Plastic tubing - Page 2

What advantages do plastic hoses have?

Among the most important advantages of plastic hoses, we mention:

• durability — when properly designed, plastic hoses will perform well even in harsh or extreme conditions, and are resistant to impacts, abrasion, and deformation, making them ideal for tough applications (such as construction, mining, or agriculture); 
• versatility — hoses are available in a variety of sizes, colours, and shapes, and can be bent, rolled, and subjected to various other movements; 
• corrosion and chemical resistance — plastic is not susceptible to corrosion, which is a great advantage in industries that use corrosive liquids, in addition to the material's resistance to certain acids and alkalis, as well as corrosive chemicals or hazardous materials; 
• lightweight — compared to metal or rubber hoses, the plastic variety has a low weight, which increases the convenience of daily handling of the installation, as well as transportation and storage; 
• recyclability — not all plastic hoses are recyclable, but many have this advantage; 
• safety — many plastic varieties meet the appropriate standards to work with food and pharmaceuticals, (check the presence of certificates before purchasing); 
• low price — compared to metal and rubber, plastic hoses are definitely the cheapest, which makes them the best in terms of economy (as long as they meet the requirements of the installation in question).

The advantages of plastic hoses make them an attractive option for a variety of industries. However, it is important that you choose the right type of hose based on the specific needs and environmental conditions of your application. The durability of the material largely depends on this.

What types of plastic hoses are there?

There are several material versions of plastic hoses. You will find a brief description of each below:

• PVC hoses (polyvinyl chloride) — the synthetic polymer is characterized by high abrasion, corrosion, and impact resistance; it is also lightweight and flexible, making it easy to install; 
• PU hoses (polyurethane) — this thermoplastic polymer is distinguished by its high resistance to oils, friction, and chemicals, and (like PVC) it is flexible and lightweight, making it very suitable for applications requiring a large bending radius;
• nylon hoses — another synthetic polymer that has very high strength, is also resistant to abrasion and some chemicals, and is used in many industries thanks to its lightness and durability; 
• PTFE hoses (polytetrafluoroethylene, or Teflon) — a synthetic fluoropolymer with exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and corrosion; due to its properties, it is a specialized material for use in harsh environments; 
• PE hoses (polyethylene) — a polymer known for its resistance to harsh weather conditions, as well as friction and chemicals, it is also lightweight and flexible, making it used in many industries.

The above plastic hoses are the most popular, but not the only ones. You will also find other plastic blends on the market, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Therefore, choosing the right hose depends primarily on the needs of the installation, environmental factors, and the necessary resistance.

How to choose right plastic hose?

To choose the right plastic hose, consider several important factors:

• material — choose one that best suits the needs of the application (e.g. PVC or nylon will work better in very corrosive environments, while Teflon will cope well with high temperatures); 
• inner diameter — adjust it to the installation and the medium to be transported (the wrong diameter will lead to pressure drops); 
• length — the plastic hose should be long enough to reach from point A to point B (but also not too long, as this will increase the loss of medium and costs and negatively affect the pressure in the installation); 
• operating temperature range and permissible working pressure — the hose must be able to withstand the temperature and pressure of the medium (otherwise there is a risk of rapid material wear and dangerous failure); 
• flexibility — in applications characterized by tight bends and twists, PU or nylon hoses will work best.