Pneumatic hose, a flexible transmission channel for compressed air

Introduction
A pneumatic hose is a flexible pipeline used to transport compressed air in pneumatic systems. It must possess characteristics such as pressure resistance, wear resistance, flexibility, and anti-aging properties. Its performance directly affects the reliability and efficiency of the system.

Structure and Materials A typical pneumatic hose is a multi-layer structure:

• Inner tube: It comes into direct contact with the medium and is commonly made of polyurethane (PU), nylon (PA), or rubber, requiring smoothness and resistance to penetration.

• Reinforcement layer: Braided or wound polyester fibers, aramid fibers, or steel wires, providing compressive strength.

• Outer coating: PVC or rubber, providing protection and reinforcement, offering wear resistance, oil resistance, and UV resistance.

Main types and characteristics

1. Polyurethane (PU) hose: It is extremely flexible, wear-resistant, and has a small bending radius. Its transparent appearance makes it easy to observe, and it is widely used in lightweight automation equipment.

2. Nylon (PA) hose: It has good stiffness, strong shape retention, and excellent oil resistance, and is commonly used in factory main pipelines and fixed installations.

3. Rubber hose: good elasticity, resistant to high and low temperatures (-40°C~+100°C) and complex chemicals, suitable for harsh industrial environments.

4. PVC hose: An economical choice, lightweight, but with average pressure and temperature resistance, commonly used for low-pressure ventilation or drainage.

Key performance indicators

• Working pressure: Commonly seen values include 0.8MPa, 1.0MPa, 1.5MPa, etc., requiring a safety factor of 4:1.

• Bending radius: The minimum radius at which a hose can bend without damage, affecting layout flexibility.

• Temperature range: The applicable ambient temperature is determined based on the material of the inner tube.

• Antistatic/oil-resistant/food-grade: Certification required for special applications.

Selection Guide
The selection is based on a comprehensive consideration of system pressure, flow rate, environmental factors (presence of oil contamination, ultraviolet radiation, mechanical wear), movement state (static/dynamic), and cost. When used dynamically, priority is given to PU tubes with high flexibility and resistance to bending fatigue.

Installation and maintenance Avoid installing with small radius bends or twists; keep away from heat sources and sharp edges; regularly inspect for signs of aging, cracking, or bulging, and replace them promptly.