What is a food grade rubber hose used for in canning factory
Rubber hoses—whether they’re garden rubber hoses, food-grade rubber hoses, or industrial ones—all age over time. This aging makes them brittle, leaky, or even breakable. Four main factors speed up this process, and knowing them helps extend a rubber hose’s life.
1. Sunlight (UV Rays)
Sunlight’s UV rays are a top enemy of rubber hoses. When a rubber hose sits outside in direct sun for hours, UV rays break down the rubber’s molecular structure. Over time, the rubber hose fades, turns hard, and develops cracks. Even food-grade rubber hoses, if stored in sunny areas without cover, will age faster from UV damage. This is why garden rubber hoses often crack after a few summers.
2. Extreme Temperatures
Both high and low temperatures harm rubber hoses. In hot weather, heat softens the rubber—making the rubber hose stretchy and prone to leaks. In freezing cold, rubber becomes stiff and brittle; a frozen rubber hose can crack if you bend it. Food-grade rubber hoses that handle hot fluids (like steam) also age faster if exposed to constant high heat beyond their design limits.
3. Chemical Exposure
Contact with harsh chemicals eats away at rubber hoses. For example, using a garden rubber hose to spray strong pesticides or cleaning chemicals can break down its rubber. Even food-grade rubber hoses, if cleaned with unapproved harsh detergents, will lose their flexibility and age quickly. Chemicals react with the rubber’s additives, weakening the hose over time.
4. Poor Storage and Usage
How you store and use a rubber hose affects its aging too. Kinking a rubber hose tightly creates stress on the rubber, leading to early cracks. Storing a wet rubber hose in a dark, damp place promotes mold and mildew. It also breaks down rubber. Leaving a rubber hose under constant pressure also speeds up wear and aging.
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