Fuel hoses

How are fuel hoses constructed?

Fuel hoses and oil hoses are distinguished from other types of hoses in that they are more flexible, supple, and relatively lightweight. In addition, in most cases, they come in a low-pressure version so that the ends can be fixed with hose clamps.

As for the structure itself, the fuel hose or oil hose has a fairly standard structure, as it consists of three layers:

• inner - adapted to the medium to be transmitted; 
• reinforcement - in the form of a steel, fabric, or plastic braid, which ensures the strength of the hose; 
• outer - adapted to environmental conditions and resistant to mechanical damage.

There are also hoses for fuel and oil that allow the medium to be sucked in, i.e. work under negative pressure. They are distinguished from other hoses by the fact that they have additional reinforcement in the form of a spiral (usually made of steel wire or plastic).

What should you consider when choosing fuel hoses?

When you choose an oil and fuel hose, consider first and foremost its durability in terms of the medium it needs to transport.

Consider the resistance of the fuel hose to the amount of aromatic hydrocarbons in the fuel, as well as to modern fuel and oil additives. These are primarily unleaded fuel, biodegradable fuel, or transformer oils.

Consider the requirements for protection against static build-up. This is particularly important in explosive atmospheres.

It is also important to mention that there is also a special oil and fuel hose and a high-temperature oil hose. It is used wherever a standard hose would not be able to cope, such as with motors and other heat sources.

What are the types of materials used in fuel hoses?

Oil and fuel hoses are most often made of rubber, less often of plastic. Among the most popular production materials, we distinguish:

• NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) - a rubber compound that is resistant to oils, fuels, and fats and, in combination with PVC, also resistant to ozone;
• CR (chloroprene rubber) - a rubber compound that is extremely resistant to ozone, weather conditions, and many chemicals, as well as being inert to flames and a wide range of temperatures; 
• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) - a rubber compound highly resistant to high and low temperatures, oils, acids, and alkalis, as well as weather conditions (including ozone and UV radiation); 
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - a plastic material that is characterized by excellent chemical and mechanical resistance.

These are, admittedly, not all, but the leading materials used in the manufacture of fuel- and oil-resistant hoses.