There are several chemicals in the industrial chemical transfer marketplace that are compatible with a UHMWPE or Mod-XLPE hose tube, but are fully incompatible with stainless steels fittings that would otherwise comprise the hose assembly. Chemicals that could work with a UHMWPE hose (or possibly a Mod-XLPE hose), but should never use stainless steel fittings include; Hydrochloric Acid (37%), Ferric Chloride, Ethyl Sulfate, Acetic Acid, Aluminum Chloride, Copper Chloride and Chloric Acid, among many others. 

The issues that can arise from these specialty chemicals interacting directly with stainless steel fittings can impair the integrity of an entire chemical transfer system. This is true even after a buyer has reviewed a chemical resistance chart against the hose tube. Many times, the conflict between these materials is not realized until it is too late. This highlights the specificity and expertise required to match the exact planned usage of a completed hose assembly with compatibility for each of its component parts. 

The good news is that several appropriate alternatives to stainless steel fittings are available for these specialty uses. If you encounter a situation where the chemical being transferred is chemically compatible with the hose tube, but not compatible with stainless steel fittings, consider using Poly fittings if your application will stay below 50 psi and the chemical will not exceed room temperature during transfer. For medium to higher pressure and temperature chemical transfer applications, where the chemical is compatible with a UHMWPE or Mod-XLPE hose tube, but not with stainless steel fittings, consider using PTFE encapsulated camlocks and flange retainers as a phenomenal option for those specialty applications. 

While the upfront cost is higher than stainless steel fittings, the value is realized over time as the entire hose assembly realizes a greater lifespan due to the durability of the fittings. As with all chemical application decisions, choosing the appropriate hose assembly should be done in consultation with an experienced professional and in full recognition of the applications variables. If you are evaluating a chemical transfer usage, please don’t hesitate to submit a question on our contact us page, send us an email at sales@hosefabshop.com or give us a call. 

Chemical transfer applications where a UHMWPE or Mod-XLPE chemical hose tube could possibly be used, but stainless steel fittings should be avoided include:

Chemical transfer applications where specialty chemical hose beyond a UHMWPE or Mod-XLPE tube and specialty non-stainless steel fittings, such as PTFE encapsulated camlocks should be used include, but are not limited to: