Hoses are specialized tubes widely used to transport fluids from one place to another. They are made of various materials, the most common of which are PVC and rubber. Although both hoses may seem alike and perform the same tasks, they vary in many aspects. So, a debate arises: PVC vs rubber hose – which one is more reliable?
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Knowing the key differences is crucial before making the final selection. Imagine you buy a hose to handle high-pressure fuel, but it melts because it was not designed for this job. So, picking the wrong hose not only causes cracks but also leads to financial loss. Are you confused about which is right for you? No worries! This guide will simply differentiate rubber and PVC hoses. So, let’s get started!
As I said above, PVC and rubber hoses might seem alike. However, many factors set them apart, from their composition to their durability. In this section, I will discuss some common differences so you don’t end up with the wrong one. Let’s dive right in!
One prominent difference between PVC and rubber is their composition. For instance, PVC hoses are made of a special type of plastic known as ” Polyvinyl Chloride.” It is a synthetic or man-made plastic polymer made of several monomers. Along with PVC, manufacturers add plasticizers, stabilizers, and additives to increase flexibility.
Conversely, rubber hoses are made of natural or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber comes from the latex of the rubber tree and undergoes several processes to produce a rubber hose. EPDM or Nitrile rubber is commonly used in synthetic rubber hoses to handle extreme conditions.
Flexibility is the most common difference between rubber and PVC hoses. Flexibility refers to how easily a hose can bend without breaking. If we discuss a rubber hose, it is naturally elastic, so it is highly flexible. WHY? The reason is its higher tensile strength, which means you can stretch and bend it without the risk of breaking.
On the reverse side, the PVC hose is less flexible and more rigid due to its low elasticity and tensile strength. When bent or compressed, these hoses crack easily. As I said above, they add stabilizers to enhance flexibility. However, these stabilizers start losing flexibility at low temperatures and become brittle.
Durability is the most critical factor that differentiates between the two hoses. HOW? Strength is somehow related to flexibility. The higher the flexibility, the stronger the hose. For example, a PVC hose is less flexible and hardens and cracks more easily. Moreover, when exposed to UV rays, plastic ingredients lose their flexibility and strength.
Conversely, rubber hoses offer superior durability and flexibility. They can withstand twisting, bending, and stretching without breaking. This is due to their impact resistance, which means they absorb shocks and retain their shape. Moreover, rubber hoses last longer in varying environmental conditions.
Temperature resistance indicates how well a hose can handle high and low temperatures. Both rubber and PVC hoses vary in this term. For instance, PVC hoses have a melting point of 60°C, so they become soft and start melting above this temperature. Moreover, these hoses become brittle and crack at below -10°C low temperature. This means that PVC hoses can handle low to moderate temperatures.
On the opposite side, rubber has a melting point of 120°C, higher than PVC. Rubber hoses remain strong and do not warp or soften when exposed to heat. Besides, in freezing conditions, such as below -40 °C, these hoses do not lose their flexibility or become brittle. This means rubber hoses can even withstand frost conditions.
As you know, hoses are designed to transfer high-pressure liquids and gases. Pressure handling is one of the critical differentiating factors between PVC and rubber hoses. HOW? Actually, PVC hoses are made of lightweight plastic. So, high-pressure liquids cause the PVC hoses to expand and eventually burst. Moreover, high pressure can also cause kinking of edges, which blocks the fluid flow.
So, PVC hoses can withstand a maximum pressure of 50-300 PSI. On the other hand, rubber hoses have superior pressure resistance. The reason is that they are more flexible and slightly heavier than PVC. So, these hoses do not kink on high pressure and allow a smooth flow of fluids. For example, rubber hoses can handle pressure up to 300-6,000 PSI without bursting or expanding.
Chemical resistance is a common difference between composite and rubber hoses. This difference also exists between rubber and PVC hoses. For instance, PVC hoses often contain additives to improve their flexibility. These additives also add chemical resistance to some extent. For example, they can handle mild acids, cleaning solutions, and non-corrosive liquids.
However, PVC hoses are unsuitable for fuel, strong alkalies, acids, and gasoline. These chemicals break down the plastic and cause the hose to melt. On the flip side, rubber hoses are highly resistant to all diverse types of chemicals. They have reinforcement layers that make them stronger against corrosive substances. Rubber hoses can efficiently carry gasoline, alkalies, acids, and harsh solvents long distances.
Weight and handling are other factors that set rubber and PVC hoses apart. In this regard, PVC hoses are the clear winner. HOW? Basically, these hoses are made of plastic with lower density. This means they are lightweight, easy to install, and can be moved from one place to another. Due to their lightweight, you can coil these hoses and store them easily.
Remember that the lightweight of PVC hoses can cause kinking and reduce their stability at high pressure. Conversely, rubber hoses are heavier due to denser rubber construction. These hoses are difficult to carry and move, and require more effort to store and coil. However, their higher density helps them stay in one place under high pressure. They do not kink or burst.
Environmental impact indicates how a house impacts our environment. For instance, PVC hoses are made with petroleum-based materials, such as additives. Thus, they release harmful chemicals, such as dioxins, into the environment. These chemicals can negatively affect humans and other living things. Moreover, PVC hoses are non-biodegradable.
It means they take hundreds of years to break down. So, PVC hoses mostly end up in landfills and increase pollution after use. Conversely, rubber hoses have lower environmental impacts. HOW? First, Natural rubber is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally and does not cause pollution. Moreover, rubber can be recycled and reused, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Due to variations in several aspects, the usability of both hoses also varies. Let’s discuss their applications one by one. PVC-reinforced hoses are commonly used in:
Now, look at some typical applications of rubber hoses;
Last but not least, cost is another factor that distinguishes these types. In terms of process, PVC hoses are a cost-effective option. WHY? The first reason is their readily available raw materials. As you know, these hoses are made from synthetic plastic, which is widely available. Moreover, due to their lightweight, PVC hoses are easy to process, reducing manufacturing costs.
While these hoses are cheaper, they may need more replacements and maintenance, so they may prove more costly in the long term. On the flip side, rubber hoses come at a higher initial cost. The reason lies in their expensive raw materials and complex manufacturing process. However, due to their enhanced durability and lifespan, these hoses prove cost-effective in the long run.
Both PVC and rubber hoses offer unique features. Thus, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be tricky. Right? But some factors can help you make a wise choice about these hoses. Let’s discuss them in this section.
Hoses are essential in transporting critical liquids and gases. They come in various materials; the most common are rubber and PVC. These hoses look alike at first glance but possess unique properties. For example, PVC hoses are lightweight and less flexible. Hence, they offer low durability and handle low-pressure liquids.
PVC hoses are cheaper and handy for moderate to light-duty operations. Conversely, rubber hoses are more durable and offer more flexibility. They can handle all types of chemicals and easily resist low and high temperatures. So, they have a high initial cost. However, I recommend rubber hoses due to their durability, which proves cost-effective in the long run.
Nowadays, flexible hoses replace many applications of rigid hose pipes. They move liquids or gases the same way other hoses do. The reason behind this popularity is that a flex hose is both flexible and strong. You can use them in many complex configurations. However, the suitability mainly depends on the type of flexible hose material.
Flexible hoses are widely used in almost all places where hoses are necessary. Since they can bend and stretch and don’t break, they can withstand cramped conditions. They are especially suitable for applications that involve constant vibration or movement. They make the setup easier and safer.
This article will explore what makes a hose flexible. We’ll examine the various materials used to construct flexible hoses and discuss what makes one better than another. It will go through each popular material and its pros and cons. In the end, we hope you will have a better idea of how to select the ideal hose material for your project.
The name suggests what this hose is like. Yes, it is flexible and bendable to fit perfectly in tight spaces or expansions. Flexible hoses are powerful enough to withstand heavy loads. Whatever you do, unless you cross the limit, and it won’t break or kink.
Generally, this hose has three major layers: an inner tube, a reinforcing tube, and an outer coating. The inner layer is the most important part of every hose. This is where the conveyed material directly comes into contact. The reinforcement layer provides flexibility and strength. Finally, the main job of the outer cover is to protect the hose from external damage. The impact can be anything, such as abrasion, UV radiation, wear and tear, or any natural hazards.
Flexible hoses are used in many applications. In plumbing, they mainly join sinks and tubing to discharge water to and from them. In the HVAC system, they move air and fluids. These hoses are very important in cars or vehicles to pump or transmit gasoline, coolants, and air to and from the engines. Similar applications can be observed in other industries.
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Flexible hoses can be of various types. (1) Spiral hoses have a spring-like reinforcement layer provided with it. This type of hose is the most common. However, if you need more strength, then (2) braided hose comes ahead. These hoses typically come with woven wire or fibers around the tube. (3) Corrugated hoses can bend more because the walls of the hose are grooved or ridged.
The most distinguishing quality of a flexible hose is precisely that: flexibility. Are all hoses flexible? Not only do materials affect flexibility, but so do other elements. These elements also contribute to the safety of your hose. Let’s get into detail.
Most people make mistakes when deciding on the right flexible hoses. They think only material is responsible for flexibility. But technically, it is not. In terms of flexibility, the design and construction also play a very significant role. It is particularly necessary for heavy-use applications. Since strength matters, the material can not create flexibility alone. So, you must choose the right design and construction of the hose.
The first and most common structure is spiral hoses. They typically have a spring-like structure. Such design and construction usually allow for bending the hose or its expansion or reduction on the job. These hoses are quite popular for suctioning and delivering liquids and other dry powders.
The number of layers also matters. Whenever more layers are added, the hose’s stiffness increases, and its flexibility decreases.
The next factor and the key topic of this article is the flexible hose material. It plays the biggest role in hose flexibility. PVC and rubber are mostly used to make expandable hoses. Among the plastics, PVC and TPE are the most common materials. In contrast, the commonly used elastomers are EPDM, silicone, and Neoprene, among many others.
In fact, each of the above materials has its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, PVC is a relatively cheap polymer material; however, its chemical resistance is high. EPDM works best in outdoor environments, while silicone works well at high temperatures. Flexible hoses can also be made of metal, but their construction and shape must be corrugated. Note that the hoses made of metal last longer than hoses made of rubber.
Along with structure and material, the hose size also matters when deciding flexibility. In this case, you should focus on two important parameters: inner diameter and wall thickness.
If you look at a hose, for instance, productivity reduces because when bent, the internal diameter for passage of the liquid or gas is altered. In this case, the structure is crucial so that the inner diameter is maintained consistently. Nonetheless, the chance to turn greatly decreases with greater diameters. Also, the thinner wall offers high flexibility but less durability.
Many flexible hoses have reinforcement layers to strengthen them. As you are already aware, there are three major types of flexible hoses, which differ mostly in their reinforcing layer type. Yes, you guessed correctly. The reinforcement layers are spiraled, braided, and corrugated.
Typically, wire or synthetic fibers are employed. The choice is based on the project’s requirements, and each material has advantages and disadvantages.
Flexible hoses generally come in various materials. All these materials have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Among these choices, choosing the right type is challenging. However, if you are familiar with their properties, you can quickly decide the correct option.
PVC is a widely used plastic for the preparation of flexible hoses. This material is popular because it is inexpensive, easy to get, and adaptable. It is commonly used to manufacture discharge and suction hoses. You can find several reasons to use PVC for flexible pipes or hoses.
We are all more or less familiar with EPDM rubber. It is one of the most used synthetic rubbers, commonly applied in the manufacture of seal strips, hoses, pipes, and tubes. It is particularly suitable for outdoor applications. People often use it to make radiators, heaters, and garden hoses.
TPE means thermoplastic elastomer. They behave both like rubber and plastic. It means that you can get both properties from these two separate materials. However, this flexible hose material is particularly suitable for high-temperature uses. They are often used in the manufacture of foods and as fuel and medical tubes.
PTFE is an acronym for polytetrafluoroethylene, and FEP is an acronym for fluorinated ethylene propylene. These three materials are popular because of their great chemical and heat resistance. They are used in chemical and high-temperature air transfer and pharmaceuticals.
PU, or polyurethane, is a famous plastic material used for flexible hoses. It is strong, flexible, and doesn’t tear easily. People prefer this material because it is surprisingly lightweight. You can often find its use in pneumatic systems, vacuum cleaners, dust collectors, and more.
Silicone is a rubber that is one name for extreme temperature uses. They work fine in high and even low-temperature situations. Flexible hoses, made of silicone, are used in the medical tubing industry, car radiator hoses in the automotive industry, food processing applications, and pharmaceutical equipment.
This flexible hose material is particularly prevalent for heavy-duty uses. If you cut a composite hose, you will find several layers of different materials. The most common materials used in this case are plastics, rubber, and metal. However, composite hoses are prevalent in chemical industries. People also use them in high-pressure applications.
Neoprene is also a famous material for its excellent chemical resistance and weather resistance. Because of this, it is often used in fuel and hydraulic hoses, air conditioning hoses, and HVAC systems.
Steel is the major material used in the reinforcement layer. Plastic or rubber is typically reinforced with steel wire, which strengthens most hoses. However, people also use textile fibers as a reinforcement material. Basically, steel and textile reinforcing are used in hydraulic, power-steered, and industrial high-pressure hoses.
All of the flexible hose materials mentioned above are suitable for making flex hoses. However, the right choice depends on your application’s particular use. The following five steps can lead you to your right destination.
This criterion is considered to be the most important when choosing a flexible hose. In this step, pay attention to five further values. What’s your project’s working temperature? Does it involve high heat or extreme low heat? Silicone and PTFE could be your ideal choice if you need temperature resistance above 100 degrees Celsius.
What is the working pressure in your system? Try your best to find out if the hose will be subjected to low, medium, or high pressure. In this case, you must focus on the safety factor, which is normally 4:1 or 3:1. The left value is the burst pressure, and the right value is the working pressure. For example, if a hose has 100 MPa working pressure, it must have a burst pressure rate of 400 MPa or 300 MPa. Note that the exact ratio depends on standards.
Next, it is necessary to determine what kind of fluids or direct gases are to be conveyed through the hose. Also, note that your hose may come in contact with corrosive materials. Therefore, you must ensure that your hose can perfectly operate transferred liquid.
The next thing you must focus on is flexibility. Does your project involve compact spaces? If so, you must choose a hose material that offers the optimum flexibility. Last, ensure the flexible hose is very durable. If you go in for more strength, then go for EPDM, PVC, or metal.
After you are aware of your project needs, you must check the standards your project follows. Different types of standards are widely used in many countries, such as ISO, DIN, EN, and SAE.
Last but not least, costs have to be weighed against quality, warranty, and success rate. Your project might require a maximum room temperature. For instance, a flexible hose with a high-temperature rating may not be a wise decision for this situation. Therefore, constantly balance the project requirements with your overall budget.
Several factors, including the design and structure of the hose material used in the construction, fix the flexibility of the hose. These three characteristics are particularly important for flexible hoses. Nevertheless, flexibility depends on other aspects like reinforcement and hose size.
Actually, there are so many flexible hose materials; however, those are popular enough, such as rubber, silicone, PVC, and PTFE hoses. Stainless steel or textile materials are used only for reinforcement. These materials, therefore, come with their advantages and uses.
Choosing between these materials can be a little tricky. But if you know their properties, you can quickly relate them to your project needs. If you need any help in choosing the right material, feel free to contact our customer support team.
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