Sanitary Flexible Hose and Spray Gun

Sanitary flexible hoses are common parts of processing machinery these days. These hoses are specially made to conform to food safety standards to ensure proper sanitation and to avoid chemical contamination. Dairy hoses must be made from non-toxic compounds that prevent harmful chemical reactions. They are also odourless and tasteless, which help in preserving the actual order & taste of the product medium.

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Material and Construction

The hose material may include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), NBR (Nitrile Rubber) or UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). Usually, these hoses are reinforced with coils and an abrasion resistant outer layer to ensure longevity. The tube is generally white and smooth and must comply to FDA rules. To increase durability the tubes are often reinforced with stainless steel helix wire.

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Standards (FDA/EU)

Milk and dairy hoses and their assemblies must meet FDA, EU and other standards for food safety and sanitation. 

 

Flexibility, Pressure, and Temperature

When hose flexibility is important, food grade PVC hoses with smaller bending radii are generally used. On higher temperature and pressure operating conditions, more robust but stiffer EPDM or Polyethylene is preferred. Generally, the service temperature of process systems ranges from room temperature to up to 100C, pressure ranges from negative pressure to up to 10 Bar.

 

Resistant to standard cleaning agents

Dairy flexible hoses are impervious to standard cleaning agents like acid/alkalis and chlorine compounds. Generally, an alkaline cleaner or a chlorinated cleaner is used to clean these hoses. The alkalis, phosphates, wetting and chelating agents in alkaline cleaner dissolves milk fats, protein and carbohydrates. Additionally, the chlorine prevents the formation of films. Acid rinse is also performed to remove mineral deposits from the milk.

 

Sterilizing with steam

Steam is the most effective way of sterilizing dairy hoses and equipment. Ideally, the hoses will be exposed to steam for 20-30 minutes. The steam will destroy bacteria and other contaminants and the heat subsequently makes the equipment dry. The temperature and pressure of the steam, however, depends upon the material of the hose.

 

Fittings & Accessories

To connect the hoses to additional processing equipment, sanitary hose fittings are used. The specifications for fitting should be considered thoroughly to ensure perfect fabrication, no contamination and a longer service life. The fittings for sanitary flexible pipes should also comply to food safety standards.

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For lower pressure conditions, hygienic hoses can be secured to the fittings with a hose clip. For heavy duty applications, a permanent hydraulic crimp works best. Visit our Sanitary Hose Adapter page to see more.