Hose Materials for Food and Beverage Industry Applications

Materials like PVC, PTFE, Polyurethane, NBR, EPDM rubber and even stainless steel each have their unique properties that make them suitable for different applications within the food industry.

Understanding these characteristics can help in choosing the most appropriate hose assembly for your specific needs.

PVC hoses are ideal for light-duty applications, offering compatibility with water, air and some mild acids and chemicals. Their transparency, lightness and flexibility make them a popular choice. However, for applications involving greasy foods or strong chemicals, PVC hoses might not be suitable. Recommended for their basic yet efficient performance are the Premium Multibar and Polymetra Clear, compliant with EC1935/2004 standards for food safety.

Polyurethane hoses stand out for their durability and compatibility with oils and some chemicals, making them fit for food-grade fluids like milk and juices, as well as for handling abrasive materials. Despite their resistance to oils and flexibility, they may not be the best choice for high-temperature applications. The Abraflex MD Food and its antistatic version are top recommendations for handling food powders.

For applications demanding high resistance to temperature, pressure or movement, PTFE hoses are unparalleled. Their suitability ranges from filters and centrifuges to drying towers, with an impressive temperature range of -70°C to +260°C. They are exceptionally resistant to chemicals and are easy to clean, making them perfect for use with fragrances and flavourings.

For comprehensive insights into selecting the ideal hose material for your food and beverage applications, it's crucial to consider several key factors. These include fluid compatibility, ensuring the material can safely handle the specific types of fluids it will be exposed to; abrasion resistance, to withstand the rigors of daily operation without degrading; flexibility, which is essential for easy installation and accommodating movement within the system; and chemical resistance, to prevent the hose from breaking down when exposed to various chemicals.

Given the complexity of these considerations, consulting manufacturer specifications and seeking expert advice is indispensable. ERIKS can offer you detailed guidance, tailored to your specific needs. In addition, our Material Pages serve as an invaluable resource, offering in-depth information on a wide array of hose materials including EPDM, NBR and many others, each suited for different aspects of food and beverage processing. By partnering with ERIKS, you ensure that your hose selection not only meets all application-specific requirements but also adheres to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.