The food industry relies on various types of hoses. These hoses play an important role in key processes: food delivery, mixing, and storage. However, different food hose materials have unique features. So choosing the right hose is crucial to ensuring food safety.
In general, most food-grade pipe materials fall into two categories: plastic and rubber. Next, let me introduce you to some commonly used food hoses.
1. EPDM Food Hose
EPDM hoses have three strong traits: good heat resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. They work well in a temperature range of -40℃ to 150℃. This makes them ideal for high-temperature, high-pH foods. For example, they suit lemon juice and grape juice perfectly.
Additionally, EPDM hoses are flexible and compression-resistant. This flexibility reduces wear and tear on food during transport. In turn, it helps maintain the food’s quality.
2. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) Food-Grade Hose
NBR rubber pipes excel in three areas: oil resistance, wear resistance, and aging resistance. They operate smoothly between -20℃ and 100℃. These pipes are ideal for transporting various oils—like cooking oil and lubricant.
However, there’s an important note: NBR rubber pipes are not suitable for high-temperature or high-pH foods. Using them for these items can damage the hose or compromise food safety.
3. UPE Food-Safe Hose
UPE hoses offer excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. They work in a temperature range of -20℃ to 80℃. They are perfect for granular and powdery foods. Think sugar, salt, and flour—UPE hoses handle these well.
UPE also has anti-stick properties. This reduces food caking, which ensures the food’s quality and taste stay intact.
4. PTFE Food-Grade Hose
PTFE hose is also known as Teflon hose. It has four standout advantages: excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and a low friction coefficient. It also works in an extremely wide temperature range—from -200℃ to 260℃.
This makes PTFE hoses ideal for high-temperature, high-pH foods. For instance, they suit baked goods and chocolate. Additionally, PTFE hoses have excellent chemical stability. They resist erosion from various chemicals, which further ensures food safety.