Key points for selecting chemical hoses
UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) chemical hose, as a high-performance industrial transportation pipeline, has demonstrated irreplaceable advantages in the fields of chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, etc. in recent years. Its unique molecular structure endows the material with excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and impact resistance, making it an upgraded alternative to traditional rubber and metal pipes. This article will delve into the technical characteristics, application scenarios, and market status of UPE hoses, and explore their future development potential through practical cases.
1、 Material characteristics: Why is UPE the preferred choice for chemical transportation?
The core material of UPE hose, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, has a molecular chain length that is more than 10 times that of ordinary polyethylene. This structure gives it three core advantages:
1. Chemical inertness: It can withstand the corrosion of strong acids (such as concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), strong bases (such as sodium hydroxide), and organic solvents, and its stability far exceeds that of polyurethane pipes in the pH range of 1-14.
2. Mechanical strength: The wear resistance is 7 times that of carbon steel, the tensile strength is over 40MPa, and the burst pressure can reach 4 times the working pressure. A comparative test at a certain chemical plant showed that when transporting corrosive media containing 30% quartz sand, the service life of UPE pipes is 200% longer than that of PTFE pipes.
2、 Application scenario: Full coverage from laboratory to industrial production
1. Chemical industry: In a case study of a large pesticide factory, UPE hose successfully replaced 316L stainless steel pipeline for transporting corrosive raw materials containing chlorinated phenol, reducing annual maintenance costs by 85%. It is worth noting that this material can be used for a long time below 60 ℃, but when it exceeds 80 ℃, cross-linking modification models need to be considered.
2. Semiconductor industry: In TSMC's wafer cleaning system, UPE pipes have become a standard configuration for transporting high-purity chemicals due to their ultra-low precipitation characteristics (metal ion content<0.1ppb).
3. Ocean Engineering: The Bohai Oilfield uses UPE composite reinforced rubber hoses to transport seabed crude oil containing H ₂ S, and its resistance to hydrogen sulfide stress cracking meets the NACE MR0175 standard.
3、 When making a purchase, it is important to pay close attention to:
1. Certification system: High quality products should have certifications such as ISO 10380 (fluid transportation), EN 12115 (chemical applicability), etc
2. Process details: The tube body formed by compression molding has better molecular orientation than extrusion molding
3. Connection method: Quick fit clamp type joints are more suitable for frequent disassembly conditions than flange connections
5、 The Golden Rule of Use and Maintenance
1. Installation specifications: The bending radius should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the pipe to avoid sharp bends that may cause molecular chain breakage
2. Cleaning cycle: When transporting high viscosity media, it is recommended to perform sodium hypochlorite cycle cleaning every 500 hours
3. Failure warning: When spider like microcracks appear on the outer surface of the tube, the remaining lifespan usually does not exceed 6 months