What's In A Hose? Materials That Line Chemical Hoses And The Protection They Provide

There are thousands of chemicals in this world. Some are extracted from nature while the rest are man-made. Most are dangerous if absorbed, inhaled, or swallowed. As such, these chemicals require special vats and chemical hoses in the factories where they are made and/or extracted. There are dozens of different chemical hoses, and they are all lined with different materials for different levels of protection. 

Metal

Metal-lined chemical hoses are perfect for cleaning chemicals as the metal will not corrode, crack, or leak. These hoses tend to be a little more rigid, but when you are dealing with chemicals like bleach and ammonia, which cannot harm metal, it is worth the protection that metal-lined hoses provide. Metals used to line these hoses typically include stainless steel and/or aluminum, which provides a little more flexibility than the stainless steel.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene hoses are excellent prevention against stress cracking and high pressure. If you need hosing that refuses to break under an expected PSI chemical transfer from one vat to another in your plant, this is the right type of hose for that. Alkaline chemicals and bases are fine for polyethylene, but most pure acids are not.

Nylon

Who would have guessed that recycled nylon stockings could have formed this chemical hose lining? Yet, here it is; a tube lining that is chemical-resistant, heat-resistant, weather-resistant, puncture-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. It stands up to temperatures below zero and extreme heat. It is the ideal hose for transporting and bottling paint, varnish, thinners, solvents, and even kerosene. None of these chemicals can damage hoses lined with nylon.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is in fact, a man-made chemical that is transformed into a special kind of heat- and chemical-resistant plastic. The most well-known form of PTFE is the coating used on cookware (a.k.a., Teflon). When PTFE is made thicker and molded, it becomes hose lining. It is commonly used to protect hoses against really high temperatures similar to those experienced when processing petroleum and breaking the petroleum down into separate products for consumer use.

Composites

When just one of the above materials is not enough to extend the life of chemical hoses, you need a composite hose. Composite hoses have multiple linings of different materials. Each lining provides a layer of protection. For example, you may need a chemical hose that can withstand high heat, intense pressure, and can contain volatile chemicals. In this case, a special composite hose is the right hose for the job.

For more information, contact a company like Specialties  Company- Freeport.


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