Air Pressure Hoses for Pneumatic Applications
Reichelt Chemietechnik stocks a wide variety of air pressure hoses made from different materials. As an experienced provider and specialist in hose technology, the RCT range also includes rigid plastic tubing, rubber tubing, antistatic and many other types of hoses. Thanks to our extensive product range, a suitable hose solution can be found for almost any application. Appropriate accessories, such as hose connectors, quick-release couplings, or stopcocks, are also available through our online shop.
Air pressure hoses, for example, used in pneumatics, are made from many different plastics and elastomers. Here is an overview of the available hose materials:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, highly cross-linked)
- PA (Polyamide)
- PUR (Polyurethane, Vulkollan®)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- FKM or FPM (Fluoroelastomer, Viton®, THOMAFLUOR)
- TPE-E (Thermoplastic Polyether-Ester Elastomer)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber)
- FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)
The appropriate material for your use depends on various factors. What pressure is the air pressure hose subjected to? Are other media besides air being conveyed, or is the air chemically contaminated? What operating temperature does the pressure tubing face? Is high flexibility desired or necessary?
Depending on these parameters, a choice can be made from the following plastics and elastomers.
PE Air and Chemical Hoses
Polyethylene tubes are available in numerous versions. There is also a distinction between high-density PE, low-density PE, and linear polyethylene.
HDPE
HDPE chemical ltubes are used as compressed air conduits in process engineering, mechanical engineering, and production technology. They are characterized by high mechanical strength, toughness, and elongation at break. These components are resistant to polar solvents, acids, alkalis, various oils, alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and fuels, such as gasoline or diesel. They are also resistant to UV radiation, X-rays, and particularly aggressive media such as mineral acids, alkali lyes, and hot water. The permissible operating temperature range is -50 °C to +100 °C, and the maximum working pressure is 16 bar*. The chemical tubes also meet the UL 94 HB flammability class and have a Shore hardness D of 66° according to DIN 53505.
HDPE pneumatic hoses are also available in a calibrated version. These serve as air pressure hoses as well as control and vacuum tubes. They are also defined as protective hoses and used as pneumatic conduits on laser devices. The air supply lines are physiologically safe and prove to be highly stiff, impact-resistant, mechanically strong, and abrasion-resistant. These units can be loaded in the pressure range from 9 to 33 bar*, depending on their dimension. The Shore hardness D is 67° according to DIN 53505, and the permissible operating temperature range is -30 °C to 80 °C, with short-term exposure up to +100 °C permissible.
Plastic/Metal Composite Hoses are a composite of various metal and plastic materials. Indeed, both the inner core and the outer jacket are made of HDPE, and an aluminum layer serves as a composite core. The corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant (max. 30 bar*) laboratory and pneumatic lines can be subjected to operating temperatures from -25 °C to +65 °C (short-term up to +80 °C). Thanks to the aluminum composite core, these gas conduits are extremely gas-tight, thus exhibiting minimal permeability. They are available in nominal widths from 3.9 mm to 15.0 mm, with minimum bending radii ranging from 19 mm to 175 mm, depending on dimension.
LDPE
LDPE products are also highly resistant to many organic and inorganic chemicals. These include, for example, mineral fats and oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, alkalis, esters, ketones, hot water, and UV and X-ray radiation. Pressure lines made of LDPE are slightly more flexible than their HDPE counterparts but are still mechanically stable and pressure-resistant.
Standard LDPE chemical lines are used in pneumatic technology. Thanks to their extremely high mechanical strength, they are very impact-resistant and robust. The working pressure ranges from 9 to 30 bar*, depending on dimension. The Shore hardness D is 45° according to DIN 53505, and their elongation at break is 650%. The standard version is available in both imperial and metric sizes, optionally in natural or black colors. Regardless of the color, the LDPE product can be used in a temperature range from -50 °C to +90 °C, with temperature increases up to +120 °C permissible for short intervals.
A special role is assigned to the medical compressed air hoses. These special products for medical technology and hospital engineering are highly flexible, elastic, and soft. They are medically pure, non-toxic, free of extractable components, and completely odorless and tasteless. Their chemical resistance meets DIN 16934. The low gas permeability is also noteworthy: the permeability values for water vapor, ozone, and oxygen are exceptionally low. They can thus also be used as gas or oxygen lines. Compressed air tubing made of LDPE for medical and pharmaceutical technology can be used in a temperature range from -20 °C to +80 °C, and the permissible working pressure is 15.6 bar*, depending on dimension. The elongation at break is approximately 450%.
LLDPE
LLDPE stands for highly cross-linked, linear low-density polyethylene. Food-safe drinking water lines made of this material, for example, for drinking water treatment and the beverage industry, also enrich our program. Due to their pressure resistance of 8 bar* across the entire nominal width range, they are also used for compressed air. They are considered physiologically safe, tasteless and odorless, and non-toxic – approvals according to DVGW worksheet W 270, KTW, NSF, and WRC are available. These pressure products – whose typical areas of application are building technology, water treatment, drinking water supply, biotechnology, and the food industry – are offered in the following colors: Natural Blue Red Black Despite their excellent pressure resistance, their flexibility with bending radii from 25 to 64 mm is extraordinarily good. The impact-resistant, vibration-stable LLDPE products can be used in a temperature range from -30 °C to +65 °C and, like the LDPE versions, have very low gas permeability.
EPDM Double-Jacket Compressed Air and Brake Lines
Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber belongs to the group of elastomers. It is particularly high-quality, elastic, and chemically resistant to various media, such as alcohols, esters, ketones, acids, alkalis, and mineral fats and oils. Even weathering, hot water, and water vapor, UV radiation, and ozone do not affect the rubber. Brake lines or air pressure tubing made of EPDM are very flexible, thanks to the integrated PVAA braid as a pressure carrier, but are also pressure-resistant with a burst pressure of 50 bar*. The double-jacket products meet DIN 74310 and can be used at temperatures from -40 °C to +70 °C.
FEP Chemical Lines
The fluoroplastic FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) is extremely chemically resistant and mechanically strong. Chemical products made of this material are therefore excellently suited for pneumatic applications. They are suitable for maximum pressure loads from 8 to 20 bar*, depending on dimension, and can generally be used in a temperature range from -170 °C to +210 °C. In addition, these compressed air lines are physiologically safe (FDA-compliant, BfR-compliant, European Pharmacopoeia) and sterilizable (autoclavable at +121 °C or by hot air at +160 °C, ethylene oxide, and gamma rays also possible). The smooth, anti-adhesive inner surface guarantees minimal flow resistance and also ensures that no bacteria, particles, or other microorganisms can settle. The Shore hardness D is 53° according to DIN 53505.
PA Pneumatic and Compressed Air Lines
"Polyamides" refer to a group of linear polymers that have a regularly repeating amide bond along the main chain. Numerous polyamides are available on the market, which also find technical applications, such as PA 11 (Nylon 11), PA 12 (Nylon 12), PA 6.6 (Nylon), or PA 6 (Perlon®). It is therefore not surprising that a variety of different pressure lines and tubing made of polyamides are available. The versions at a glance:
- Chemical lines in the "Standard", "Calibrated", and "High Flexible" variants
- High-pressure tubing
- Lumen hoses
- Tubing for medical technology
- Antistatic hoses (electrically conductive)
- Spiral tubing (optionally with and without threaded connections)
- Pneumatic and hydraulic lines
- Macro compressed air hoses
The properties and advantages of the various types in detail and their preferred areas of application are explained below.
Chemical Hoses – Standard
The PA air pressure hoses in the "Standard" version are characterized by the highest wear resistance and outstanding impact resistance. They are largely gas-tight and configured for operating temperatures from -40 °C to +90 °C, although they can also be steam sterilized at +136 °C. Sterilization by ethylene oxide and gamma rays is also possible. This tubing are suitable for maximum working pressures from 15 to 60 bar*, depending on the hose dimension.
Calibrated Compressed Air Hoses
The chemical hoses in the "Calibrated" version are excellently suited for pneumatic applications and thus used as pneumatic and hydraulic control lines that can be connected via connectors. The Shore hardness D is 68° according to DIN 53505, and the operating temperature range is from -40 °C to +100 °C. The flexible pressure hoses can be subjected to up to 25 bar*, depending on the hose dimension.
Highly Flexible Version
Highly flexible pneumatic hoses made of polyamide are used in apparatus construction, medical technology, and chemical process engineering. The weather-resistant and hot-air-resistant PA hoses are characterized by the greatest elasticity (even at low temperatures) and good elastic behavior – while simultaneously having high mechanical strength. Thus, the bending radius of the super flexible pressure hoses ranges from 20 mm to 55 mm, depending on the hose type. These properties allow the compressed air hose to be used in drag chains. The Shore hardness D is 55°, and the operating temperature range is -50 °C to +60 °C.
Macro Compressed Air Hoses
The industrial and macro hoses are designed with nominal widths from 12 mm to 23 mm for large-scale industrial use. Despite the high pressure resistance of up to 17 bar*, the bending radii are only 90 mm to 190 mm. The impact resistance, gas tightness, mechanical strength, and wear resistance are remarkably good. The Shore hardness D is 61° (DIN 53505), and the thermal resistance is in the range from -50 °C to +100 °C.
Antistatic Hoses – Electrically Conductive
PA chemical tubes – electrically conductive and tolerance-controlled – are used in explosion-protected areas ("Ex-protection") as pressure and vacuum hoses. The electrical conductivity with a surface resistance of <106 Ohm is ensured by the graphite filling of the special compound. The black, conductive air pressure hoses can be subjected to high maximum pressures of up to 45 bar*, depending on the hose diameter. The bending radii also depend on the nominal widths, ranging from 20 to 90 mm. The temperature resistance of the abrasion-resistant and wear-resistant pressure hoses is from -40 °C to +90 °C.
High-Pressure Hoses
For particularly demanding compressed air applications, PA high-pressure hoses with maximum working pressures from 100 to 136 bar (+20 °C) are available. The extremely hard hydraulic hoses (Shore hardness D 96°) are used in central lubrication systems and low-pressure hydraulics. They are available in nominal widths of 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm and can be used in a temperature range from +0 °C to +100 °C.
Lumen Hoses
Lumen hoses made of polyamide are offered both double-luminal (lumen colors: Blue and Black) and triple-luminal (lumen colors: Blue, Black, and Natural/Yellow). They are used in chemical engineering and process engineering, but are also used for compressed air technology. Both versions are thermally resistant from -50 °C to +120 °C (short-term up to +150 °C) and suitable for working pressures from 14 to 35 bar (+20 °C), depending on the hose dimension. In addition to steam sterilization at +136 °C, their high wear resistance and impact resistance as well as low gas permeability are also noteworthy. Sterilization is not only possible by steam but also by treatment with gas (ethylene oxide) or gamma rays.
Spiral Hoses without Connection Pieces
Spiral hoses made of polyamide are considered pressure tubes for a maximum air pressure of 15 bar*. Due to the spiral hose construction, they are very stretchable and flexible while maintaining the best shape stability and mechanical strength of the line. Consequently, they are used to convey fluids, gases, and compressed air in moving or vibrating plant systems and apparatuses. The compressed air spiral tubes can be reversibly and easily stretched or pulled apart – the hoses are thus ideally suited for applications requiring high mobility (working length 2.5 m to 22.5 m). The chemical resistance is also given against oils and fuels, for example, as residues in the compressed air, and the temperature range is -40 °C to 90 °C. The tightly wound, permanently spiral polyamide hoses remain absolutely mechanically stable and abrasion-resistant even with repeated stretching.
Spiral Hoses with Threaded Connections
The compressed air spiral hose version with rotatable threaded connections (with bend protection and conical R 1/4" inch external thread) is equivalently constructed and is also used as hydraulic, pneumatic, and compressed air lines on robotic systems, automated dosing systems, and other moving or vibrating industrial plants. The pressure resistance is 20 bar* for the entire nominal width range, and the temperature resistance is from -20 °C to +80 °C. In addition to compressed air, the air pressure hoses can also transport other gaseous and liquid media required in hydraulics and compressed air technology. The products are available in the colors Blue and Orange with working lengths up to 6.0 m and have a Shore hardness D of 60°.
Medical Technology Hoses
PA pneumatic hoses for medical technology as well as for hospital technology, sterilization technology, and the pharmaceutical industry are also part of our extensive hose range. The pressure range of these special tubes is from 6.1 to 20.3 bar (+20 °C, varies depending on the hose dimension). The autoclavable medical hoses can be thermally loaded permanently from -40 °C to +80 °C. In addition, the good mechanical strength, wear resistance, and impact resistance are also noteworthy. Sterilization is – in addition to the aforementioned autoclaving – also possible using ethylene oxide and gamma rays. These products are available in "flexible" and "semi-rigid" versions.
Pneumatic-Hydraulic Pipelines
Pipelines made of polyamide for compressed air technology, hydraulics, and pneumatics are used for pneumatic as well as hydraulic control processes, and this in the pressure range from 7 to 15 bar (*) depending on the hose dimension. The following color choices are available:
The color coding prevents confusion of different hose lines in operation. The externally calibrated air pressure hoses (low tolerance in outer diameter) are mechanically stable and impact-resistant, yet simultaneously elastic and flexible with bending radii from 10 mm to 120 mm. The permissible temperature range is -70 °C to +70 °C.
PUR Hydraulic and Compressed Air Hoses
PUR tubing is elastic and flexible – while simultaneously having given mechanical stability and pressure resistance. They are thus ideally suited as air pressure hoses, hydraulic hoses, and pneumatic tubing. The main representatives of this elastomer group are detailed below.
Antista Spiral Hoses
The antistatic, spiralized air pressure hoses are electrically conductive and suitable for mechanical engineering, measurement and control technology, compressed air technology, hydraulics, pneumatics, and chemical technology. These tubes are equipped antistatically with a surface resistance of <106 Ohm. The Shore hardness A is 98° according to DIN 53505, and the temperature range spans from -20 °C to +85 °C. For all hose dimensions, the maximum working pressure is 10 bar*. The spiral hoses with high resilience are considered kink-resistant as well as elastic and are also tear-resistant, ozone-resistant, weather-resistant, and aging-resistant. The chemical resistance is also given against UV radiation, fuels, diesel oil, and kerosene.
PUR Chemical Hoses
Standard hose systems made of polyurethane are considered chemical hoses and flexible compressed air supply hoses on compressed air tools and assembly lines. The air pressure hoses are used in the automotive industry, measurement and control technology, as well as in apparatus construction and chemical technology. They are of the highest flexibility and elasticity and prove themselves simultaneously by an excellent mechanical strength and tear resistance. The pressure resistance is also positively noted with a maximum of 10 bar*. Hose versions are available in the colors Blue, Red, and Yellow. The Shore hardness A according to DIN 53505 is 95°, while the thermal resistance is in the range from -20 °C to +85 °C.
Spiral Spark Protection Hoses
Spiralized spark protection hoses – optionally with and without rotatable screw connections – are also part of our extensive hose program. The spiral hoses meet the UL 94 V-0 flammability class and can be thermally loaded from -20 °C to +100 °C. They are considered extremely flame-retardant, suitable for drag chains, and pressure-resistant, with a permissible working pressure of 15 bar (+20 °C) across the entire nominal width range. Furthermore, they are chemically resistant to gasoline, cyclohexane, diesel oil, isooctane, kerosene, and other fuels.
Food Hoses
Compressed air hoses are also needed in the beverage and food industry. Corresponding variants made of polyurethane are BfR and FDA compliant. Their flexibility, tear resistance, and kink resistance are rated as above average, with a Shore hardness D of 52° and pressure resistance from 11 to 14 bar* (diameter-dependent). The permissible operating temperature of the physiologically safe food hoses is -25 °C to +60 °C.
Lumen Hoses
PUR lumen hoses are offered in three versions: With two lumens (Black and Blue), three lumens (Black, Blue, and Yellow), and four lumens (Black, Blue, Green, and Yellow). They are used as air pressure hoses in laboratory technology and process technology and are characterized by their high mechanical strength and tear resistance. The Shore hardness A is 98°, with the operating temperature range being -40 °C to +80 °C. Temperature peaks up to +120 °C are also possible. The pressure resistance depending on the dimension is from 8 to 18 bar*. Noteworthy are also the absolute kink resistance and mechanical stability, even at very low temperatures down to -40 °C.
Compressed Air Hoses
Compressed air hoses made of polyurethane are primarily used for pneumatic tools and machines. They are also used in operating technology, hydraulics, pneumatics, compressed air technology, and process technology. The maximum operating pressure is 20 and the burst pressure is 60 bar (+20 °C), while the temperature range is defined as -20 °C to +60 °C. The pressure resistance and wear resistance of the flexible air pressure hoses are outstanding. They are available in nominal widths from 6 mm to 13 mm and can be ordered starting from a length of 5 meters.
Chemical Safety Hoses
Safety chemical tubing is used as control hoses and air pressure hoses for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Their pressure load capacity varies between 9 and 12 bar*, depending on the dimension, and their Shore hardness D is 52° according to DIN 53505. The operating temperature range is from -35 °C to +60 °C. The safety hoses are not only suitable for compressed air but can also be used for conveying coolants, hydraulic oils, and hydraulic fluids. Furthermore, their chemical resistance to various fuels (gasoline, diesel oil, cyclohexane) is given. These products are kink-resistant and elastic, and also resistant to UV rays and ozone.
Externally Tolerated Spiral Hoses
The spiral hoses designed for the low-pressure range and configured for an air pressure of up to 10 bar* have their operating temperature set at -20 °C to +60 °C. Their cold flexibility, kink resistance, high resilience, and excellent elasticity with working lengths of up to 8 m are noteworthy.
Chemical Industry Hoses
Polyurethane industry tubes in the "High-Flexible" version are designed for compressed air technology as well as for mechanical engineering as protection, conveying, and (compressed) air hoses. They are also used in low-pressure pneumatics and vacuum applications. As the name already suggests, these products are very flexible and elastic, despite high mechanical strength and the pressure resistance depending on the dimension up to 23 bar*. The operating temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C (short-term +120 °C), with cold flexibility even at very low temperatures down to -40 °C given. The smallest bending radii additionally facilitate the handling of the compressed air hose, whose Shore hardness A according to DIN 53505 is 70°.
Color-Coded Spiral Hoses with Connections
In our range, you will find not only color-coded versions (Red, Blue, and Yellow) but also those that are already pre-assembled with rotatable plug nipples, quick couplings, or screw connections. Of course, the air pressure hoses are also available without connections and can be assembled by yourself or connected to existing hose systems. Here are the key data of the spiralized air hoses at a glance:
- Working length up to 8 m
- Temperature range: -20 °C to +60 °C
- Max. operating pressure: 10 bar*
- Nominal widths from 4.0 mm to 13.0 mm
- Shore hardness A: 98°
The elasticity, kink resistance, and resilience are excellent, even with repeated movement and at low temperatures. Furthermore, their chemical resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene), ozone resistance, weather resistance, and aging resistance are also noteworthy.
TPE-E Chemical and Air Pressure Hoses
The designation TPE-E stands for a thermoplastic polyether-ester elastomer. The chemical and technical properties are comparable to those of polyurethane. Thus, the elasticity, mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and wear resistance are particularly good, and the chemical resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons at moderate temperatures is given. The TPE-E compressed air hose can be loaded in a temperature range from -40 °C to +120 °C, with temperature peaks up to +160 °C also possible. The Shore hardness D is 63°, and the minimum bending radii are very good at 20 mm to 80 mm, depending on the nominal width. The chemical hose is thus flexible, chemically resistant, and simultaneously mechanically strong.
PVC Air Pressure Hoses
PVC tubing is available in many different forms and versions, such as analytical, laboratory, food, and diesel hoses. For compressed air technology, two versions are of particular importance:
The blue PVC pressure tubing is particularly thin-walled, despite the high pressure resistance of up to 40 at +20 °C and 21 bar at +60 °C. The high pressure resistance with simultaneously low wall thickness is realized through a synthetic thread fabric insert. Thus, the hose can be used as a highly flexible and bendable air and hydraulic hose for cooling lines, hydraulic lines, and compressed air lines. Its temperature resistance is given in the operating range from -20 °C to +60 °C, and the Shore hardness A of the hose material is 86° according to DIN 53505. It is also noteworthy that the pressure hose is absolutely silicone- and LABS-free, which is required in many industrial areas, such as the automotive industry.
The brown PVC compressed air hoses are also considered air pressure hoses for process technology and operating technology as well as pneumatics and hydraulics. They are extremely robust and flexible with pronounced pressure resistance (20 bar* for all hose dimensions). The compressed air hose is thermally loadable from -20 °C to +60 °C and is available in nominal widths from 6.0 mm to 25.0 mm.
FPM Double-Jacket Hoses
FPM or FKM double-jacket hoses are used in chemical process engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, petrochemistry, and the mineral oil industry. The chemical resistance, heat resistance, and resistance to ozone, oxygen, aging, and weathering of the inner core made of fluoroelastomer are exceptionally good. The additional outer jacket made of chloroprene rubber and the insert made of polyester fabric with two copper strands ensure the necessary pressure resistance of 10 bar at +20 °C (for all hose dimensions). Despite the complex and multi-layered construction, the compressed air hose remains flexible with bending radii from 100 mm to 240 mm. The temperature range is -20 °C to +120 °C.
NBR Low-Pressure Hoses
Our Low-pressure products made of nitrile rubber are used as hydraulic, pressure and pneumatic hoses. Due to the double-layered hose construction, they are also defined as double-jacket hoses – the inner core is made of NBR, and the outer jacket is a galvanized steel wire braid. The latter serves as a pressure carrier and secures the working pressure of a maximum of 20 bar*, depending on the hose dimension. The temperature range of the metal-braided low-pressure hoses, used in compressed air technology, is -30 °C to 90 °C. The chemical resistance is given against mineral oil products, aliphatic hydrocarbons, glycols, lubricants, plant and animal oils, silicones, diluted acids and bases, and compressed air. The hose is thus considered a fuel-resistant hydraulic and chemical hose according to DIN 73379.
Buy Air Pressure Hoses at rct-online.de
Discover air pressure hoses, air pressure hoses, and other air hoses in numerous versions, made from many different plastics, in the range of Reichelt Chemietechnik. With over 40 years of experience in the field of hose technology, RCT is your reliable contact for hose solutions of all kinds. We keep a large number of our hose versions constantly in stock in Heidelberg, which is why we can usually deliver at short notice. Just-in-time delivery, fair conditions, expert advice, and first-class service speak for us.
If you have technical questions about hose materials or are unsure about choosing a hose suitable for your application, do not hesitate to call us or send us an email. Our experts in the field of plastics and elastomer technology will be happy to advise you. You can also find further information in our extensive plastics glossary and our chemical resistance list.
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Air Pressure Hoses for Pneumatic Applications
Reichelt Chemietechnik stocks a wide variety of air pressure hoses made from different materials. As an experienced provider and specialist in hose technology, the RCT range also includes rigid plastic tubing, rubber tubing, antistatic and many other types of hoses. Thanks to our extensive product range, a suitable hose solution can be found for almost any application. Appropriate accessories, such as hose connectors, quick-release couplings, or stopcocks, are also available through our online shop.
Air pressure hoses, for example, used in pneumatics, are made from many different plastics and elastomers. Here is an overview of the available hose materials:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, highly cross-linked)
- PA (Polyamide)
- PUR (Polyurethane, Vulkollan®)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- FKM or FPM (Fluoroelastomer, Viton®, THOMAFLUOR)
- TPE-E (Thermoplastic Polyether-Ester Elastomer)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber)
- FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)
The appropriate material for your use depends on various factors. What pressure is the air pressure hose subjected to? Are other media besides air being conveyed, or is the air chemically contaminated? What operating temperature does the pressure tubing face? Is high flexibility desired or necessary?
Depending on these parameters, a choice can be made from the following plastics and elastomers.
PE Air and Chemical Hoses
Polyethylene tubes are available in numerous versions. There is also a distinction between high-density PE, low-density PE, and linear polyethylene.
HDPE
HDPE chemical ltubes are used as compressed air conduits in process engineering, mechanical engineering, and production technology. They are characterized by high mechanical strength, toughness, and elongation at break. These components are resistant to polar solvents, acids, alkalis, various oils, alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and fuels, such as gasoline or diesel. They are also resistant to UV radiation, X-rays, and particularly aggressive media such as mineral acids, alkali lyes, and hot water. The permissible operating temperature range is -50 °C to +100 °C, and the maximum working pressure is 16 bar*. The chemical tubes also meet the UL 94 HB flammability class and have a Shore hardness D of 66° according to DIN 53505.
HDPE pneumatic hoses are also available in a calibrated version. These serve as air pressure hoses as well as control and vacuum tubes. They are also defined as protective hoses and used as pneumatic conduits on laser devices. The air supply lines are physiologically safe and prove to be highly stiff, impact-resistant, mechanically strong, and abrasion-resistant. These units can be loaded in the pressure range from 9 to 33 bar*, depending on their dimension. The Shore hardness D is 67° according to DIN 53505, and the permissible operating temperature range is -30 °C to 80 °C, with short-term exposure up to +100 °C permissible.
Plastic/Metal Composite Hoses are a composite of various metal and plastic materials. Indeed, both the inner core and the outer jacket are made of HDPE, and an aluminum layer serves as a composite core. The corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant (max. 30 bar*) laboratory and pneumatic lines can be subjected to operating temperatures from -25 °C to +65 °C (short-term up to +80 °C). Thanks to the aluminum composite core, these gas conduits are extremely gas-tight, thus exhibiting minimal permeability. They are available in nominal widths from 3.9 mm to 15.0 mm, with minimum bending radii ranging from 19 mm to 175 mm, depending on dimension.
LDPE
LDPE products are also highly resistant to many organic and inorganic chemicals. These include, for example, mineral fats and oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, alkalis, esters, ketones, hot water, and UV and X-ray radiation. Pressure lines made of LDPE are slightly more flexible than their HDPE counterparts but are still mechanically stable and pressure-resistant.
Standard LDPE chemical lines are used in pneumatic technology. Thanks to their extremely high mechanical strength, they are very impact-resistant and robust. The working pressure ranges from 9 to 30 bar*, depending on dimension. The Shore hardness D is 45° according to DIN 53505, and their elongation at break is 650%. The standard version is available in both imperial and metric sizes, optionally in natural or black colors. Regardless of the color, the LDPE product can be used in a temperature range from -50 °C to +90 °C, with temperature increases up to +120 °C permissible for short intervals.
A special role is assigned to the medical compressed air hoses. These special products for medical technology and hospital engineering are highly flexible, elastic, and soft. They are medically pure, non-toxic, free of extractable components, and completely odorless and tasteless. Their chemical resistance meets DIN 16934. The low gas permeability is also noteworthy: the permeability values for water vapor, ozone, and oxygen are exceptionally low. They can thus also be used as gas or oxygen lines. Compressed air tubing made of LDPE for medical and pharmaceutical technology can be used in a temperature range from -20 °C to +80 °C, and the permissible working pressure is 15.6 bar*, depending on dimension. The elongation at break is approximately 450%.
LLDPE
LLDPE stands for highly cross-linked, linear low-density polyethylene. Food-safe drinking water lines made of this material, for example, for drinking water treatment and the beverage industry, also enrich our program. Due to their pressure resistance of 8 bar* across the entire nominal width range, they are also used for compressed air. They are considered physiologically safe, tasteless and odorless, and non-toxic – approvals according to DVGW worksheet W 270, KTW, NSF, and WRC are available. These pressure products – whose typical areas of application are building technology, water treatment, drinking water supply, biotechnology, and the food industry – are offered in the following colors: Natural Blue Red Black Despite their excellent pressure resistance, their flexibility with bending radii from 25 to 64 mm is extraordinarily good. The impact-resistant, vibration-stable LLDPE products can be used in a temperature range from -30 °C to +65 °C and, like the LDPE versions, have very low gas permeability.
EPDM Double-Jacket Compressed Air and Brake Lines
Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber belongs to the group of elastomers. It is particularly high-quality, elastic, and chemically resistant to various media, such as alcohols, esters, ketones, acids, alkalis, and mineral fats and oils. Even weathering, hot water, and water vapor, UV radiation, and ozone do not affect the rubber. Brake lines or air pressure tubing made of EPDM are very flexible, thanks to the integrated PVAA braid as a pressure carrier, but are also pressure-resistant with a burst pressure of 50 bar*. The double-jacket products meet DIN 74310 and can be used at temperatures from -40 °C to +70 °C.
FEP Chemical Lines
The fluoroplastic FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) is extremely chemically resistant and mechanically strong. Chemical products made of this material are therefore excellently suited for pneumatic applications. They are suitable for maximum pressure loads from 8 to 20 bar*, depending on dimension, and can generally be used in a temperature range from -170 °C to +210 °C. In addition, these compressed air lines are physiologically safe (FDA-compliant, BfR-compliant, European Pharmacopoeia) and sterilizable (autoclavable at +121 °C or by hot air at +160 °C, ethylene oxide, and gamma rays also possible). The smooth, anti-adhesive inner surface guarantees minimal flow resistance and also ensures that no bacteria, particles, or other microorganisms can settle. The Shore hardness D is 53° according to DIN 53505.
PA Pneumatic and Compressed Air Lines
"Polyamides" refer to a group of linear polymers that have a regularly repeating amide bond along the main chain. Numerous polyamides are available on the market, which also find technical applications, such as PA 11 (Nylon 11), PA 12 (Nylon 12), PA 6.6 (Nylon), or PA 6 (Perlon®). It is therefore not surprising that a variety of different pressure lines and tubing made of polyamides are available. The versions at a glance:
- Chemical lines in the "Standard", "Calibrated", and "High Flexible" variants
- High-pressure tubing
- Lumen hoses
- Tubing for medical technology
- Antistatic hoses (electrically conductive)
- Spiral tubing (optionally with and without threaded connections)
- Pneumatic and hydraulic lines
- Macro compressed air hoses
The properties and advantages of the various types in detail and their preferred areas of application are explained below.
Chemical Hoses – Standard
The PA air pressure hoses in the "Standard" version are characterized by the highest wear resistance and outstanding impact resistance. They are largely gas-tight and configured for operating temperatures from -40 °C to +90 °C, although they can also be steam sterilized at +136 °C. Sterilization by ethylene oxide and gamma rays is also possible. This tubing are suitable for maximum working pressures from 15 to 60 bar*, depending on the hose dimension.
Calibrated Compressed Air Hoses
The chemical hoses in the "Calibrated" version are excellently suited for pneumatic applications and thus used as pneumatic and hydraulic control lines that can be connected via connectors. The Shore hardness D is 68° according to DIN 53505, and the operating temperature range is from -40 °C to +100 °C. The flexible pressure hoses can be subjected to up to 25 bar*, depending on the hose dimension.
Highly Flexible Version
Highly flexible pneumatic hoses made of polyamide are used in apparatus construction, medical technology, and chemical process engineering. The weather-resistant and hot-air-resistant PA hoses are characterized by the greatest elasticity (even at low temperatures) and good elastic behavior – while simultaneously having high mechanical strength. Thus, the bending radius of the super flexible pressure hoses ranges from 20 mm to 55 mm, depending on the hose type. These properties allow the compressed air hose to be used in drag chains. The Shore hardness D is 55°, and the operating temperature range is -50 °C to +60 °C.
Macro Compressed Air Hoses
The industrial and macro hoses are designed with nominal widths from 12 mm to 23 mm for large-scale industrial use. Despite the high pressure resistance of up to 17 bar*, the bending radii are only 90 mm to 190 mm. The impact resistance, gas tightness, mechanical strength, and wear resistance are remarkably good. The Shore hardness D is 61° (DIN 53505), and the thermal resistance is in the range from -50 °C to +100 °C.
Antistatic Hoses – Electrically Conductive
PA chemical tubes – electrically conductive and tolerance-controlled – are used in explosion-protected areas ("Ex-protection") as pressure and vacuum hoses. The electrical conductivity with a surface resistance of <106 Ohm is ensured by the graphite filling of the special compound. The black, conductive air pressure hoses can be subjected to high maximum pressures of up to 45 bar*, depending on the hose diameter. The bending radii also depend on the nominal widths, ranging from 20 to 90 mm. The temperature resistance of the abrasion-resistant and wear-resistant pressure hoses is from -40 °C to +90 °C.
High-Pressure Hoses
For particularly demanding compressed air applications, PA high-pressure hoses with maximum working pressures from 100 to 136 bar (+20 °C) are available. The extremely hard hydraulic hoses (Shore hardness D 96°) are used in central lubrication systems and low-pressure hydraulics. They are available in nominal widths of 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm and can be used in a temperature range from +0 °C to +100 °C.
Lumen Hoses
Lumen hoses made of polyamide are offered both double-luminal (lumen colors: Blue and Black) and triple-luminal (lumen colors: Blue, Black, and Natural/Yellow). They are used in chemical engineering and process engineering, but are also used for compressed air technology. Both versions are thermally resistant from -50 °C to +120 °C (short-term up to +150 °C) and suitable for working pressures from 14 to 35 bar (+20 °C), depending on the hose dimension. In addition to steam sterilization at +136 °C, their high wear resistance and impact resistance as well as low gas permeability are also noteworthy. Sterilization is not only possible by steam but also by treatment with gas (ethylene oxide) or gamma rays.
Spiral Hoses without Connection Pieces
Spiral hoses made of polyamide are considered pressure tubes for a maximum air pressure of 15 bar*. Due to the spiral hose construction, they are very stretchable and flexible while maintaining the best shape stability and mechanical strength of the line. Consequently, they are used to convey fluids, gases, and compressed air in moving or vibrating plant systems and apparatuses. The compressed air spiral tubes can be reversibly and easily stretched or pulled apart – the hoses are thus ideally suited for applications requiring high mobility (working length 2.5 m to 22.5 m). The chemical resistance is also given against oils and fuels, for example, as residues in the compressed air, and the temperature range is -40 °C to 90 °C. The tightly wound, permanently spiral polyamide hoses remain absolutely mechanically stable and abrasion-resistant even with repeated stretching.
Spiral Hoses with Threaded Connections
The compressed air spiral hose version with rotatable threaded connections (with bend protection and conical R 1/4" inch external thread) is equivalently constructed and is also used as hydraulic, pneumatic, and compressed air lines on robotic systems, automated dosing systems, and other moving or vibrating industrial plants. The pressure resistance is 20 bar* for the entire nominal width range, and the temperature resistance is from -20 °C to +80 °C. In addition to compressed air, the air pressure hoses can also transport other gaseous and liquid media required in hydraulics and compressed air technology. The products are available in the colors Blue and Orange with working lengths up to 6.0 m and have a Shore hardness D of 60°.
Medical Technology Hoses
PA pneumatic hoses for medical technology as well as for hospital technology, sterilization technology, and the pharmaceutical industry are also part of our extensive hose range. The pressure range of these special tubes is from 6.1 to 20.3 bar (+20 °C, varies depending on the hose dimension). The autoclavable medical hoses can be thermally loaded permanently from -40 °C to +80 °C. In addition, the good mechanical strength, wear resistance, and impact resistance are also noteworthy. Sterilization is – in addition to the aforementioned autoclaving – also possible using ethylene oxide and gamma rays. These products are available in "flexible" and "semi-rigid" versions.
Pneumatic-Hydraulic Pipelines
Pipelines made of polyamide for compressed air technology, hydraulics, and pneumatics are used for pneumatic as well as hydraulic control processes, and this in the pressure range from 7 to 15 bar (*) depending on the hose dimension. The following color choices are available:
The color coding prevents confusion of different hose lines in operation. The externally calibrated air pressure hoses (low tolerance in outer diameter) are mechanically stable and impact-resistant, yet simultaneously elastic and flexible with bending radii from 10 mm to 120 mm. The permissible temperature range is -70 °C to +70 °C.
PUR Hydraulic and Compressed Air Hoses
PUR tubing is elastic and flexible – while simultaneously having given mechanical stability and pressure resistance. They are thus ideally suited as air pressure hoses, hydraulic hoses, and pneumatic tubing. The main representatives of this elastomer group are detailed below.
Antista Spiral Hoses
The antistatic, spiralized air pressure hoses are electrically conductive and suitable for mechanical engineering, measurement and control technology, compressed air technology, hydraulics, pneumatics, and chemical technology. These tubes are equipped antistatically with a surface resistance of <106 Ohm. The Shore hardness A is 98° according to DIN 53505, and the temperature range spans from -20 °C to +85 °C. For all hose dimensions, the maximum working pressure is 10 bar*. The spiral hoses with high resilience are considered kink-resistant as well as elastic and are also tear-resistant, ozone-resistant, weather-resistant, and aging-resistant. The chemical resistance is also given against UV radiation, fuels, diesel oil, and kerosene.
PUR Chemical Hoses
Standard hose systems made of polyurethane are considered chemical hoses and flexible compressed air supply hoses on compressed air tools and assembly lines. The air pressure hoses are used in the automotive industry, measurement and control technology, as well as in apparatus construction and chemical technology. They are of the highest flexibility and elasticity and prove themselves simultaneously by an excellent mechanical strength and tear resistance. The pressure resistance is also positively noted with a maximum of 10 bar*. Hose versions are available in the colors Blue, Red, and Yellow. The Shore hardness A according to DIN 53505 is 95°, while the thermal resistance is in the range from -20 °C to +85 °C.
Spiral Spark Protection Hoses
Spiralized spark protection hoses – optionally with and without rotatable screw connections – are also part of our extensive hose program. The spiral hoses meet the UL 94 V-0 flammability class and can be thermally loaded from -20 °C to +100 °C. They are considered extremely flame-retardant, suitable for drag chains, and pressure-resistant, with a permissible working pressure of 15 bar (+20 °C) across the entire nominal width range. Furthermore, they are chemically resistant to gasoline, cyclohexane, diesel oil, isooctane, kerosene, and other fuels.
Food Hoses
Compressed air hoses are also needed in the beverage and food industry. Corresponding variants made of polyurethane are BfR and FDA compliant. Their flexibility, tear resistance, and kink resistance are rated as above average, with a Shore hardness D of 52° and pressure resistance from 11 to 14 bar* (diameter-dependent). The permissible operating temperature of the physiologically safe food hoses is -25 °C to +60 °C.
Lumen Hoses
PUR lumen hoses are offered in three versions: With two lumens (Black and Blue), three lumens (Black, Blue, and Yellow), and four lumens (Black, Blue, Green, and Yellow). They are used as air pressure hoses in laboratory technology and process technology and are characterized by their high mechanical strength and tear resistance. The Shore hardness A is 98°, with the operating temperature range being -40 °C to +80 °C. Temperature peaks up to +120 °C are also possible. The pressure resistance depending on the dimension is from 8 to 18 bar*. Noteworthy are also the absolute kink resistance and mechanical stability, even at very low temperatures down to -40 °C.
Compressed Air Hoses
Compressed air hoses made of polyurethane are primarily used for pneumatic tools and machines. They are also used in operating technology, hydraulics, pneumatics, compressed air technology, and process technology. The maximum operating pressure is 20 and the burst pressure is 60 bar (+20 °C), while the temperature range is defined as -20 °C to +60 °C. The pressure resistance and wear resistance of the flexible air pressure hoses are outstanding. They are available in nominal widths from 6 mm to 13 mm and can be ordered starting from a length of 5 meters.
Chemical Safety Hoses
Safety chemical tubing is used as control hoses and air pressure hoses for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Their pressure load capacity varies between 9 and 12 bar*, depending on the dimension, and their Shore hardness D is 52° according to DIN 53505. The operating temperature range is from -35 °C to +60 °C. The safety hoses are not only suitable for compressed air but can also be used for conveying coolants, hydraulic oils, and hydraulic fluids. Furthermore, their chemical resistance to various fuels (gasoline, diesel oil, cyclohexane) is given. These products are kink-resistant and elastic, and also resistant to UV rays and ozone.
Externally Tolerated Spiral Hoses
The spiral hoses designed for the low-pressure range and configured for an air pressure of up to 10 bar* have their operating temperature set at -20 °C to +60 °C. Their cold flexibility, kink resistance, high resilience, and excellent elasticity with working lengths of up to 8 m are noteworthy.
Chemical Industry Hoses
Polyurethane industry tubes in the "High-Flexible" version are designed for compressed air technology as well as for mechanical engineering as protection, conveying, and (compressed) air hoses. They are also used in low-pressure pneumatics and vacuum applications. As the name already suggests, these products are very flexible and elastic, despite high mechanical strength and the pressure resistance depending on the dimension up to 23 bar*. The operating temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C (short-term +120 °C), with cold flexibility even at very low temperatures down to -40 °C given. The smallest bending radii additionally facilitate the handling of the compressed air hose, whose Shore hardness A according to DIN 53505 is 70°.
Color-Coded Spiral Hoses with Connections
In our range, you will find not only color-coded versions (Red, Blue, and Yellow) but also those that are already pre-assembled with rotatable plug nipples, quick couplings, or screw connections. Of course, the air pressure hoses are also available without connections and can be assembled by yourself or connected to existing hose systems. Here are the key data of the spiralized air hoses at a glance:
- Working length up to 8 m
- Temperature range: -20 °C to +60 °C
- Max. operating pressure: 10 bar*
- Nominal widths from 4.0 mm to 13.0 mm
- Shore hardness A: 98°
The elasticity, kink resistance, and resilience are excellent, even with repeated movement and at low temperatures. Furthermore, their chemical resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene), ozone resistance, weather resistance, and aging resistance are also noteworthy.
TPE-E Chemical and Air Pressure Hoses
The designation TPE-E stands for a thermoplastic polyether-ester elastomer. The chemical and technical properties are comparable to those of polyurethane. Thus, the elasticity, mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and wear resistance are particularly good, and the chemical resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons at moderate temperatures is given. The TPE-E compressed air hose can be loaded in a temperature range from -40 °C to +120 °C, with temperature peaks up to +160 °C also possible. The Shore hardness D is 63°, and the minimum bending radii are very good at 20 mm to 80 mm, depending on the nominal width. The chemical hose is thus flexible, chemically resistant, and simultaneously mechanically strong.
PVC Air Pressure Hoses
PVC tubing is available in many different forms and versions, such as analytical, laboratory, food, and diesel hoses. For compressed air technology, two versions are of particular importance:
The blue PVC pressure tubing is particularly thin-walled, despite the high pressure resistance of up to 40 at +20 °C and 21 bar at +60 °C. The high pressure resistance with simultaneously low wall thickness is realized through a synthetic thread fabric insert. Thus, the hose can be used as a highly flexible and bendable air and hydraulic hose for cooling lines, hydraulic lines, and compressed air lines. Its temperature resistance is given in the operating range from -20 °C to +60 °C, and the Shore hardness A of the hose material is 86° according to DIN 53505. It is also noteworthy that the pressure hose is absolutely silicone- and LABS-free, which is required in many industrial areas, such as the automotive industry.
The brown PVC compressed air hoses are also considered air pressure hoses for process technology and operating technology as well as pneumatics and hydraulics. They are extremely robust and flexible with pronounced pressure resistance (20 bar* for all hose dimensions). The compressed air hose is thermally loadable from -20 °C to +60 °C and is available in nominal widths from 6.0 mm to 25.0 mm.
FPM Double-Jacket Hoses
FPM or FKM double-jacket hoses are used in chemical process engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, petrochemistry, and the mineral oil industry. The chemical resistance, heat resistance, and resistance to ozone, oxygen, aging, and weathering of the inner core made of fluoroelastomer are exceptionally good. The additional outer jacket made of chloroprene rubber and the insert made of polyester fabric with two copper strands ensure the necessary pressure resistance of 10 bar at +20 °C (for all hose dimensions). Despite the complex and multi-layered construction, the compressed air hose remains flexible with bending radii from 100 mm to 240 mm. The temperature range is -20 °C to +120 °C.
NBR Low-Pressure Hoses
Our Low-pressure products made of nitrile rubber are used as hydraulic, pressure and pneumatic hoses. Due to the double-layered hose construction, they are also defined as double-jacket hoses – the inner core is made of NBR, and the outer jacket is a galvanized steel wire braid. The latter serves as a pressure carrier and secures the working pressure of a maximum of 20 bar*, depending on the hose dimension. The temperature range of the metal-braided low-pressure hoses, used in compressed air technology, is -30 °C to 90 °C. The chemical resistance is given against mineral oil products, aliphatic hydrocarbons, glycols, lubricants, plant and animal oils, silicones, diluted acids and bases, and compressed air. The hose is thus considered a fuel-resistant hydraulic and chemical hose according to DIN 73379.
Buy Air Pressure Hoses at rct-online.de
Discover air pressure hoses, air pressure hoses, and other air hoses in numerous versions, made from many different plastics, in the range of Reichelt Chemietechnik. With over 40 years of experience in the field of hose technology, RCT is your reliable contact for hose solutions of all kinds. We keep a large number of our hose versions constantly in stock in Heidelberg, which is why we can usually deliver at short notice. Just-in-time delivery, fair conditions, expert advice, and first-class service speak for us.
If you have technical questions about hose materials or are unsure about choosing a hose suitable for your application, do not hesitate to call us or send us an email. Our experts in the field of plastics and elastomer technology will be happy to advise you. You can also find further information in our extensive plastics glossary and our chemical resistance list.
