A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Flexible Hose
A flexible hose is, quite simply, a hollow tube that is designed to carry gases and fluids – such as chemicals, water, steam, and air – from one location to another. You’ve probably never given them much thought before; let’s face it, they’re hardly the most exciting of all consumer goods. However, they are very practical, and they can be used for a wide range of different applications across different industries. If you’re in need of a flexible hose, it’s important to do your research first and be sure choose a flexible hose that is suitable for your exact needs and requirements.
Here we take a look at each type of flexible hose in turn, highlighting their main properties, exploring their advantages, and offering a comprehensive guide to their potential uses and applications.
The Top 3 Types of Flexible Hose
No.1: Stainless Steel Hose
Essentially, a stainless steel hose is made up of two components. The first component is a relatively thin corrugated tube, which sits at the core of the hose and allows it to move or bend in any direction. The second component is a weave of stainless steel wire that surrounds the core, effectively sheathing the interior tubing and acting as a tough and protective layer.
Together, these components create a high-quality flexible hose pipe with a number of useful properties. For example, a stainless steel hose is incredibly tough, resilient and long-lasting. It demonstrates excellent heat- and corrosion-resistance and it can survive in a variety of harsh industrial environments. The corrugated inner tube is seamless, thus making it suitable for the transfer of both gasses and liquids, and the steel outer sheath offers powerful protection from physical damage.
As a result of these properties, stainless steel hose is a popular choice in a range of different industries – including the petrochemical, chemical smelting, automotive and power generation industry to name just a few. Its main purpose is to successfully carry chemicals and other fluids; however, within these specific industries, it is also frequently used to correct misaligned piping and absorb the vibrations created by industrial equipment and machinery.
No. 2: PTFE Convoluted Hose
In terms of its construction, PTFE Convoluted Hose can be split into three separate categories. The first is called “Tube Only” PTFE Convoluted Hose and it does exactly what it says on the packet. Made from one base layer of PTFE convoluted tubing, it is extremely lightweight, and it is only suitable for very low-pressure applications. The second type of PTFE convoluted hose is polymer braided. Surrounded by a sheath of orange polypropylene monofilaments, it is still very lightweight, but it demonstrates slightly better pressure resistance than tube only. The third type is stainless steel PTFE convoluted hose. Thanks to its sheath of tough stainless steel, this is the most hard-wearing variety and it offers maximum levels of resistance for high-pressure applications.
PTFE Convoluted Hose demonstrates fantastic heat-resistant and chemical-resistant properties. It is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, and it is the perfect choice for a wide range of applications – including steam transfer, refrigeration, the automotive industry and more. When fitted with anti-static tubing, PTFE convoluted hose can also be used to successfully carry fluids with high electrical resistance, such as solvents and fuels. It is versatile, multipurpose, and it could be the exact type of flexible hose that you and your business need.
No. 3: PTFE Smooth Bore Hose Pipe
PTFE Smooth Bore Hose Pipe is a type of flexible hose, constructed from one single piece of PTFE tubing. It has a very smooth and seamless finish and, as a result, it offers the maximum level of flexibility and the minimum amount of porosity. Smooth Bore Hose Pipe also demonstrates impressive resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and thermal wear and tear and – when fitted with a braided stainless steel sheath – it is able to withstand physical damage and extreme high pressures.
Available in a selection of sizes, this type of flexible hose pipe is perfect for use in a variety of different industries – including those which use high- and low-pressure steam, chemicals, paints, inks, adhesives, fuels, oils, detergents, refrigerants and foodstuffs. It can also be easily customised to meet the individual needs and requirements of your project or business.
Need Further Guidance on Flexible Hoses?
If it’s something that you have never looked into before, choosing the right flexible hose for your needs can be a little confusing. Different types of flexible hose pipe have different properties, with pros and cons that are suitable for a vast range of applications. Therefore, before making a purchase, it is important to do your research first. If you’re still struggling to find the right flexible hose for you, you could always turn to a specialist provider – such as Proflex Hose Ltd – for help.
Proflex Hose has many years of experience in this industry and, with a wealth of knowledge at their disposal, their website is full of useful information on flexible hoses. Their team of staff and skilled manufacturers are always on hand and they would more than happy to offer tailored advice and guidance on the best type of flexible hose for you. So why not head over to their website today? If you have any questions about flexible hoses or the products they currently offer, simply give them a call on 01257 220 010 or send an enquiry using the online contact form. They will respond as soon as possible and, we guarantee, they will find the perfect flexible hose for you and your business.
