As chemical processing needs evolved the composite hose provided a powerful solution to difficult media conveyance processes. While a variety of rubber chemical transfer hoses can service many industrial needs, the composite hose provides a higher value and more flexible option for certain uses. Due to the specialty nature of this hose, it is imperative that a chemical transfer specialist be consulted to see if these benefits apply on a case-by-case basis. The advantages of composite hose compared to standard rubber chem hose depend on the exact chemical compound, state, pressure, temperature, and external factors of the media being transferred. If you think your chemical transfer application may benefit from utilizing composite hose assemblies, please chat with one of our specialists >>

From a functionality standpoint, composite hose assemblies are often selected for chemical transfer application due to the efficiency, flexibility, and overall value they add to a hose program. This is highlighted by their generally higher pressure and temperature rating as well as lower bend radius when compared with similarly sized rubber chem hose assemblies. 

PGP Composite Hoses are often a selection of choice to fix a chemical transfer system with safety concerns. These hoses are designed and constructed with a safety-first mindset to minimize potential safety issues and eliminate the risk of collapse in a vacuum. As part of that “safety-first” design our composite hose assemblies are built with a multi-layer labyrinth seal providing the fail-safe of many layers of film comprising the hose tube lining. This prevents leaks from occurring with multiple stopping points between the chemical transfer of the inner tube and the exterior cover of the hose. Further, if the media does make it through the multiple layers the cover is designed to show an unlikely failure through small drops along the seamline instead of a catastrophic failure with breakage. 

Composite Hose Case Study 

Background: A chemical plant manufacturing amphiphilic organic compounds was using banded UHMW chemical hose with a buna gasket to convey component chemicals in their mass transfer process. Because the hose tube was rated for 150 psi it was assumed that the entire assembly could accommodate that pressure rating. In reality, the hose tube was rated at 150 psi, but with a banded fitting a continuous pressure rating could not be established the same way it would have been with a crimped fitting. Additionally, the heat of the media transfer lowered the overall pressure rating of the tube, and the buna gasket was not chemically compatible for the application. While in operation the assembly failed by pushing out the banded fitting at high pressure causing a chemical spill, loss of media, and potential safety hazard for surrounding personnel. 

Solution: Crimped Composite PGP hose assemblies were used when their entire chemical transfer program was reviewed and all banded, buna gasket hose assemblies were replaced. This resulted in a more efficient system, better pressure resistance, higher levels of safety, and a reduced risk of catastrophic failure as the crimped ends limited failure at the fitting point while the PGP Composite hose muti-layer labyrinth seal made it nearly impossible that a failure result in a catastrophic event. Instead the construction of the PGP composite tube allowed for an unlikely failure to much more likely end in drip at the seam of the hose.

Peraflex PGP Composite Hose Is specifically reinforced with high strength, high density polyethylene woven fabric. A polypropylene internal wire, galvanized external wire and seamless polypropylene tubes provide a liquid barrier against the media being transferred. The vinyl coated polyester cover provides significant abrasion, ozone and flame resistance. Resulting in a construction that allows for strong exterior and interior durability in both handling and media being conveyed. 

PGP Composite hose is an effective option in many industries, but is often seen as a highly effective for chemical carriers, chemical processors, in-plant service application, rail tankers, ship-to-shore transfer, and in many branches of the petrochemical industry. This hose makeup provides one of the most chemically resistant tubes alongside extremely high levels of flexibility. The design of the hose tube was built to convey a wide variety of potentially corrosive chemicals such as types of acids, alkali’s, solvents, petroleum products, caustic soda, ethanol and mineral oils while providing ease of handling and durability. 

SST Peraflex Composite hose is used for aggressive chemical service where a Teflon liner is required due to the corrosiveness of media being transferred. These highly specialized hoses work where a polypropylene liner is not chemically compatible with the application. Using the same labyrinth seal muti-layer technology these PTFE composite hoses provide incredible resistance to catastrophic failure. Some chemicals that will require this type of PTFE/FEP lining include butyl chloride, phosphoric acid, chlorosulphonic acid, oleum and ketones. SST stands for Stainless-Steel internal wire (316), Stainless-Steel external wire (316), and a Teflon liner which is supported by a seamless polypropylene tube to provide a liquid barrier. The cover is abrasion, ozone, and fire resistant, vinyl coated polyester. This chemical transfer composite hose assembly is reinforced by high strength and high-density polyethylene fabric and fully vacuum rated to avoid collapse. Please consult one of our specialists if you think this SST Peraflex Composite hose might be needed for your application >>

Each chemical transfer application is different and great care should be taken that all details of a process are considered by a specialist before a chemical transfer hose solution is selected. Due to its ability to handle a larger variety of temperatures, relatively higher-pressure rating, significant flexibility advantages, fail safe design, and internal and external durability these composite hoses can be a suitable option for many chemically intensive processes involving mass or mechanical transfer. Multiple color and branding options are available. Used in a variety of chemical processing industries including drumming, rail car, batching, blending, paint and ink transfer, and the refining process.