In the modern market of elastomers, consumers have a huge choice of hoses options. However, the numerical number can often cause confusion as to which type of rubber, silicone or polymer is best suited for the particular application. Properties such as temperature resistance, compression, tear strength and elongation affect the choice of a proper hose.

 

Silicone hoses are an excellent choice for transporting liquids in medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and the food industry. Silicone is one of the most flexible elastomers, thanks to its wide operating temperature range, biocompatibility, high dielectric strength and the ability to be pigmented to almost any color. For these reasons and more, the use of silicone hoses continues to expand in spheres that traditionally use materials such as PVC, polyurethanes and natural rubber, which require curing.

 

Here is the most important part of why many engineers nowadays choose a silicone hose for other types of hoses:

 

Temperature:

 

Silicon is mainly associated with its excellent resistance to viscous temperatures. For this reason, silicone hoses are an ideal choice if application requires resistance to extreme temperatures.

 

Silicone hoses of DexyFlex retain their properties in a much wider temperature range, remaining flexible at temperatures down to -50⁰C and high up to + 250⁰С. They are far less susceptible to aging of organic rubbers. Over time, prolonged high temperatures will cause organic rubber hoses to harden and even burst.

 

Silicone hoses withstand up to 270 ° C for a short period of time, which in most cases is sufficient for use in many high temperature applications.

 

Resilience of the environment

 

The silicone hose of Dexyflex - VYTRYL has excellent environmental resistance, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications. Silicone can withstand ozone and ultraviolet rays, allowing the material to retain its original properties and prevent degradation. Silicon also has excellent resistance to weathering: rain, snowing, snow and frost.

  

Safety of food transport

 

Silicone is an inert polymer, which means that it is mostly non-reactive. This makes it an elastomer suitable for use in the food industry as this has no effect on the products themselves. From milking machines to brewing hoses, silicone is widely used worldwide. Silicone hoses are approved by the FDA, BfR and WRAS standards, which certifies that contact with food or drinks is not causing any pollution.

 

Silicone can be sterilized in all standard ways, including steam, ethylene oxide or gamma radiation. Since silicone tubes are very flexible, they are ideal for fluid transport, peristaltic pumping or filling. Silicone can be extruded into a wide variety of profiles / configurations, allowing it to be adapted to virtually any application