Reinforced hoses

How is reinforced hose constructed?

A reinforced hose is in most cases constructed of 3 layers:

• inner layer - adapted to the medium and usually smooth to facilitate flow; 
• reinforcement - in the form of a braid and/or spiral; 
• outer layer - resistant to weather conditions and mechanical damage.

In addition to this, there are also hoses that have a single material layer. This is pressed or embedded into the reinforcement.

From which materials are reinforced hoses manufactured?

As we have already mentioned, reinforced hose is manufactured from a wide range of materials. They are divided into two main groups: plastics and rubbers. Sometimes manufacturers also create blends of both to increase the range of applications of the hoses.

Below you will find a brief description of the most important of them.

Reinforced plastic hoses

Reinforced plastic pressure hose is usually more flexible, lighter and less expensive than rubber varieties. Most commonly found in versions made of:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - Usually used as discharge hoses or suction hoses for transporting water (clean, dirty and potable water), as well as some other liquids. In addition, reinforced transparent hose is very often made from this material. 
• PU (polyurethane) - As abrasion-resistant hoses, they are most often used for conveying granules, mineral wool, sand, shavings, as well as bulk foodstuffs. 
• TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) - Most often used as reinforced hoses for drinking water and other liquid foodstuffs as food grade hoses.

Reinforced rubber hoses

Reinforced rubber hoses have a wide range of applications in various industries. They are used to transporting media in the automotive, chemical, food, and other industries.

The hoses are most often made from the following types of rubber:

• NR (natural rubber) - It is characterised by high resistance to stretching, abrasion and cold. In addition, it is flexible. It can be used at temperatures from -50 to 80 degrees Celsius, but its weaknesses include oil and grease, UV radiation and ozone. In addition, it ages more quickly. 
• NBR (nitrile) - A popular material for oil-resistant hoses. Depending on the blend, nitrile reinforced hose can withstand temperatures from -30 to 120 degrees Celsius. It is also suitable for high pressures. 
• SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) - Has similar properties to natural rubber, but has greater resistance to weather conditions, as well as to alcohols, inorganic acids and bases. The downside is susceptibility to oils, petrol and hydrocarbons. It is a popular material for reinforced water hoses. 
• EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) - It can deform reversibly under mechanical forces. In addition, it is flexible and resistant to weather conditions, light acids and alkalis, as well as detergents, oils and hydrocarbons. It can operate in a wide temperature range from -50 to 150 degrees Celsius. This makes it suitable as a hot water hose for transporting hot water or glycol. 
• IIR (butyl rubber) - Has similar properties to EPDM. It is resistant to chemicals and ozone and has very good current insulation capacity and low liquid and gas permeability. It works at temperatures from -50 to 100 degrees Celsius and is primarily used as a steam hose for transporting steam in industrial facilities. 
• CR (chloroprene rubber) - Characterised by a wide range of resistance (to UV radiation, weather conditions, oils, chemicals, etc.), as well as durability in contact with fire. It is suitable for working temperatures from -40 to 100 degrees Celsius. It is mainly used for the production of oil hoses.