Types of Tubes, Pipes and Hoses
Tubes, pipes and hoses are hollow cylinders used for conveying fluids and gases. They have a wide range of applications in fields like plumbing, HVAC, automotive, construction, and industrial manufacturing. There are many types to choose from when selecting tubing, piping or hose for a particular use case.
Tubing Types
Some common types of tubing include:
- Copper - Used for plumbing and HVAC due to its corrosion resistance. Often used for water supply lines.
- Stainless Steel - Corrosion resistant like copper but stronger. Used for applications requiring high pressure.
- PVC - Lightweight plastic tubing used for low pressure plumbing and irrigation.
- Polyethylene - Flexible plastic tubing used for plumbing, HVAC, and industrial applications.
Piping Types
Pipes are generally larger in diameter than tubes. Some piping types are:
- Galvanized Steel - Corrosion resistant pipes used for potable water plumbing.
- Cast Iron - Durable piping used for waste lines and sewer drainage.
- CPVC - Plastic piping that handles higher temperatures and pressures than PVC.
- PEX - Flexible plastic piping used for water supply lines and radiant heating.
Hose Types
Hoses are designed for fluid transfer and motion applications. Some common types include:
- Garden Hose - Typically made of vinyl, rubber or latex for outdoor watering uses.
- Air Hose - Rubber hoses used to convey compressed air for pneumatic tools.
- Hydraulic Hose - Reinforced rubber hoses for hydraulic fluid power transfer.
- Fuel Hose - Gasoline and diesel resistant hoses for fuel transfer.
Key Properties
When selecting tubing, piping or hose, some key properties to consider include:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure Rating | Maximum pressure it can withstand before failing. |
| Temperature Rating | Temperature range it can withstand. |
| Chemical Resistance | Ability to withstand corrosion from chemicals. |
| Diameter | Inner passageway size for required flow rates. |
Considering the application and operating conditions is key to selecting the optimal tubing, piping or hosing type.
Another interesting products
Conclusions
There are many types of tubing, pipes and hoses available made from materials like copper, steel, plastic, and rubber. Key factors like pressure rating, temperature resistance, and chemical compatibility need to be evaluated when selecting the right option for an application. Consulting technical specifications and working with knowledgeable suppliers will ensure you choose the most appropriate tubing, piping or hosing for your particular needs.
Key Factors When Selecting Tubes, Pipes and Hoses
Choosing the right tubing, piping or hosing for an application requires considering several key factors. The operating conditions, required performance, and compatibility with fluids or gases all determine which option is best suited for a system.
Material Compatibility
The tubing, piping or hosing material must be chemically compatible with the fluid or gas passing through it. For example:
- Stainless steel is used for highly corrosive chemicals instead of galvanized steel pipes.
- PTFE plastic tubing withstands almost any chemical, unlike rubber tubing.
- Gasoline fuel lines use nylon or stainless steel rather than copper tubing.
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating determines if the tubing can withstand hot or cold operating temperatures. For instance:
- CPVC plastic pipe can handle temperatures up to 200°F, higher than standard PVC pipe.
- Silicone rubber tubing remains flexible from -100°F to 400°F unlike natural rubber.
- Stainless steel is used instead of plastic pipes for steam lines with temperatures exceeding 250°F.
Pressure Rating
The pressure rating indicates the maximum internal pressure before failure. Some examples:
- Low pressure applications like irrigation systems may use PVC tubing rated for <100 PSI.
- Fire engine pumper hoses withstand up to 600 PSI.
- Hydraulic tubing in industrial equipment can have >5000 PSI ratings.
Size and Flow Rates
The inner diameter and length determines flow capacity. Considerations include:
- Larger diameter tubes or pipes allow higher flow rates.
- Shorter run lengths reduce friction losses.
- Smooth interior surfaces improve flow versus corrugated or rough materials.
Bend Radius
The bend radius affects flexibility and resistance to kinking. For example:
- Polyethylene tubing can make tight bends with 2-3x tubing diameter bend radius.
- Stainless steel pipes require large radius bends to avoid crimping.
- Latex hoses easily kink and require bend supports.
Cost Considerations
Material cost, size, connection types and labor influence installed costs. Some examples:
- Plastic tubes and pipes are generally the lowest cost options.
- Stainless steel is more expensive than carbon steel.
- Prefabricated flexible hose assemblies reduce installation labor.
Conclusion
Selecting the optimal tubing, piping or hosing involves evaluating operating temperatures and pressures, fluid compatibility, size requirements, flexibility needs and costs. Consulting application engineering resources can help make the right choice for specific system requirements.
Temperature Resistance
Temperature resistance refers to the ability of a material to withstand exposure to high or low temperatures without losing structural integrity or desired properties. When selecting tubing, piping, hoses, or other components, evaluating temperature resistance is crucial.
Factors Affecting Temperature Resistance
Several factors influence the temperature range a material can withstand:
- Chemical composition - Some materials are inherently more heat or cold resistant.
- Additives - Adding reinforcements can improve high/low temperature properties.
- Production method - Manufacturing processes impact thermal capabilities.
- Operating conditions - Factors like pressure, flow rates and exposure duration matter.
Common Materials and Their Ranges
Here are typical temperature ranges for some common tubing, piping and hose materials:
| Material | Typical Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| PVC | 0°F to 140°F |
| CPVC | 0°F to 200°F |
| Natural Rubber | -20°F to 180°F |
| Silicone | -100°F to 400°F |
| Carbon Steel | -15°F to 850°F |
| Stainless Steel | -320°F to 1500°F |
Evaluating Temperature Needs
When selecting components, always consult the manufacturer's temperature ratings. Be sure to consider:
- Minimum and maximum exposure temperatures
- Frequency and duration at temperature extremes
- Effects of thermal expansion or contraction
- Impact on strength, flexibility, sealing and other properties
Choosing a material rated for the anticipated temperature range helps prevent failures or loss of performance.
Conclusion
Understanding temperature resistance allows proper material selection for tubing, piping, hoses and associated fittings. Considering operating conditions and evaluating ratings ensures components withstand thermal stresses of an application.
Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance refers to a material's ability to withstand exposure to various chemicals without degrading or corroding. It is a key factor when selecting tubing, pipes, hoses and fittings for applications involving chemical transfer or exposure.
How Materials React
Materials can be affected by chemicals in various ways:
- Corrosion - Chemical reactions break down metals over time.
- Embrittlement - Chemicals reduce ductility causing cracking or fracturing.
- Swelling - Absorption of chemicals causes physical swelling.
- Hardening - Chemical exposure leads to material hardening and reduced flexibility.
Improving Resistance
Chemical resistance can be improved by:
- Coatings - Protective films or linings act as a barrier.
- Alloying - Adding alloying elements improves chemical properties.
- Reinforcing - Embedded fibers limit swelling and retain strength.
Comparing Materials
Here are how some common tubing, piping and hosing materials compare for chemical resistance:
| Material | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|
| PVC | Good acid resistance but poor with many organic solvents |
| Polyethylene | Resists most acids and alkalis but not most solvents |
| Stainless Steel | Very good resistance to most acids and chemicals |
| Viton Rubber | Excellent resistance to most chemicals and solvents |
Assessing Compatibility
When evaluating chemical resistance, key factors include:
- Identifying all chemicals to be handled
- Understanding chemical concentrations and exposure durations
- Researching material compatibility data
- Considering temperatures as resistance often reduces at higher temps
Examples
Some example applications requiring good chemical resistance include:
- Industrial waste pipes - May need abrasion resistant linings resistant to acids or solvents
- Chemical transfer hoses - Require materials unaffected by corrosive chemicals flowing through them
- Laboratory tubing - Must withstand exposure to acids, alkalis and a wide array of chemicals
Conclusion
Evaluating chemical resistance properties allows proper selection of tubing, piping, hoses and fittings. Consulting resistance data for anticipated chemical exposures ensures optimal material selection and service life.
Top products in 🚀 Tubes, Pipes & Hoses
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy "Tubes, Pipes & Hoses"
Having an Amazon Prime membership provides several benefits when purchasing tubing, pipes, hoses and fittings online. Here are some tips to leverage Amazon Prime for buying these items.
Search Broadly
Use broad search terms like "tubing", "hose" or "piping" instead of specific materials or sizes. This casts a wider net to see the full range available. You can then filter results by material, dimensions and other attributes.
Filter by Prime Eligible
Be sure to check the "Prime Eligible" filter to only see items available for fast, free Prime shipping. This ensures you don't pay extra for delivery.
Compare Prices
Use the Amazon price history tracker to see price trends over time. This helps identify good deals and can prevent overpaying. The CamelCamelCamel browser extension is useful for price checking.
Read Reviews
Carefully read user reviews before purchasing. Look for trends in ratings and comments to evaluate real-world performance and quality. Sort by recent reviews for the freshest feedback.
Check Seller Ratings
For third-party sellers, verify their ratings are satisfactory. Avoid sellers with low scores or numerous complaints.
Look for Coupons
Check for available coupons to save additional money. Clip digital coupons for extra savings at checkout.
Compare Shipping Times
For faster delivery, look for items shipped directly from Amazon warehouses. Delivery times will be displayed on listing pages.
Use Prime Try Before You Buy
For eligible purchases over $50, you can select Try Before You Buy to get a free 7-day trial period before being charged.
Look for Free Returns
Seek items that allow free, easy returns in case you need to send it back. This reduces risk.
Using these tips can help you fully utilize your Prime membership benefits when buying tubing, piping, hoses and fittings. Take advantage of Prime perks to get quality items quickly while saving money.
Find The Right Type Of Tube, Pipe Or Hose For Your Specific Needs.
- Discover the wide range of products in the "Tubes, Pipes & Hoses" category.
- Find solutions to your plumbing and hydraulic problems with our products.
- Choose from a variety of materials and sizes to fit your needs.
- Improve the efficiency of your systems with our high-quality products.
- Ensure safety and durability with our reliable products.
- Get expert advice and support for your projects.
- Trust in our experience and expertise in the industry.
Similar products
What Are The Common Materials Used For Tubes, Pipes, And Hoses?
The common materials used for tubes, pipes, and hoses include metals, plastics, and various other types. Metals such as steel and aluminum are commonly used for structural applications, while plastics such as PVC, polyethylene, and polyurethane are popular for their flexibility and chemical resistance. Nylon is also used for its strength and durability, while PEX and LLDPE are popular choices for plastic water pipes due to their chemical compatibility, temperature rating, and pressure rating. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the media being transported. Chemical resistance is also an important factor to consider when selecting the right material for your needs. It's important to consult with experts in the field to ensure you choose the right product for your specific application.
