Fluid Power Spotlight: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors
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Fluid Power X-tra

• Quick Tips for Specifying
• Tubing and Hose

It's easy to order hundreds of feet of plastic tubing or hose, only to find it isn't really the best product for your particular application. An open dialogue with your supplier, as well as a comparison of the critical details of your application with the recommendations below, will help you get it right the first time. Consider the following before placing that next order to replace or specify new tubing:

Check for approved ingredients. Steer clear of unapproved materials and ingredients by checking for approvals from the Food and Drug Administration and National Sanitation Foundation. Both FDA and NSF approvals can be found in supplier catalogs. Match the approved components to the specs in your application.

Check for pressure or vacuum requirements. Certain tubing materials cannot handle pressure or vacuum. Typically, hoses that are reinforced with polyester braid, fabric, stainless steel wire, corrugation or convolution are suited for a variety of pressure applications. Dependent upon the amount of vacuum experienced in an application, reinforced hose can be specified as well.

Know the temperatures involved. There are two temperatures a particular tube or hose must be able to withstand--that of the material flowing through the hose and that of the outside environment. Be certain to take both these figures into consideration. Further, keep in mind that at higher temperatures, the pressure handling capabilities of most tubing and hose decrease.

Know the flexibility requirements for your application. Analyze your application for any bend that must be made, and consider not only the flexibility of the hose, but also its resistance to kinking. Other concerns include dealing with repetitive movement that can easily cause damage to some tubing or hose. Tubing is typically run where it will rub against other equipment components. The product you choose must be able to withstand that type of abrasion.

Check for reactive ingredients. Always consider if the substances flowing through the tubing or hose will have a chemical reaction to the tubing material itself. Ask your supplier about any adverse ingredient combinations relating to your specific application.

Check if the tubing or hose will impart a taste or odor to the product flowing through it. Certain tubing and hose materials are available that will not transfer a taste or odor into your product. If your application involves food, beverages, laboratory fluids or medicine, any taste or odor transferred to those items could be of critical concern.

Know if the product needs to be viewed while moving through the tubing or hose. If the user needs to see the flow of the product to check for color or consistency or to note measurements, be sure to specify transparent or translucent tubing for the application.

Check if the tubing or hose needs to be sterilized. If tubing or hose needed for your application must withstand sterilization or cleaning, make sure the materials are applicable to the type of chemicals used. Also check the pressure requirements of the tube if low-pressure steam sterilization is necessary.

Know your packaging requirements. Knowing the specifics of use will help determine the packaging specifications you need to allow for easy handling and for ease of use. There is a difference between needing a 100-foot coil of tubing vs. 10 straight pieces, each 10-ft. long--both of which are available. It is also necessary to know if deliveries must be polybagged, double bagged for cleanliness, boxed or in stacked coils on a pallet.

Remember the hardware. All tubing or hose must attach to a piece of equipment while being used. Fittings and clamps come in many different materials and sizes.

Consider exploring custom options. When designing tubing and hose into a system, don't just look at stocked products. Customization can include special colors, shaped parts, thermally bonded tubing (two or more tubes attached to each other along their sides), printed or coiled tubing or hose or hose assemblies.

Talking with the tubing or hose manufacturer can only help when making selections for a new design. Not only are new materials being introduced at a fast rate, but new configurations are available as well. And perhaps your application calls for a custom approach. It is always important to know the details of your particular application before choosing critical components like tubing and hose.

For more information: Circle 546 - NewAge Industries, Southampton, PA, or connect directly to their website via the Online Reader Service Program at http://www.OneRS.net/105df-546