Industrial hoses are more than a flexible, reinforced tube. They are the heart of your operation serving as transfer lines for a variety of applications in today’s major industries. Each industry has it’s own specific needs and choosing the right type of hose, from material to size, is key to your operation running smoothly.
Hoses are a key part to the proper functioning of many industries. Industrial hoses are used for the transfer of chemicals, petroleum, fuel, air, water, bulk material and for water suction and discharge. Choosing the right hose to transfer materials for your project is important. Choosing the wrong hose can be catastrophic. The wrong material and pressure rating can ruin your reputation and even cause injury. Let’s look at the most common types of industrial hoses and their applications.
Chemical Transfer Hoses
These hoses are used to transfer a variety of industrial chemicals, and are most often used in pressure, gravity flow, and suction service.
Working with chemicals can be very dangerous, so your hose must withstand the pressures you are putting upon it. Have questions on how to make sure you choose the right hose for chemical transfer? Refer to our free Chemical Resistance Guide for more information.
Petroleum Transfer Hoses
Petroleum transfer hoses and tubes are used to transfer oil, gas, and petroleum based solvents in a variety of industries.
You’ll find these hoses commonly used in industries such as agriculture, ship building, quarries, mines, railroads, factories, and construction. These heavy duty tubes are perfect for the transfer of high temperature petroleum based materials such as tar, asphalt, and hot oils.
They are also suitable for suction and discharge service on tank trucks, tank cars, or at bulk stations. Petroleum transfer hoses are generally made of a synthetic rubber, and have a medium to high oil resistance.
Steam Hoses
Steam hoses are rugged hoses are used for all-around steam service.
Steam hoses can be used for steam-cleaning, pressure washing, heat control, fire prevention, pumping, thawing, blow-out service, steam pumps, hoists, chemical plants, and refineries. They are typically made of synthetic rubber, and reinforced with steel wire.
Food & Beverage Hoses
Food and beverage hoses are sanitary transfer hoses used to handle the transfer of edible materials from tank trucks, and into plant service. These are suction and discharge hoses that handle most every type of dry bulk material, liquid in gravity flow and vacuum service in the food and beverage industries.
Food hoses are often made of synthetic rubber and must be in compliance with FDA and USDA. Some common materials used in food are Nitrile, white and clear PVC and Neoprene.
Abrasive Material Hoses
Abrasive material hoses are sturdy, heavy duty hoses that convey non-oily abrasive or coarse materials such as rocks, chips, slurry, mud, sand, limestone, and plastic pellets.
Abrasive material hoses are recommended where static buildup can be a problem, so you can often find them used in tank trucks for in-plant service used as a static dissipating/static conductive hose.
These hoses are typically made of thick pure gum rubber, but over the years improved engineering and compounding has permitted lighter weight and more flexible hoses, such as those made of urethane, to enter the market. Abrasive material hoses have a finite life cycle and should be rotated during use for even wear. Service life varies depending on operating conditions, hours of use and material or product being conveyed.
Air Hoses
Air hoses are used for industrial air service, compressor lines, pneumatic tools, low pressure spray and other applications. Air hose assemblies can be easily coupled or fitted with quick disconnects to make line connections simple and efficient for your needs.
You can often find air hoses in agricultural fields, construction, warehouses, garages, and other industrial multipurpose applications. They are often nonconductive, and resistant to oil.
Water Hoses
Water hoses are used for the transport of water in many industries.
You can find water hoses used for beverages, agricultural hand sprayers, construction, and fire departments. They are often nonconductive, and resistant to oil. You may also use these hoses septic tank cleaning and other general industrial and agricultural applications where chemical resistance may be required.
No matter what type of hose you need for your project or work, it’s imperative to have your hoses inspected and tested regularly. Hoses and couplings should be inspected prior to each use, especially when working with dangerous or hazardous chemicals.
You should visually inspect your hose daily to make sure there are no cracks, cuts, abrasions, exposed reinforcement, or blisters. Other more intensive tests should be done by professionals such as testing with chemicals, or bonds between fittings.
At Pioneer Rubber & Gasket, we have what you need and know how to set you up for success in your endeavors. Browse our product catalogs here, and we’ll work with you to make sure your hose is the best fit for your needs.
To request a quote or inquire for more information, contact us at (800) 530-9051.