Vacuum hoses - Page 2

How is the vacuum hose constructed?

The vacuum hose is constructed of three layers:

• inner layer - characterised by greater smoothness, which makes the flow of the medium easier; 
• reinforcement - plastic or stainless steel spiral; 
• outer layer - provides resistance to mechanical damage and environmental conditions.

In addition to this, there are also versions of hoses with a single layer of material that is embedded in the spiral, or reinforcement.

What materials are vacuum hoses made of?

When it comes to manufacturing material, vacuum hoses are usually made from:

• PVC, 
• various types of rubber (EPDM, SBR), 
• polyamide (PA), 
• polyurethane (PU).

What versions do vacuum hoses come in?

Vacuum hoses come in varieties adapted to specific applications. They differ primarily in their manufacturing material, which also translates into their properties.

Below, we describe the most common types of vacuum hoses:

• vacuum fuel hose,
• food grade vacuum hose,
• vacuum hose for alcohol,
• vacuum hose for water,
• vacuum hoses made of polyamide,
• vacuum hoses made of polyurethane,
• extraction hoses.
  

Vacuum fuel hose

For the transport of fuels, a suitable vacuum fuel hose is made from NBR rubber or an NBR/PVC blend. It is antistatic and characterised by high mechanical strength. When it comes to reinforcement, the hose has a stainless steel spiral and an additional textile braid.

The use of these types of hoses is not limited to fuels. They will also work well for transferring oil derivatives with aromatic compounds up to 50%.

Here are the key parameters of the fuel vacuum hoses:

• maximum working pressure - 10 bar 
• negative pressure - 0.9 bar; 
• temperature range - from -25 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Food grade vacuum hose

The food grade vacuum hose is made from a PVC compound that is free of heavy metals. This makes it characterised by its non-toxicity. That is why it is used for transporting food substances such as drinking water, low-fat liquids and low alcohol.

Obviously, it also meets all the standards necessary for food contact.

Here are the key parameters of food grade hoses:

• maximum working pressure - up to 12 bar;
• negative pressure - 0.9 bar; 
• temperature range - from -15 to 60 degrees Celsius.

Vacuum hose for alcohol

Beverage hoses are made from non-toxic and odourless EPDM rubber, which has significantly higher strength and resistance compared to NBR. Like the previous hoses, these also have reinforcement in the form of a spiral (usually steel) and textile braid.

They perform very well with all types of alcohol, up to pure spirit (96%). However, EPDM rubber is also suitable for many other applications.

Here are the key parameters of hoses for alcohol:

• maximum working pressure - up to 10 bar
• negative pressure - 0.9 bar; 
• temperature range - from -20 to 100 degrees Celsius.

Vacuum hose for water

Vacuum water hoses, which are used to transport water, are most often manufactured from NBR rubber. Water hoses are characterised by their strength and high elasticity. Their construction also includes a textile braid (in addition to the spiral).

These types of hoses are suitable for transporting both water and other non-aggressive liquids.

Here are the key parameters of water transport hoses:

• maximum working pressure - up to 10 bar
• negative pressure - 0.9 bar; 
• temperature range - from -30 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Vacuum hoses made of polyamide

Vacuum hoses made of polyamide are distinguished from others by their high resistance to low temperatures. In addition, you can buy them in various colours, as well as in a calibrated version (with double construction).

They are suitable for many applications, but are most commonly used for compressed air, various oils, fats or fuels.

Here are the key parameters of polyamide hoses:

• maximum working pressure - up to 30 bar and more (in the calibrated version); 
• temperature range - from -40 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Vacuum hoses made of polyurethane

Polyurethane as a production material gives the hoses a very high level of elasticity, as well as resistance to low temperatures. What's more, these types of hoses are resistant to the "memory effect" - regardless of how long you use them.

In addition to the regular hoses, you can also buy a calibrated version.

They are suitable for most jobs, but are most often used for transporting oils, fats, hydrocarbons, oxygen and ozone.

Here are the key features of polyurethane hoses:

• maximum working pressure - up to 22 bar (in calibrated version); 
• temperature range - from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius.

Extraction hoses

A completely separate category includes extraction hoses, which are used in the woodworking and food industries. They are usually characterised by a larger diameter, as well as high elasticity and lightness.