Air hoses are used for a variety of applications where compressed air needs to be transferred from an air compressor or outlet to a tool or device. The three main types of hoses used for compressed air are polyurethane, rubber and PVC hoses. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of hose for your application is important to ensure optimum performance, safety and longevity. This article compares the different types of compressed air hoses and provides recommendations on which hose is best for common uses.
Polyurethane Air Hose
Polyurethane, also referred to as PU, is a synthetic polymer material that is used to make air hoses that are lightweight, abrasion resistant and flexible.
Advantages
– Lightweight – PU air hoses are much lighter than rubber hoses of the same size. This makes them easier to work with and reduces strain when moving them around.
– Flexible – PU has excellent flexibility. It can bend and flex over long lengths without kinking. This is useful for applications where the hose needs to snake around obstacles.
– Durable – PU is very abrasion resistant. It holds up well to rugged use without wearing through. PU air hoses have good resistance to oils and chemicals.
– All-weather – PU remains flexible even in very cold temperatures. It is also weather and UV resistant for outdoor use.
Disadvantages
– Prone to punctures – While resistant to abrasion, PU can be prone to punctures from sharp objects. Coils and bend restrictors help protect against this.
– Not designed for static use – PU air hoses are intended for applications where the hose moves frequently. Using them in a fixed installation can lead to premature failure.
– Higher cost – PU air hoses are generally more expensive than comparable rubber hoses. However, their durability can offset this over time.
Best Uses
PU air hoses work well for applications like:
– Pneumatic tools – The flexibility and abrasion resistance makes PU ideal for powering hand tools.
– Mobile equipment – PU is a good choice for compressed air lines on moving equipment like lifts.
– Cold weather use – The flexibility in cold temps makes PU suitable for outdoor winter use.
– Light duty shop air – The durability and lightweight PU is a cost-effective choice for light to medium duty shop air lines.
Rubber Air Hose
Rubber air hoses are one of the most common types of industrial compressed air hoses. They are made from synthetic or natural rubber materials and reinforced with braided steel wire.
Advantages
– Durable – Rubber has good resilience against abrasion and punctures. It holds up well to rugged industrial use.
– Oil resistant – Rubber is inherently resistant to oils and petroleum products. This makes it a good choice for auto repair shops and industrial sites.
– Low cost – Rubber air hoses are one of the most economical options for compressed air transfer.
– High pressure – Reinforced rubber hoses can withstand very high pressures, up to 500 PSI.
Disadvantages
– Heavy – Rubber air hoses are much heavier than other types like PU. This makes them more difficult to work with.
– Stiff – Rubber loses flexibility and becomes stiff in cold working conditions. This can lead to kinking.
– Prone to ozone damage – The properties of rubber break down over time when exposed to ozone gas. This limits their outdoor lifespan.
– Not abrasion resistant – While durable, rubber does not resist abrasion as well as materials like PU. Dragging it over rough surfaces will cause wear.
Best Uses
The key characteristics of rubber make it well suited for:
– Fixed shop air lines – The high durability and resistance to oils makes rubber a good choice for permanent shop compressed air distribution.
– High pressure applications – The strength of rubber allows it to withstand very high pressures. This is important for uses like sandblasting.
– Hot/wet areas – The ozone resistance makes rubber suitable for hot humid environments like food processing plants.
– Auto maintenance – Rubber’s oil resistance is advantageous for automotive applications like air tools.
PVC Air Hose
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is also used to make air hoses. PVC is a solid plastic that can be formulated for flexibility.
Advantages
– Lightweight – PVC has a very low density, making PVC air hoses light and easy to handle.
– Low cost – PVC is an inexpensive plastic material. This results in very affordable PVC air hoses.
– Highly flexible – Properly formulated PVC has good bend radius that allows it remain kink-free.
– Transparent – Clear PVC hoses allow you to see contaminants and flow.
Disadvantages
– Low pressure rating – PVC air hoses typically have a maximum pressure around 100-150 PSI. They are prone to expansion failures beyond this.
– Not durable – PVC has poor abrasion and puncture resistance compared to rubber and PU. It does not stand up to rugged use.
– Temperature limitations – PVC can become brittle and crack in very cold temperatures. It also has a relatively low maximum temperature tolerance.
– Chemical breakdown – PVC slowly degrades and cracks when exposed to oils, greases and various chemicals.
Best Uses
The lightweight, flexibility and low cost of PVC make it suitable for:
– Light duty inflation – PVC air hoses work well for intermittent use inflating things like toys and sporting equipment.
– Ventilation – The high flexibility and transparency makes PVC a good air duct hose for ventilation systems.
– Temporary air lines – Lightweight PVC is handy for routing temporary low-pressure compressed air.
– Breathing air supply – Low pressure PVC hose assemblies are used for supplied air breathing systems.
Comparison Table
Characteristic | Polyurethane | Rubber | PVC |
---|---|---|---|
Weight | Very light | Heavy | Light |
Cost | Moderate | Low | Very low |
Flexibility | Excellent | Stiffens in cold | Very flexible |
Max Pressure | 300 PSI | 500 PSI | 100-150 PSI |
All Weather | Excellent | Poor in cold | Poor in cold |
Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Poor |
Puncture Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Poor |
Conclusion
There is no single air hose that is ideal for every compressed air application. The right choice depends on your specific needs.
Polyurethane is the best all around air hose. It is lightweight, flexible, and abrasion resistant. This makes it a smart choice for power tools and mobile equipment. The higher cost is offset by the extended lifespan compared to rubber. Just take care to protect against punctures.
For fixed shop air lines or very high pressure, reinforced rubber hoses are a durable and economical choice. They withstand rugged use, but are heavy and can kink in cold weather.
Light duty inflation and ventilation systems can benefit from inexpensive PVC hoses. Just bear in mind their low pressure rating, poor durability, and temperature limitations.
Take the time to properly match your compressed air hose to the demands of the application. Consulting an industrial hose supplier is a wise idea if you are unsure what type is optimal for your needs. Proper air hose selection will improve safety, efficiency and productivity.