How to choose the right chemical hose for your process - a guide to materials and use

Why is the choice of chemical hose so important? 

The wrong hose material can lead to: 

• Corrosion or degradation of the hose, risking leaks and accidents. 
• Contamination by chemicals when interacting with the hose material. 
• Insufficient sustainability at high pressures or temperatures, which can lead to downtime and costly repairs. 
• Incorrect flexibility or size which makes hose handling difficult and uneconomical. 

Step 1: Identify the properties of the chemicals 

The first thing you need to know is what chemicals will be transported through the hose. Find out: 

• Chemical composition is it always the same chemical being transported, are different ones at risk of mixing? 
• Concentration 
• temperature during transportation 
• Pressure conditions in the system 

All these factors influence which material is suitable. 

Step 2: Choose the right material for your chemical hose

Here are some common materials in chemical hoses and their properties: 

PTFE (Teflon) 

• Resistant to chemicals: Highly resistant to almost all chemicals, including acids and bases. 
• Temperature resistance: Withstands from -200°C to +260°C (depending on operating conditions) 
• Use: Ideal for aggressive chemicals and high temperatures, for example in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. 
• Disadvantage: Less flexible (but can be part of a flexible hose structure) and more expensive than other materials. 

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) 

• Resistant to chemicals: Good against many dilute acids and bases, but sensitive to strong acids and organic solvents. 
• Temperature resistance: Up to about 60 °C. 
• Use: Suitable for water-based chemicals, acids and alkalis in low temperature applications. 
• Advantage: Affordable and flexible. 

silicone 

• Resistant to chemicals: Good against many chemicals, but sensitive to oils and organic solvents. 
• Temperature resistance: Very high, up to 200 °C. 
• Use: Food, medical and lab environments where flexibility and sterility are important. 
• Advantage: Excellent flexibility and good biocompatibility. 

FKM (Viton) 

• Resistant to chemicals: Good against many oils, acids and chemicals. 
• Temperature resistance: Up to about 200 °C. 
• Use: Oil-based chemicals, liquid fuels and high temperature environments. 
• Advantage: Good chemical resistance and heat resistance. 

Step 3: Consider pressure and temperature 

The hose sizing must be able to withstand the maximum pressure and temperature expected in the process. Check the manufacturer's specifications and ensure that the hose is certified for your requirements. 

Step 4: Other important factors 

• Flexibility: Required for easy installation and handling. 
• Longevity and sustainability: How often might you need to change the hose? 
• Certifications: Are there requirements for food approval, cleanroom environment or use in Ex-zone? 
• Cost: Choose the material that offers the best balance between price and performance. 

Common uses of chemical hoses 

Choosing the right chemical hose is an investment in both safety and efficiency. Start by mapping the properties of the chemicals, identify pressure and temperature requirements, and choose a material that matches these needs. Also consider flexibility, durability and any certification requirements. 

Do you need help choosing the right chemical hose or do you have more questions? Get in touch and we'll help you find the optimal solution for your process (tobias.sander@colly.se, 070 875 18 00).