Pneumatic hoses serve the primary function of conveying compressed air from the air compressor to various components of the pneumatic system, including:
- Air service units
- Solenoid valves
- Pneumatic cylinders
- Air tools
In addition to transporting compressed air, pneumatic hoses play several crucial roles in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, such as:
- Spraying for disinfectants or powder paint
- Cable protection for drag chains or electrical systems
- Steam applications in petrochemical and power plants
- Filling processes in the food and beverage (F&B) and cosmetics industries
- Nebulization or vaporization
- Moving raw materials
- Transferring chemicals and gases
- Lubrication
- Air suspension systems
- Air braking systems
- Clutch systems
- Welding machines
- Vacuum applications
Pneumatic tubing is critical in automation systems that rely on compressed air or vacuum. Widely used across numerous industrial and manufacturing sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical, automotive, and more, pneumatic hoses are indispensable for ensuring efficient and reliable system operation.
In this article, Bawalaksana’s team will explain the different types of industrial hoses and their benefits for various sectors, including modern automation and manufacturing.
What Are the Functions of Pneumatic Hoses?
The primary function of pneumatic hoses is to transport compressed air, transfer chemical liquids or gases, and support various manufacturing processes. They also play a crucial role in facilitating buses, trucks, and train braking systems. In addition to these, pneumatic hoses are commonly used in the following applications:
- Capsule blister machines for pharmaceuticals
- Filling processes for food or cosmetics
- Packaging
- Vacuum suction systems
- Conveyors
- Air brake systems
- Automatic doors
- Industrial automation, and more.
Why Should You Be Selective When Choosing Tubing for Your Industry?
High-quality pneumatic hoses and industrial tubing with high durability are crucial in various situations. We will explain the importance of high-quality hoses in the following points:
Improving Product Lifespan and Quality
High-durability industrial tubing can significantly contribute to a more resilient system and help maintain product quality.
It is important to note that many economically priced industrial tubing products are currently available. However, these lower-cost options can compromise the composition of your products because they are reactive, and the plastic materials in the hoses can degrade at high temperatures.
If this occurs, it poses a risk to the quality of your products, as the system may experience failures due to rapid wear, cracking, or bursting of the hoses. (Read: 6 Common Causes of Pneumatic Hose Failure and How to Prevent Them)
As an industry focused on customer satisfaction, choosing safe and high-quality pneumatic tubing is essential not only for efficiency and productivity but also as a moral and ethical responsibility toward the health of the ecosystem and the well-being of humanity. (Read: Food Grade Pneumatic Hoses for the Food and Beverage Industry)
Avoiding Production Issues
In critical manufacturing sectors such as food and beverage (F&B), pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, industrial hoses that can withstand temperatures exceeding 100°C are essential. These industries face challenging situations simultaneously, such as interactions with corrosive chemicals at high temperatures.
For instance, operations in industries that combine high air temperature and pressure with corrosive liquids or gases cannot be managed effectively without using products that possess excellent durability and meet international standards, including:
- Self-Extinguishing UL94 V0 for F&B and petrochemical industries
- CE Regulation 1935/2004 for F&B industries
- CE Regulation 10/2011 for F&B industries
- DIN 73378 / 74324 for the automotive industry
- ISO 7628:2010 for the automotive industry
It’s worth noting that many types of high-durability tubing are available, not only from materials like Polyamide (PA), Polyurethane (PU), and Polyethylene (PE) but also from other types such as PFA, FEP, Teflon, and more. (Read: 11+ Best Heat-Resistant Hoses for High-Temperature Applications).
Protecting Against Mechanical Damage and Microbial Attacks
Did you know that the challenges faced by modern industries and manufacturing are becoming increasingly complex?
At the same time, pneumatic hoses are no longer limited to controlled industrial environments. Today, they are often utilized in dusty, humid settings, subject to high temperatures, and exposed to mechanical abrasion and sparks. Pneumatic hoses offer excellent protection against microbial attacks and rodents, preventing potential damage to electrical cables.
The use of pneumatic hoses is no longer limited to controlled industrial environments.
Moreover, pneumatic tubing is frequently repurposed as cable protection or sheathing to enhance the protection of electrical systems. Cable protection is critical in applications such as 3D robots, industrial robots, drag chains, ATEX environments, and power plants in the oil and gas industry.
Therefore, advanced innovation in manufacturing multifunctional pneumatic hoses or industrial tubing is critical to solving these challenges. Industrial tubing will ensure effective solutions that support productivity and efficiency in modern manufacturing.
Types of Pneumatic Hoses and Industrial Tubing
Pneumatic hoses, or pneumatic tubing, come in various types and sizes to meet specific demands in the industry. These industrial hoses may be made from similar materials but can have significant differences in specifications.
Several factors can influence these differences, including:
- Raw Material Composition: The types of materials used can vary widely, impacting durability and performance.
- Components Making Up the Hose: This includes the braiders and external tubes, which play a critical role in the hose’s strength and flexibility.
- Intended Application of the Hose: Different applications require different specifications to function effectively.
It’s important to note that the materials used to manufacture industrial hoses differ from those used in conventional hoses. This distinction is necessary to meet high industry regulations and standards.
Industrial pneumatic hoses are also distinct from conventional hoses. They are designed by integrating advanced technology with scientific principles. This combination enables industrial-grade hoses to exhibit excellent durability and perform well in extreme environments.
High standards in industrial hoses contribute to improved performance and production efficiency in pneumatic systems (Read: Pneumatic System: Components, Operation, and Advantages).
Below are the most common types of pneumatic tubing used in the industrial sector, categorized by the raw materials used:
Polyamide (PA)
Polyamide, commonly known as PA, is a type of tubing with ideal characteristics for a wide range of industrial applications. This material offers excellent chemical resistance and can substitute for metals or elastomers.
The advantages of hoses made from Polyamide include:
- UV resistance
- Hydrolysis resistance
- Electrical resistance
- Flammability
- Chemical resistance
- High temperature (above 100°C)
Typical applications for pneumatic tubing made from Polyamide include:
- Robotics
- Nebulization
- Petroleum derivatives transfer
- Loading raw material granules
- Industrial automation
- Welding machines
- Air brake systems
- Clutch systems
- Powders paints
- Machine tools
- Disinfestation
- Lubrication
- Vacuum
- ATEX
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile material used to produce pneumatic tubing that is highly elastic, durable, and flexible. These properties are achieved when polyols and diisocyanates are combined in precise proportions.
The advantages of Polyurethane hoses include:
- UV resistance
- Hydrolysis resistance
- Electrical insulation
- Flammability
Typical industrial applications of Polyurethane pneumatic hoses include:
- Robotics
- Machine tools
- Powder coating systems
- Industrial automation
- Welding equipment
- Food processing
- Vacuum systems
- ATEX environments
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene accounts for 40% of the total volume of plastic materials produced globally. This material has become one of the most widely used polymers in daily life, including for pneumatic hoses.
The advantages of hoses made from Polyethylene include:
- Hydrolysis Resistance
- Chemical Resistance
Typical applications for pneumatic hoses made from Polyethylene include:
- Drinkable Water
- Industrial Automation
- Machine Tools
- Food Contact
- Vacuum Applications
It is noteworthy that Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene (PE) are two of the most commonly used pneumatic hoses. Both are economical options that offer high flexibility and good pressure resistance.
Given the similarities and advantages of PU and PE hoses, many may find it challenging to make the right choice. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the differences between PU and PE hoses, please refer to our detailed explanation: “Difference Between Polyurethane and Polyethylene Tubing: Which Is Better?”
Fluoropolymer
The increasing industrial demand for hoses capable of withstanding extreme conditions has made Fluoropolymer a vital raw material. Hoses made from Fluoropolymer exhibit very high performance and can endure high and low temperatures, although they come with a relatively high production cost.
The advantages of hoses made from Fluoropolymer include:
- UV Resistance
- Chemical Resistance
- Hydrolysis Resistance
- Low Temperature Resistance (under -60°C)
- High Temperature Resistance (above 150°C)
- Flammability
Typical applications for pneumatic hoses made from Fluoropolymer include:
- Steam
- Petroleum Derivatives Transfer
- Industrial Automation
- Machine Tools
- Disinfestation
- Food Contact
- Vacuum Applications
Differences Between Pneumatic Tube Terminology in Industry vs. Hospitals
The term “Pneumatic tube” is becoming widely recognized globally for transporting mail, samples, and medications in modern hospitals. This transportation system was built using pressurized air through large-diameter piping. The pipes can send samples or documents using specialized capsule-shaped tubes from one division to another within the hospital.
The benefits of the Pneumatic Tube known in the medical field include:
- Increased Efficiency: It enhances inter-departmental efficiency in transferring critical samples and materials.
- Safety: It provides security for medical staff, documents, or samples within the hospital environment.
- Improved Patient Care: The rapid and effective transportation of critical materials contributes to higher quality service in patient care.
The compressed air transport system is in a modern hospital; the image is courtesy of Swisslog Healthcare.
In contrast, as this article discusses, the term “Pneumatic Tubing” or “Pneumatic Hose” has a very different meaning in the industrial world.
Pneumatic tubing, also known as pneumatic hoses, encompasses industrial-grade hoses designed to convey fluids or pressurized air to facilitate the operation of industrial automation systems. These hoses are ubiquitous in everyday applications such as train doors, buses, and container truck braking systems.
Moreover, pneumatic hoses are extensively employed across diverse industries, including aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, automotive, and mining.
A pneumatic system, prevalent in industrial and manufacturing settings, represents an automation system utilizing pressurized air to expedite and optimize production processes.
Why is Quality Industrial Tubing Crucial?
Selecting the appropriate hose for industrial applications entails more than simply considering type, size, and certification. It necessitates evaluating the tubing’s ability to withstand real-world conditions across diverse industrial sectors.
As a discerning user, it is prudent to verify the durability of the intended tubing purchase. Specifications on paper can be misleading, particularly when accompanied by a low price. Ensuring that the chosen hose significantly contributes to the performance of your automation system is imperative.
Attending to high-quality pneumatic hoses is critical, as these components are integral to automation processes that utilize pressurized air.
In light of this, PT. Bawalaksana Central Industrial recommends the selection of pneumatic hoses and industrial tubing from Mebra Plastik Italia, a specialized manufacturer of industrial hoses. With over 50 years of experience in producing industrial tubing for various sectors worldwide, this Italian-based company comes highly recommended.
Mebra Plastik’s industrial hoses and tubing are designed to meet American, European, and international industry standards. These products have undergone rigorous testing under real-world conditions to ensure they can withstand the challenges posed by extreme industrial environments.
We are pleased to announce that we have been appointed as the official distributor of Mebra Plastik Italia for Indonesia and Asia. Our partnership allows us to provide access to the high-quality tubing products offered by this esteemed Italian brand.
To explore the best offers on pneumatic hoses and industrial tubing, we encourage you to contact the Bawalaksana Sales Engineer team. Click the “Contact Us” button below to initiate a conversation with our dedicated sales team.
Romanta Pinrih Linuwih
Pneumatic Automation Systems Expert
This article was written in collaboration with Romanta Pinrih Linuwih, an expert in Pneumatic Automation System, to ensure accuracy and high quality.
Featured image by Shutterstock