A flexible hose can transport or transfer fluid between two distant points. It can transfer different fluid types, including gaseous fluids, like air, steam, gases, and liquids, like water, oils, and chemicals. It is used in various industries for transferring fluids and fluidized solids. Based on the nature of your industry and the end-use, you can customize the flexible hoses so that they can suit the pressures and temperatures of your applications.
Flexible hoses have a better bendability quotient than rigid hoses. It shows better durability, flexibility, and corrosion resistance properties. While purchasing a flexible hose, you need to assess certain factors like size, temperature, pressure, material quality, corrugation section type, hose fittings, amongst others, to cater to your manufacturing requirements. Some common flexible hose types are aluminum hose, fabric hose, fiberglass hose, insulated hose, plastic hose, PVC hose, rubber hose, silicone hose, stainless steel hose, and Teflon hose.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or Teflon, is an ivory-white and opaque plastic fluoropolymer. The free-radical polymerization of the tetrafluoroethylene molecules yields this material. Teflon has excellent chemical resistance properties. It is resistant to various chemical compounds, from simple welding fume to caustic acids. PTFE flexible hoses have water repellency, non-tackiness, low friction, and electrical insulating properties. It is generally used in fume exhaust and pollution control in chemical plants and pharmaceutical labs. You can buy flexible hoses at cost-effective prices to transport fluids seamlessly.
Here are 5 things you should know about PTFE flexible hoses.
PTFE Convoluted Hose
PTFE hoses with convoluted bore help ensure optimum flexibility, resistance to temperature, chemical corrosion, and easy-cleaning features. PTFE Convoluted hoses are of three types. The first one is the “Tube Only” PTFE Convoluted Hose, and it an unsheathed PTFE hose performing precisely what is mentioned on the packet. It is extremely lightweight, semi-transparent, and has one base layer of PTFE convoluted tubing. The other type is the polymer braided PTFE Convoluted hose. It has an orange polypropylene monofilament sheath which improves its chemical-resistant properties. It is lightweight, has improved pressure tolerance, and can resist pressure better than tube only. The third type is the stainless steel braided PTFE convoluted hose. The sheath of braided stainless steel wires gives it enhanced durability, high-pressure resistance properties, and the ability to work at higher temperatures. In addition, convolutions help reduce the bend radius and enable the tube to bend and fit in small spaces.
PTFE Smooth Bore Hose Pipe
Smoothbore hoses have a PTFE tube liner and a stainless steel outer braid. It has various automotive and general-purpose applications. It has a seamless finish, maximum flexibility, minimal porosity, and enhanced corrosion-resistant properties. It can resist oxidization under the presence of chemicals and avoid thermal wear and tear. The braiding of stainless steel sheath enables it to withstand pressure and harsh environments.
Properties
PTFE hoses have great electrical properties. It shows excellent chemical resistance to almost all chemicals and has a wide working temperature range. It is an excellent insulator and has high electrical resistance and dielectric strength. It has a smooth internal diameter to transfer highly viscous fluids without wear and tear and better longevity. The smooth surface does not have any pitting, waviness, or discoloration; it prevents bacterial buildup, entrapment of fluid, and material, reducing material deposition. These tubes have a melting point of around 327°C, and it is highly insoluble in most solvents. It shows excellent UV resistance and weatherability. Moreover, it is non-toxic and physiologically inert.
Applications
PTFE hoses are dynamic and flexible, and based on the end-use, you can configure them accordingly. You can install a spring guard, spiral guard, and armor guard casing to increase its flexibility. A nylon braided PTFE hose helps prevent gas odors and resists all types of fluids and chemicals. PTFE has higher temperature tolerance than rubber. It is non-reactive because of carbon-fluorine solid bonds, which resists acid, alkalis, and other highly reactive chemicals in chemical industries. These hoses can repel water and oil and transfer reduced friction. As it is non-reactive, it is suitable for hose assembly in dairy, food or beverages, or pharmaceutical industries.
Selection Criteria
While selecting a hose for a specific application, you need to decide if you need a smooth or convoluted hose primarily. You also need to determine wall thickness, braid material, fittings, interior and exterior materials for your hose. Moreover, you need to identify the conductivity property of your hose. Determining the braid material is essential as it plays an integral part in the pressure rating of a hose. For the fittings, you can choose crimp, swage, or reusable fittings. The standard baseline braid material for most Teflon hoses is type 304 Stainless Steel. As hoses are exposed to severe environmental conditions, you need to fit them with a metallic protective enclosure to prevent them from wearing.
To Conclude:
Flexible Teflon hose pipes are perfect for use in different industries, and they can endure high/low pressure according to the various specifications. Depending on the application, you can choose the appropriate type of flexible Teflon hose. It is a non-toxic material, has unmatched temperature resistance, broad-ranging applications, and an easy and fast installation system, making it a precious material.
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