In industrial settings, the safe and efficient transfer of chemicals, fuels, and other caustic liquids or gases is paramount. Chemical hoses are specifically designed to handle these substances, ensuring both operational safety and hose longevity. This article delves into the types of industrial chemicals and fuels, the benefits of using a chemical hose, and the features and materials that make these hoses suitable for such tasks.

Types of Industrial Chemical & Petroleum That Require Chemical Hoses

Chemical hoses are essential for transporting a wide array of substances, including:

• Acids & Alkalis: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide are commonly used in various industries and require specialized hoses for safe handling. Common uses range from fertilizer production, battery manufacturing, steel and metal processing, textiles, and more. 
• Solvents: Organic solvents like toluene, acetone, and xylene are prevalent in manufacturing and cleaning processes. These are found in paints, cosmetics, industrial degreasing products, and more. 
• Petroleum Products: Fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene necessitate hoses that can withstand their chemical properties. These hoses must also perform reliably across various environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Alcohols: Ethanol and methanol are used in pharmaceuticals and as fuel additives, requiring appropriate hose materials to prevent degradation.
• Paints & Varnishes: These substances often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents, demanding hoses with high chemical resistance to handle their compositions effectively.

6 Advantages of Using Chemical Hoses

Chemical hoses play a crucial role in industrial applications where the safe and efficient transfer of hazardous or reactive substances is required. Here are the key advantages of using chemical hoses:

1. Chemical Resistance

✔ Handles a Wide Range of Chemicals – Chemical hoses are designed to withstand exposure to acids, alkalis, solvents, fuels, and other industrial liquids or gases.
✔ Prevents Contamination – Non-reactive inner linings prevent chemical interactions that could alter the composition of the substances being transferred.

2. Safety & Protection

✔ Prevents Leaks & Spills – Designed with reinforced layers and secure fittings to minimize the risk of hazardous leaks.
✔ Reduces Workplace Hazards – Proper chemical hoses protect workers from exposure to toxic, corrosive, or flammable materials.
✔ Pressure & Temperature Tolerance – Can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, depending on the hose type.

3. Durability & Longevity

✔ Abrasion & Weather Resistance – Many chemical hoses are made with durable materials like EPDM, UHMWPE, XLPE, or PTFE linings that resist wear, oxidation, and extreme weather.
✔ Corrosion Resistance – Unlike metal pipes, chemical hoses resist rust and degradation, especially when exposed to moisture or reactive substances.

4. Flexibility & Ease of Use

✔ Easier to Install & Maneuver – More flexible than rigid piping systems, allowing for easy routing in complex setups.
✔ Reduces Downtime – Quick-connect fittings and lightweight designs simplify replacement and maintenance.

5. Versatility for Various Industries

✔ Used in Multiple Applications – Found in industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, agriculture, food processing, and water treatment.
✔ Handles Different States of Matter – Suitable for transporting various substances as liquids, gases, and semi-solids without compromising performance.

6. Compliance with Safety Standards

✔ Meets Industry Regulations – Many chemical hoses comply with OSHA, FDA, EPA, and other safety standards for chemical handling.
✔ Ensures Environmental Protection – Leak-proof designs help prevent chemical spills that could harm the environment.

Features & Materials of Chemical Hoses

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using chemical hoses, let’s explore the key inner hose materials, hose reinforcement, cover materials, and temperature ranges.

Inner Tube Materials

Here are some common chemical hose lining materials:

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Known for its broad chemical resistance, UHMWPE is suitable for handling a wide variety of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. It is odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and has low moisture absorption. Additionally, it is self-lubricating and has a very low friction coefficient. UHMWPE is also highly resistant to abrasion—up to 15 times more resistant than carbon steel in some cases.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

Cross-Linked Polyethylene, also known as PEX, XPE, or XLPE, is a type of polyethylene that uses cross-links. It is widely used in applications such as hydronic radiant heating, domestic water piping, and electrical cable insulation.

XLPE boasts impressive impact strength at low temperatures and is highly resistant to environmental cracking and abrasion. It can withstand prolonged thermal exposure to temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, XLPE demonstrates exceptional solvent resistance, making it a popular choice for chemical transfer applications.

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) shares similar properties with other fluoropolymers like PTFE but can be manufactured using conventional injection molding and screw extrusion techniques. FEP has low friction, high-temperature resistance, and chemical inertness, making it ideal for transferring aggressive chemicals.

Chemical Hose Reinforcement

The reinforcement of an industrial hose is the middle layer between the inner layer and the outer cover. The reinforcement is made with a synthetic fabric helical wire. This reinforcement enhances the hose’s strength, flexibility, and ability to withstand internal pressures and external physical stresses.

The application requirements of pressure, temperature, and flexibility will affect what kind of hose reinforcement is required. Industrial environments are often subjected to tight space constraints and the hose will need to be able to handle tight bends without kinking, collapsing, or leaking. Because chemical hoses are transferring chemicals or fuels, it’s important to know a hose’s bend radius to avoid damage. 

Chemical Hose Cover Materials

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a popular chemical hose cover material. EPDM is a M-Class rubber according to ASTM standard D-1418. It is made with elastomers and a highly saturated polymer chain of polyethylene. Because of this highly chemically saturated backbone, it becomes incredibly resistant to outdoor conditions. 

In short, EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for its resistance to weathering, ozone, and a range of chemicals.

Temperature Range

Depending on the hose material, operating temperatures can vary. For instance, hoses with FEP liners can handle temperatures up to 300°F (149°C), making them suitable for high-temperature applications (though not for steam applications). Here are some chemical hose temperature range pros and cons: 

Higher Temperature Range Hoses

(Typically rated up to 300°F or higher, depending on the material used, such as Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) liners.)

✅ Pros:

✔ Versatility – Can handle a wide range of industrial chemicals, including high-temperature acids, solvents, and fuels.
✔ Heat Resistance – Less risk of hose degradation, cracking, or softening under extreme heat.
✔ Prevents Chemical Reactions – Some chemicals become unstable at higher temperatures, requiring a hose that won’t react with them.

❌ Cons:

✘ Higher Cost – Materials that withstand high temperatures (e.g., PTFE, FEP) tend to be more expensive.
✘ Stiffer & Less Flexible – High-temperature hoses are often reinforced, making them less flexible than lower-temperature options.
✘ Potential for Thermal Expansion – At extreme heat, hoses may expand slightly, affecting performance and installation.

Lower Temperature Range Hoses

(Some chemical hoses have temperature limits around -40°F to 150°F, with materials like EPDM or UHMWPE liners.)

✅ Pros:

✔ More Flexible – Lower-temp hoses tend to be more pliable, making installation and handling easier.
✔ Cost-Effective – Typically less expensive due to simpler material requirements.
✔ Lightweight – Hoses designed for lower temperatures tend to be lighter, reducing strain on equipment.
✔ Resistant to Freezing – Some are designed to remain flexible even in cold environments, which is beneficial in outdoor or refrigerated applications.

❌ Cons:

✘ Limited Chemical & Heat Resistance – May degrade faster if exposed to high temperatures or aggressive chemicals.
✘ Potential for Hardening & Cracking – Not all hoses with a lower temperature range can handle the cold, and some hoses can become brittle and prone to damage in colder temperatures.
✘ Restricted Application Range – Not suitable for high-temperature chemical processing, steam cleaning, or fuel transfer applications.

Continental Chemical Hoses

Continental, also known as Conti, offers a range of chemical hoses designed to meet diverse industrial needs. When it comes to chemical hoses, the exact chemical being transferred is what determines the liner of the hose, and other requirements determine which hose is used. But to give some examples, here are three notable Conti Chemical Hoses:

1. Fabchem Chemical Transfer Hose

• Application: Designed for handling 98% of common industrial chemicals under pressure, gravity flow, and full suction. The cover can be changed to a conductive tube for conveying chemicals in an explosive environment where static dissipation is required.
• Construction:
  • Tube: Pliosyn™ Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
  • Cover: EPDM (Corrugated) or 546-498 (C) Conductive EPDM
  • Reinforcement: Spiral-plied synthetic fabric with a double-wire helix
• Temperature Range: -40°F / -40°C ~ 212°F / 100°C
• Summary: The Fabchem hose is an all-rounder chemical transfer hose that can handle most chemical transfer applications. 

2. XLPE Green Chemical Transfer Hose

• Application: Conti’s Green XLPE chemical hose can handle 93% of standard industrial chemicals in pressure, gravity flow, or suction services.
• Construction:
  • Tube: Speclar® Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)
  • Cover: EPDM (Wrapped Finish)
  • Reinforcement: Spiral-Plied Synthetic Fabric
• Temperature Range: -25°F / -32°C ~ 150°F / 66°C
• Summary: The XLPE Green is an economical chemical hose that can handle 93% of industrial chemicals while remaining more flexible than other chemical hoses. 

3. Continental Versachem™ Premium Chemical Transfer Hose

• Application: A premium hose lined with UHMWPE, the Conti Versachem chemical hose handles 98% of common chemicals, but is also rated for food, petroleum, and high proof alcohol. 
• Construction:
  • Tube: UHMWPE Inner Lining
  • Cover: EPDM (Corrugated)
  • Reinforcement: Spiral-plied Synthetic Fabric
• Temperature Range: -40°F / -40°C ~ 212°F / 100°C
• Summary: The Versachem is best known for its versatility in being able to transfer a wide variety of fluids or powdery materials. It can be steamed for up to 15 minutes and the smooth lining allows for easy drainage and cleaning when changing mediums. 

Finding the Perfect Chemical Hose For Your Application

While we have recommended three of Conti’s most popular chemical hoses for transferring industrial chemicals, there are dozens of varieties in all kinds of materials, shapes, and sizes. So how do you know which is the right one for you?

IBT’s Chemical Processing experts will work with you to learn all the chemicals, environments, temperatures, and requirements to help you find the perfect hose for your application for the most efficient, safe, and long-lasting solution.

Our industrial hose shops are also ready for chemical hose repair, replacement, and prefabrication services. No matter the industrial hose, our team can help you get up and running with fast turnaround times.

Request a quote for chemical hoses today!