non-stick inner surface capable of resisting extreme high temperatures.
Industrial Hose Materials
The materials chosen to produce an industrial hose determine the application for which it can be used. Although this may seem like simply choosing a fabric from a list, the types, kinds, and properties of the many materials include a long wide-ranging list of every category of available material
Industrial hose producers provide concise information about each type of material with specifications regarding a materials properties and characteristics. Their guidance and expertise are essential for producing the best hose for an application, especially in cases where a hose will be subjected to radically unusual conditions.
The most common types of hose materials are plastics and rubber, which are used to produce several types of industrial hoses. Although these materials may be the first to come to mind, there are many other types of materials that can be engineered to the most minute detail. During the planning and designing phase of hose production, it is essential to have an overall knowledge of all of the available options
Thermoplastic Rubber
Thermoplastic rubber is strong and durable with the flexibility of rubber. It is very versatile and can operate in temperatures as high as 275° F. Due to the strength of thermoplastic industrial hoses, they are used for high pressure applications, such as hydraulic systems, chemical fume processing, and pressurized gas transport.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is very commonly used in the manufacture of hoses due to its low cost. Hoses made of PVC are used for light duty applications, such as indoor plumbing, ventilation, and low volume material handling.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a plastic that is superior to PVC and is capable of withstanding extremes in temperature and impact and abrasive conditions. The wide use of polyurethane in hose manufacturing is due to its exceptional durability and strength.
Neoprene
As with PVC, neoprene is an inexpensive material that has been used for many years for the manufacture of hoses, but has been replaced by more durable ones. Neoprene hoses can withstand extreme temperatures and have a high level of resistance to chemicals and oil. The low toxicity of neoprene has made it ideal for transporting water and for use by the pharmaceutical industry
Silicone
Silicone is an ideal material for the production of industrial hoses. Under all conditions, silicone retains its shape when exposed to extremes in temperature. It is often used to produce hoses for exhaust systems, fuel lines, and engine systems. Since silicone is inert, it is used for chemical hoses for chemical processing operations that are exposed to corrosives and solvents.
Polyethylene
The high strength of polyethylene makes it ideal for high traffic applications that include high velocity movement, wastewater treatment, and ventilation systems. The list of properties of polyethylene include resistance to abrasion, crushing pressure, and kinking. Due to polyethylene's high chemical resistance, it is often used to transport acidic chemicals
Static Dissipative Polyurethane
Static dissipative polyurethane is used due to its ability to reduce the buildup of static electricity, which is combined with its durability, resistance to chemicals, and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Polyurethane hoses are manufactured to minimize friction and material buildup while maximizing airflow through ducting systems
Coated Fabric Hoses
Coated fabric hoses are a unique option for high temperature applications. They are made from material treated with a flame resistant coating and are designed for their safety and reliability. The coating of fabric hoses enables them to perform at temperatures as high as 1200o F. Fabric hose coatings include fiberglass, silicone, aluminum, Teflon®, neoprene polyester, and para-aramid
All of the materials listed above are used in hose manufacturing processes. In most cases, the type of materials dictates the process. Hose manufacturers offer an assortment of materials that match their manufacturing methods. Raw materials are very carefully chosen to match customer application requirements and the best production method