Food-grade rubber hoses play a crucial role in the food and beverage industry by ensuring the safe transmission of fluids during production processes. Understanding their composition, working pressure, test pressure, burst pressure, fluid compatibility, and temperature range is essential for proper selection and safe usage.
1. Hose Composition:
A typical food-grade rubber hose consists of several layers:
• Inner Liner: Made from synthetic rubber, this layer retains the conveyed fluid within the hose, preventing leaks.
• Reinforcement Layer: Comprising steel wires or fiber braids, this layer provides resistance against internal pressures, ensuring the hose’s structural integrity under pressure.
• Outer Cover: The external layer protects the hose from environmental factors and physical damage.
For food-grade hoses, the inner liner is often white to meet food safety standards.
2. Working Pressure:
When selecting a hose, ensure that both the hose and its fittings have a recommended working pressure equal to or greater than the system’s operating pressure. System pulse or peak pressures should not exceed the hose assembly’s rated working pressure to maintain safe operation.
3. Test Pressure:
Testing is typically conducted at ambient temperature using water or another suitable medium. The hose assembly should withstand twice its working pressure for 30 to 60 seconds without leaks or pressure drop. A five-minute pressure hold without leakage or pressure reduction is required for the assembly to pass the pressure test.
4. Burst Pressure:
Burst pressure refers to the pressure at which the hose will rupture. It is generally four times the working pressure. However, burst pressure values in product literature are primarily for manufacturing quality control and should not be the sole basis for hose selection.
5. Fluid Compatibility:
The hose material must be chemically compatible with the conveyed fluid. Incompatibility can lead to hose degradation, leaks, or system failure.
6. Temperature Range:
To prevent premature aging and leaks, ensure that the conveyed fluid’s temperature and the surrounding environment do not exceed the hose’s specified temperature range.
By understanding these aspects, you can select and maintain food-grade rubber hoses that ensure safe and reliable fluid transmission in food processing applications.
Post time: Apr-01-2025