More clarity with crystal clear hoses
Crystal clear tubes and hoses provide reliable control of liquid or gaseous media flows – essential in measurement and control technology, as well as in synthesis or testing laboratories. Thanks to their resistance to nearly all solutions, from strongly acidic to highly alkaline, transparent elastomer tubing can be used almost universally to transport air, water, or fuels.
The highly transparent crystal clear hoses made of PVC or MFA impress with their crystal-clear appearance and allow optimal visual inspection of flowing media. Their special material composition ensures not only perfect transparency but also excellent flexibility and pressure resistance. With a smooth inner surface and easy cleanability, they are especially suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments. PVC variants stand out with an excellent price-performance ratio, while the MFA versions offer superior chemical resistance and temperature stability. In industries where process safety and visual monitoring are equally important, crystal clear tubing sets new benchmarks.
Where crystal clear hoses are used
In recent years, transparent chemical tubing has also been used as protective LED light lines. They shield light diodes from dust and moisture, enabling outdoor installations. In general, clear lines make liquid or gaseous flows visible – allowing visual inspection – or remain unobtrusive in their surroundings. In aquatics, for example, transparent glass pipes and tubes are popular because they make filter systems nearly invisible under water.
Typical applications include:
- Analytical tubing: Only with crystal clear transfer tubes, whose smooth inner walls prevent deposits, can analytical instruments deliver reliable results – even in micro-analysis under cleanroom conditions.
- Tubing and piping in medical, pharmaceutical, and food production plants (especially dairy): crystal clear plastic tubes in food-grade quality that comply with strict requirements such as FDA approval.
- Lines for laboratories, pilot plants, and production: vacuum hoses, pump tubing, high-resistance solvent hoses. In the food industry, they serve for the visible transfer of beverages, dairy products, and liquid foods, enabling continuous process monitoring.
In laboratories and medical technology, they are used for precise dosing and transport of sensitive liquids. The pharmaceutical industry values them for high purity and the ability to visually monitor production. The cosmetics industry uses them for manufacturing and filling liquid products.
The chemical industry relies on crystal clear hoses for conveying non-aggressive chemicals and solvents, where contamination or discoloration can be detected immediately. In water treatment and pool systems, they are used for dosing chemicals and water circulation.
In measurement and control technology, they are indispensable for level indicators and flow meters. In mechanical engineering, they are applied in cooling circuits and lubrication systems where monitoring of media flow is crucial.
PVC or MFA crystal clear hoses
Crystal clear hose types from Reichelt Chemietechnik are available either as PVC elastomer hoses or as MFA plastic hoses. These two transparent materials differ in both their thermal and chemical resistance. Our hoses are compatible with plastic connectors as well as two-part quick-disconnect couplings made of plastic, which are also available in the Reichelt Chemietechnik online shop.
Transparent PVC hoses: durable and versatile
Clear hoses made of polyvinyl chloride are offered in two specifications: standard PVC hose, and cross-linked PVC under the trade name TYGON®. Depending on type, both are FDA-compliant.
Classic crystal clear PVC hoses operate from -10 °C to +60 °C (up to +70 °C short term). They resist:
- saline solutions
- alcohols
- aqueous solutions
- many concentrated acids and bases
TYGON® hoses are also available with fiber reinforcement for pressure applications. They are used as dairy hoses and as the food grade tubing, and comply with FDA and European Pharmacopoeia standards. Their temperature range is -20 °C to +74 °C. With polished, smooth interiors and high flexibility, they minimize cross-contamination and have very low swelling.
These cross-linked PVC hoses can be used within a temperature range of -20 °C to +74 °C. The pressure hoses are crystal clear, smooth, and polished on the inside, as well as soft and highly flexible. Cross-contamination is virtually excluded. A key feature is their very low swelling behavior. They are resistant to the following media:
- Aqueous solutions
- Alcohols
- Acids and bases
- Strong alkaline cleaning agents
Classic crystal clear PVC hoses
Crystal clear PVC vinyl pump hoses are highly flexible and kink-resistant, with an absolutely smooth surface that prevents bacterial growth. With a Shore hardness of A 58, they show extremely elastic behavior. Their operating temperature range is -30 °C to +60 °C, making them ideal for use in aquatics, beverage production, and food processing.
For dosing reagents in micro-analysis, our crystal clear micro pump hoses are used. They feature a Shore hardness of A 61 and are suitable for operating temperatures between -32 °C and +60 °C.
Pump hoses with 2 or 3 stoppers are considered high-performance hoses used in cassette pump heads for peristaltic pumps. Their inner diameters range from 0.127 mm to 2.79 mm. The elastomer hoses have a Shore hardness of A 65 and are resistant to temperatures from -10 °C to +60 °C. They are suitable for transferring aqueous solutions, alcohols, and saline solutions, as well as diluted acids and bases. PVC hose can also be used for transporting diesel, but it is not suitable for transporting certain cleaners, gasoline, or other fuels.
The transparent PVC pump hose can be used universally for various non-pressurized applications. In addition to industrial use, it is also well suited for aquatics, where it functions as a suction or air hose. The clear hose wall allows continuous monitoring of the medium flowing through.
Transparent chemical hoses made of PVCCrystal clear
PVC catheter chemical hoses are manufactured from selected additives. They are FDA-compliant and feature a Shore hardness of A 60 with an operating temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C. These hose systems are nearly gas-tight.
Transparent PVC spiral chemical hoses are aging-resistant, asbestos-free, robust, and pressure-resistant. Even when exposed to hot water or oils such as heating oil, they show no material changes. They feature a Shore hardness of A 75 with an elongation at break of 390%.
TYGON® crystal clear hoses for food and laboratory use
Food-grade hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® food hoses complies with RoHS and REACH standards and meets the requirements of the FDA as well as the European Pharmacopoeia. Its formulation guarantees complete freedom from BPA and phthalates, ensuring safe processing and storage of food. Especially for high-fat products such as milk and other dairy items, aseptic filling, the addition of flavors or vitamin concentrates, or dispensing soft ice cream are critical production steps where transparent TYGON® tubing proves to be an excellent alternative to rigid piping.
Its smooth, non-porous inner surface prevents particle deposits and inhibits bacterial growth. In addition, the crystal clear material resists aggressive cleaning agents and disinfectants. TYGON® food-grade tubing is soft and flexible, with a Shore hardness of A 66 and an operating temperature range between -36 °C and +74 °C.
Vacuum hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® laboratory vacuum tubing – FDA compliant – is used in medical technology, as pharma tubes, biotechnology, as well as laboratory and process engineering. Soft, flexible, and mechanically robust, it is also suitable as transfer tubing for peristaltic pumps. Its absolutely smooth, polished inner surface provides anti-adhesive properties. Additional advantages include excellent resistance to chemicals, oxidation, weathering, and aging. Outstanding features are its gas tightness along with high resistance to extraction and swelling. The tubing maintains flexibility within an operating range of -10 °C to +74 °C.
Micro-analysis hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® micro-analysis tubing is used as medical tubing and in surgery situations. It is particularly suited for clinical and biological applications as well as biotechnology. This tubing is pyrogen-free, blood-compatible, and non-toxic. It also features an absolutely smooth interior surface. With a Shore hardness of A 80, an elongation at break of 350%, and an operating temperature range of -10 °C to +74 °C, it delivers reliable performance. The tubing is FDA-compliant, meets USP Class VI, and follows the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.
Pump hoses
Imperial-sized TYGON® pump tubing is absolutely crystal clear with a Shore hardness of A 60. The operating temperature range is -30 °C to +74 °C, with short-term resistance up to +120 °C. This makes the tubing autoclavable and suitable for sterilization with steam, hot air, ethylene oxide gas, or gamma radiation. The elastomer tubing is FDA-compliant.
As such, a crystal clear specialty tubing is available for surgery and medical technology, particularly suitable for use in heart-lung machines, artificial hearts, oxygen supply systems, and in clinical and biological laboratories.
MFA hoses: absolute transparency with maximum resistance
Plastics made of modified fluoralkoxy (MFA) have only been available on the market since the end of the last century. This perfluorinated, semi-crystalline thermoplastic material is distinguished by its chemical resistance, thermal and mechanical stability, and excellent transparency. Today, a large share of MFA production is processed into crystal clear hoses.
MFA polymer offers higher transparency than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). Its light transmission covers a wavelength range of 390 to 770 nm (the visible spectrum) and 200 to 280 nm (UV range). These properties make crystal clear MFA hoses an excellent choice for use with LED lighting elements, where they function as LED light tubing.
In addition, crystal clear MFA hoses are ideally suited for monitoring aggressive media in pilot and production facilities. As fluoropolymer tubing, they are resistant to virtually all inorganic and organic media, including most aggressive substances. The operating temperature range for MFA elastomer hoses is -70 °C to +290 °C. In general, hoses made of modified fluoralkoxy offer the following properties:
-
Chemical resistance: MFA hoses withstand most aggressive solutions, including inorganic alkalis, oxidizing acids, mineral acids, and metal salt solutions, as well as organic media such as hydrocarbons, anhydrides, esters, ethers, ketones, aromatics, amines, or peroxides. At high temperatures, however, MFA shows only limited resistance to alkali metals. Certain fluorinated organic compounds and phosphorus compounds are also not suitable for high-temperature use with MFA.
-
Pore-free and smooth with anti-adhesive inner lining: The extremely smooth surfaces on both the inner and outer walls prevent deposits from forming.
-
High temperature and pressure resistance: Depending on hose dimensions, operating pressure ranges between 6.5 bar and 26 bar at +20 °C. The continuous operating temperature range is -70 °C to +240 °C. MFA hoses exhibit excellent thermal stability and very good mechanical strength, even under extreme hot and cold conditions. They show minimal embrittlement or aging effects under thermal stress. Suitable for outdoor use, they also withstand weathering and UV radiation.
-
Excellent elasticity, even at low temperatures.
-
Biocompatible (pyrogen-free).
-
Crystal clear and therefore highly light-transmissive.
-
Low moisture absorption: water absorption is below 0.03%.
-
Low gas permeability: Like many fluoropolymers, MFA is almost gas-tight with very low diffusion values.
-
Electrical properties: MFA is notable for its low dielectric constant and very high surface and volume resistance. Volume resistance, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor remain virtually constant regardless of temperature.
Versatile applications for crystal clear MFA chemical hoses
All of these advantageous properties make MFA a universal hose material for a wide range of applications:
-
As crystal clear coating and sealing material, for example for the permanent lamination of solar modules.
-
In mechanical engineering, thanks to its flexibility, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. Also in measurement and control technology for reliable visual monitoring.
-
As heavy-duty, crystal clear industrial hoses in process engineering and biotechnology, chemical technology, and laboratory applications – among others as transfer tubing for ultrapure chemicals and highly resistant chemical hoses for acids and bases.
-
In chemical analysis and laboratory technology.
-
In ultrapure water systems, environmental, and hygiene engineering.
-
As crystal clear lines in aquatics, making filter systems almost invisible.
-
Approved for use in hose and piping systems in production plants for the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, since they meet the strict requirements of the U.S. FDA.
Order crystal clear hoses online at rct-online.de/en/
Order crystal clear hoses, chemical tubes, pump tubing, analytical tubes, or food-grade hoses quickly and easily in our online shop. The range includes PVC, TYGON®, and MFA, with most items available from stock for fast delivery. If you have questions, call us at +49 6221 31250 or contact us by email. Our specialists will be glad to help you select the right transparent tubing for your application. Further details on elastomers can be found in our electronic resistance list and comprehensive glossary.
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More clarity with crystal clear hoses
Crystal clear tubes and hoses provide reliable control of liquid or gaseous media flows – essential in measurement and control technology, as well as in synthesis or testing laboratories. Thanks to their resistance to nearly all solutions, from strongly acidic to highly alkaline, transparent elastomer tubing can be used almost universally to transport air, water, or fuels.
The highly transparent crystal clear hoses made of PVC or MFA impress with their crystal-clear appearance and allow optimal visual inspection of flowing media. Their special material composition ensures not only perfect transparency but also excellent flexibility and pressure resistance. With a smooth inner surface and easy cleanability, they are especially suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments. PVC variants stand out with an excellent price-performance ratio, while the MFA versions offer superior chemical resistance and temperature stability. In industries where process safety and visual monitoring are equally important, crystal clear tubing sets new benchmarks.
Where crystal clear hoses are used
In recent years, transparent chemical tubing has also been used as protective LED light lines. They shield light diodes from dust and moisture, enabling outdoor installations. In general, clear lines make liquid or gaseous flows visible – allowing visual inspection – or remain unobtrusive in their surroundings. In aquatics, for example, transparent glass pipes and tubes are popular because they make filter systems nearly invisible under water.
Typical applications include:
- Analytical tubing: Only with crystal clear transfer tubes, whose smooth inner walls prevent deposits, can analytical instruments deliver reliable results – even in micro-analysis under cleanroom conditions.
- Tubing and piping in medical, pharmaceutical, and food production plants (especially dairy): crystal clear plastic tubes in food-grade quality that comply with strict requirements such as FDA approval.
- Lines for laboratories, pilot plants, and production: vacuum hoses, pump tubing, high-resistance solvent hoses. In the food industry, they serve for the visible transfer of beverages, dairy products, and liquid foods, enabling continuous process monitoring.
In laboratories and medical technology, they are used for precise dosing and transport of sensitive liquids. The pharmaceutical industry values them for high purity and the ability to visually monitor production. The cosmetics industry uses them for manufacturing and filling liquid products.
The chemical industry relies on crystal clear hoses for conveying non-aggressive chemicals and solvents, where contamination or discoloration can be detected immediately. In water treatment and pool systems, they are used for dosing chemicals and water circulation.
In measurement and control technology, they are indispensable for level indicators and flow meters. In mechanical engineering, they are applied in cooling circuits and lubrication systems where monitoring of media flow is crucial.
PVC or MFA crystal clear hoses
Crystal clear hose types from Reichelt Chemietechnik are available either as PVC elastomer hoses or as MFA plastic hoses. These two transparent materials differ in both their thermal and chemical resistance. Our hoses are compatible with plastic connectors as well as two-part quick-disconnect couplings made of plastic, which are also available in the Reichelt Chemietechnik online shop.
Transparent PVC hoses: durable and versatile
Clear hoses made of polyvinyl chloride are offered in two specifications: standard PVC hose, and cross-linked PVC under the trade name TYGON®. Depending on type, both are FDA-compliant.
Classic crystal clear PVC hoses operate from -10 °C to +60 °C (up to +70 °C short term). They resist:
- saline solutions
- alcohols
- aqueous solutions
- many concentrated acids and bases
TYGON® hoses are also available with fiber reinforcement for pressure applications. They are used as dairy hoses and as the food grade tubing, and comply with FDA and European Pharmacopoeia standards. Their temperature range is -20 °C to +74 °C. With polished, smooth interiors and high flexibility, they minimize cross-contamination and have very low swelling.
These cross-linked PVC hoses can be used within a temperature range of -20 °C to +74 °C. The pressure hoses are crystal clear, smooth, and polished on the inside, as well as soft and highly flexible. Cross-contamination is virtually excluded. A key feature is their very low swelling behavior. They are resistant to the following media:
- Aqueous solutions
- Alcohols
- Acids and bases
- Strong alkaline cleaning agents
Classic crystal clear PVC hoses
Crystal clear PVC vinyl pump hoses are highly flexible and kink-resistant, with an absolutely smooth surface that prevents bacterial growth. With a Shore hardness of A 58, they show extremely elastic behavior. Their operating temperature range is -30 °C to +60 °C, making them ideal for use in aquatics, beverage production, and food processing.
For dosing reagents in micro-analysis, our crystal clear micro pump hoses are used. They feature a Shore hardness of A 61 and are suitable for operating temperatures between -32 °C and +60 °C.
Pump hoses with 2 or 3 stoppers are considered high-performance hoses used in cassette pump heads for peristaltic pumps. Their inner diameters range from 0.127 mm to 2.79 mm. The elastomer hoses have a Shore hardness of A 65 and are resistant to temperatures from -10 °C to +60 °C. They are suitable for transferring aqueous solutions, alcohols, and saline solutions, as well as diluted acids and bases. PVC hose can also be used for transporting diesel, but it is not suitable for transporting certain cleaners, gasoline, or other fuels.
The transparent PVC pump hose can be used universally for various non-pressurized applications. In addition to industrial use, it is also well suited for aquatics, where it functions as a suction or air hose. The clear hose wall allows continuous monitoring of the medium flowing through.
Transparent chemical hoses made of PVCCrystal clear
PVC catheter chemical hoses are manufactured from selected additives. They are FDA-compliant and feature a Shore hardness of A 60 with an operating temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C. These hose systems are nearly gas-tight.
Transparent PVC spiral chemical hoses are aging-resistant, asbestos-free, robust, and pressure-resistant. Even when exposed to hot water or oils such as heating oil, they show no material changes. They feature a Shore hardness of A 75 with an elongation at break of 390%.
TYGON® crystal clear hoses for food and laboratory use
Food-grade hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® food hoses complies with RoHS and REACH standards and meets the requirements of the FDA as well as the European Pharmacopoeia. Its formulation guarantees complete freedom from BPA and phthalates, ensuring safe processing and storage of food. Especially for high-fat products such as milk and other dairy items, aseptic filling, the addition of flavors or vitamin concentrates, or dispensing soft ice cream are critical production steps where transparent TYGON® tubing proves to be an excellent alternative to rigid piping.
Its smooth, non-porous inner surface prevents particle deposits and inhibits bacterial growth. In addition, the crystal clear material resists aggressive cleaning agents and disinfectants. TYGON® food-grade tubing is soft and flexible, with a Shore hardness of A 66 and an operating temperature range between -36 °C and +74 °C.
Vacuum hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® laboratory vacuum tubing – FDA compliant – is used in medical technology, as pharma tubes, biotechnology, as well as laboratory and process engineering. Soft, flexible, and mechanically robust, it is also suitable as transfer tubing for peristaltic pumps. Its absolutely smooth, polished inner surface provides anti-adhesive properties. Additional advantages include excellent resistance to chemicals, oxidation, weathering, and aging. Outstanding features are its gas tightness along with high resistance to extraction and swelling. The tubing maintains flexibility within an operating range of -10 °C to +74 °C.
Micro-analysis hoses
Crystal clear TYGON® micro-analysis tubing is used as medical tubing and in surgery situations. It is particularly suited for clinical and biological applications as well as biotechnology. This tubing is pyrogen-free, blood-compatible, and non-toxic. It also features an absolutely smooth interior surface. With a Shore hardness of A 80, an elongation at break of 350%, and an operating temperature range of -10 °C to +74 °C, it delivers reliable performance. The tubing is FDA-compliant, meets USP Class VI, and follows the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.
Pump hoses
Imperial-sized TYGON® pump tubing is absolutely crystal clear with a Shore hardness of A 60. The operating temperature range is -30 °C to +74 °C, with short-term resistance up to +120 °C. This makes the tubing autoclavable and suitable for sterilization with steam, hot air, ethylene oxide gas, or gamma radiation. The elastomer tubing is FDA-compliant.
As such, a crystal clear specialty tubing is available for surgery and medical technology, particularly suitable for use in heart-lung machines, artificial hearts, oxygen supply systems, and in clinical and biological laboratories.
MFA hoses: absolute transparency with maximum resistance
Plastics made of modified fluoralkoxy (MFA) have only been available on the market since the end of the last century. This perfluorinated, semi-crystalline thermoplastic material is distinguished by its chemical resistance, thermal and mechanical stability, and excellent transparency. Today, a large share of MFA production is processed into crystal clear hoses.
MFA polymer offers higher transparency than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). Its light transmission covers a wavelength range of 390 to 770 nm (the visible spectrum) and 200 to 280 nm (UV range). These properties make crystal clear MFA hoses an excellent choice for use with LED lighting elements, where they function as LED light tubing.
In addition, crystal clear MFA hoses are ideally suited for monitoring aggressive media in pilot and production facilities. As fluoropolymer tubing, they are resistant to virtually all inorganic and organic media, including most aggressive substances. The operating temperature range for MFA elastomer hoses is -70 °C to +290 °C. In general, hoses made of modified fluoralkoxy offer the following properties:
-
Chemical resistance: MFA hoses withstand most aggressive solutions, including inorganic alkalis, oxidizing acids, mineral acids, and metal salt solutions, as well as organic media such as hydrocarbons, anhydrides, esters, ethers, ketones, aromatics, amines, or peroxides. At high temperatures, however, MFA shows only limited resistance to alkali metals. Certain fluorinated organic compounds and phosphorus compounds are also not suitable for high-temperature use with MFA.
-
Pore-free and smooth with anti-adhesive inner lining: The extremely smooth surfaces on both the inner and outer walls prevent deposits from forming.
-
High temperature and pressure resistance: Depending on hose dimensions, operating pressure ranges between 6.5 bar and 26 bar at +20 °C. The continuous operating temperature range is -70 °C to +240 °C. MFA hoses exhibit excellent thermal stability and very good mechanical strength, even under extreme hot and cold conditions. They show minimal embrittlement or aging effects under thermal stress. Suitable for outdoor use, they also withstand weathering and UV radiation.
-
Excellent elasticity, even at low temperatures.
-
Biocompatible (pyrogen-free).
-
Crystal clear and therefore highly light-transmissive.
-
Low moisture absorption: water absorption is below 0.03%.
-
Low gas permeability: Like many fluoropolymers, MFA is almost gas-tight with very low diffusion values.
-
Electrical properties: MFA is notable for its low dielectric constant and very high surface and volume resistance. Volume resistance, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor remain virtually constant regardless of temperature.
Versatile applications for crystal clear MFA chemical hoses
All of these advantageous properties make MFA a universal hose material for a wide range of applications:
-
As crystal clear coating and sealing material, for example for the permanent lamination of solar modules.
-
In mechanical engineering, thanks to its flexibility, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. Also in measurement and control technology for reliable visual monitoring.
-
As heavy-duty, crystal clear industrial hoses in process engineering and biotechnology, chemical technology, and laboratory applications – among others as transfer tubing for ultrapure chemicals and highly resistant chemical hoses for acids and bases.
-
In chemical analysis and laboratory technology.
-
In ultrapure water systems, environmental, and hygiene engineering.
-
As crystal clear lines in aquatics, making filter systems almost invisible.
-
Approved for use in hose and piping systems in production plants for the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, since they meet the strict requirements of the U.S. FDA.
Order crystal clear hoses online at rct-online.de/en/
Order crystal clear hoses, chemical tubes, pump tubing, analytical tubes, or food-grade hoses quickly and easily in our online shop. The range includes PVC, TYGON®, and MFA, with most items available from stock for fast delivery. If you have questions, call us at +49 6221 31250 or contact us by email. Our specialists will be glad to help you select the right transparent tubing for your application. Further details on elastomers can be found in our electronic resistance list and comprehensive glossary.