Fabric hoses: More protection and structure through textile reinforcement
Fabric hoses combine top quality with maximum operational safety. The textile reinforcement embedded in the hose wall, made of interwoven warp and weft threads, provides these products with their characteristic stability and pressure resistance. By fully integrating the fabric into the hose material, high-performance solutions are created that withstand even extreme demands. The combination of robust materials and carefully engineered construction makes fabric hoses a reliable choice for industrial applications where safety and durability are key. The wide range of available designs, materials, and sizes ensures optimal use in numerous fields – from the food industry to the chemical sector and agriculture.
Applications of fabric hoses
In the chemical industry, they are used for the safe transport of aggressive media and solvents, with the fabric reinforcement ensuring the necessary pressure resistance. In the food sector, these products also play a central role, for example in beverage filling, the transport of dairy products, or the processing of doughs and other food masses.
In mechanical and plant engineering, they are applied in hydraulic systems and pneumatic applications, where they must withstand high dynamic loads. The construction industry relies on them for transporting building materials, cement, and mortar, where high abrasion resistance is crucial. In agriculture, they are employed in irrigation systems and agricultural machinery.
The paper and printing industry uses these lines for conveying inks, paints, and coatings. In the automotive sector, they are integrated into production systems for various media such as oils, fuels, and coolants. They are also indispensable in environmental technology, for example in wastewater treatment and sewage plants.
The plastics industry employs them for conveying granulates and powders, while in the metal industry they are used for coolants and cutting oils. In mining and heavy industry, they prove their worth in transporting abrasive media. The energy sector makes use of them in power plants for various cooling and process media.
Variants in material and reinforcement
To make soft rubber tubing more resistant to mechanical loads and higher operating pressures, they are reinforced with textile or metallic support structures. This supporting structure can either be woven or wound externally around the hose or integrated into the material itself.
Even without an elastomer component, textile fabric hoses alone can serve as protective products against heat. Thanks to their reinforcement, they are especially suitable as pressure hoses, but also as industrial or chemical hoses. The following materials are commonly used in such applications:
- NBR (Nitrile Rubber, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Silicone (MVQ, VMQ, Silicone Rubber)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber)
- FPM/FKM (Fluoroelastomer, THOMAFLUOR)
- SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)
Reinforced fabric variants often consist of an inner lining and an outer cover with mechanical reinforcement between the two layers. In such cases, they are also referred to as double-jacket hoses. The lining and cover can be made of different elastomers. Typically, the lining is made of a chemically and thermally resistant material, while the cover is manufactured from an abrasion-resistant and UV-stable polymer.
Other versions feature external reinforcement instead of embedded pressure stabilization, such as fiberglass braiding or a metal wire covering.
Furthermore, designs with tubes and hoses made of fluoropolymers are available in double-jacket constructions, such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene). These are manufactured with an elastomer outer cover and, depending on nominal size, may additionally contain a steel helix for pressure stability.
NBR fabric hoses
NBR fabric hoses are used in process engineering, chemical engineering, and plant engineering. They are produced in both metric and imperial dimensions, according to customer requirements. Depending on the type, they can be used in pressure ranges up to 60 bar. These products are compatible with fabric hose connectors as well as metal barb connectors and plastic barb connectors.
NBR pressure and hot-material hoses
NBR fabric hoses are used as pressure carriers for tasks involving elevated temperatures. Reinforced with embedded fabric, they withstand pressures up to 40 bar (at +20 °C). To increase abrasion resistance, the outer surface of NBR hot-material variants is coated with CR (Chloroprene Rubber). They can be used in temperature ranges from -20 to +180 °C without difficulty.
NBR beverage hoses
NBR fabric hoses are also applied in the transport of beverages and drinking water due to their food-grade properties. Their complianceof these beverage hoses is tested according to FDA and European Pharmacopoeia standards. They easily tolerate pressures up to 10 bar (at +20 °C).
NBR fuel and oil hoses
Due to its resistance to organic solvents and aliphatic hydrocarbons, NBR is widely used in the manufacture of tubing for gasoline and oil hoses. In this application, antistatic properties are particularly important to prevent explosive ignition. A copper wire embedded in the material prevents static charging of the media by discharging electrical currents. Thanks to this antistatic feature, a discharge resistance of <10⁶ Ohm is achieved.
The antistatic properties are tested in accordance with EN 1360:2005 Type 1 and TRbF131, Part 2 § 5.5. The outer cover of these pressure hoses is made of an NBR/SBR compound. Pressure resistance is ensured up to 48 bar. Another important property of these products is their resistance to ozone (O₃) and aromatic compounds (up to 60% aromatic content in the transported medium). These fuel hoses are therefore ideally suited for diesel and E10 transport.
PVC fabric hoses
PVC is one of the most widely produced plastics globally. Fabric hoses made of PVC are therefore versatile and compatible with standard hose connectors and nozzles.
PVC pressure and food-grade pressure hoses
In the food sector, PVC fabric hoses are used due to their excellent resistance to alkaline cleaning agents, especially where milk and dairy products are processed. Naturally, the PVC tubing offered by RCT complies with FDA requirements. For the European market, food-grade PVC pressure types are also available, certified according to EU Regulation 1935/2004 and BfR guidelines. These hose types are designed for pressure ranges between 4 and 23 bar.
PVC color hoses
Color markings are advantageous when several hoses are placed side by side, allowing quick and easy replacement without lengthy searching. Color pressure lines are available in blue, yellow, and green. With a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar, they are suitable for many applications.
PVC high-pressure hoses
For higher pressure demands, fabric-reinforced high-pressure variants are used. This high-performance material withstands pressures up to 80 bar (at +20 °C). Their pronounced strength and weather resistance make them ideal for robust environments. The working temperature range is -15 °C to +60 °C.
PVC water hoses
In water treatment, environmental, and wastewater technology, a special PVC fabric pressure hose is applied. In addition to high mechanical strength and flame retardancy, this product features a specially knitted, twist-free reinforcement, ensuring low elongation and torsion-free use – a great advantage for lines that are frequently moved. The maximum operating pressure is 10 bar (at +20 °C). To minimize biological deposits such as bacterial growth, the hose interior is manufactured with a completely smooth surface.
Silicone fabric hoses
Silicone is one of the most versatile and cost-efficient elastomers on the market. Fabric hoses made of silicone are therefore equally adaptable and compatible with commercially available connectors and clamps.
Silicone pharma pressure hoses
Special fabric hoses for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications are made of flexible, transparent silicone reinforced with fiberglass fabric. In compliance with European Pharmacopoeia and USP Class VI, they are blood-compatible, pyrogen-free, and non-toxic.
With a Shore hardness of 70° (according to DIN 53505) and an elongation at break of 460% (DIN 53504-S1), this silicone tubing is highly durable. For repeated use, cleaning and sterilization are required. The pharma pressure hoses offered by RCT can be sterilized both with hot air (+200 °C) and steam (+134 °C at 2.5 bar). They reliably withstand continuous operating temperatures from -60 °C to +200 °C.
Silicone pressure and high-temperature hoses
Special fabric hoses for use in pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications are made of flexible, transparent silicone with a fiberglass fabric insert. In compliance with the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia and USP Class VI, they are blood-compatible, pyrogen-free, and non-toxic.
Silicone fabric and pressure hoses are used in laboratory technology, chemical and process engineering, as well as in biotechnology, pharmaceutical technology, and food technology. Many silicone pressure hoses are FDA/BfR-compliant. Some are designed specifically as food and beverage hoses and are widely used. They are resistant to hot air and ozone (O₃) and free from extractable substances. These products can be used in temperature ranges between -40 °C and +150 °C, in some cases up to +250 °C.
EPDM fabric hoses
EPDM is considered a particularly high-quality elastomer that remains elastic even at very low temperatures. Fabric hoses made of EPDM are widely used in laboratory, chemical, industrial, and food technology. They are employed as chemical or antistatic hoses, pressure carriers, spray hoses, and food-grade variants.
Applications include:
- Pressure hoses
- Laboratory hoses
- Chemical hoses (also antistatic)
- Food-grade high-pressure hoses
- Spray paint hoses
Particularly in the chemical sector, the excellent resistance of EPDM to many alkalis, acids, and polar solvents offers a distinct advantage over other elastomers. Fabric hoses in contact with food are naturally FDA-compliant and sterilizable (e.g., steam sterilization at +164 °C).
FPM/FKM fabric hoses
Hoses made of fluoroelastomer are characterized by outstanding chemical resistance to aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, fuels, acids, alcohols, and oils. As pressure carriers, they are reinforced with 0.3 mm fabric. Depending on size, they withstand pressures of 5 to 10 bar (at +20 °C). The permissible temperature range is -20 °C to +200 °C, with short-term peaks of up to +300 °C.
SBR fabric hoses
SBR, a general-purpose synthetic rubber, has properties similar to natural rubber. It is therefore used in applications where natural rubber hoses were once standard.
SBR steam and hot-water hoses
The SBR tubing for steam and hot water is used in turbine technology, process engineering, plant construction, and power engineering. They are especially convincing due to their high abrasion resistance and elasticity, even at elevated temperatures. The working temperature range is -20 °C to +100 °C. When transporting saturated steam, they can even withstand up to +164 °C. Pressure stability is ensured by the synthetic fabric reinforcement up to 6 bar (at +20 °C).
SBR antistatic chemical hoses
The antistatic chemical hose "High Flexible" impresses with its exceptional flexibility. This is a genuine high-tech product. With two different layers joined by a spiralized fabric layer, this hose is custom-designed. The inner lining consists of an NBR/SBR blend, while the outer cover is made of SBR and EPDM. The operating temperature range is -20 °C to +80 °C, with a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar (at +20 °C). Thanks to the antistatic equipment, the discharge resistance is less than 10⁶ Ohm.
SBR liquefied gas hoses
Liquefied gas hoses are used in laboratories and welding applications. They transport propane or butane, but also acetylene and other fuel gases, from gas cylinders to the point of use. For this, they must comply with EN ISO 3821:2010 and EN 559:2003 standards. Liquefied gas hoses are available in red and blue. They are designed for maximum operating pressures of 20 bar (at +20 °C), with a burst pressure of 60 bar (at +20 °C).
Fabric protective hoses
In addition to the wide range of fabric hoses used primarily for transporting liquids and gases, RCT also offers a product class designed to protect rigid pipes, cables, and other components: fabric protective hoses. Harmful external influences may include:
- Mechanical stresses (e.g., shocks, impacts, abrasion)
- Extreme temperatures
- Moisture
- Contamination
- Corrosion
- Aggressive surrounding media
- Electric shock
If sensitive or heavily stressed lines, hoses, and cables are not adequately protected against external damaging influences, serious consequences can occur. For example, leaks in chemical hoses can cause chemical burns, while insufficiently insulated cables may lead to electric shocks or short circuits.
Protective and insulating hoses made of fiberglass fabric are, for example, ceramic-coated to withstand temperatures up to +450 °C. The protective function works in both directions: materials stored inside the protective hose are shielded from external heat, while externally there is insulation to prevent accidental contact. RCT’s range includes additional types of fabric protective hoses for diverse applications.
Buy fabric hoses at rct-online.com
The Reichelt Chemietechnik range includes not only fabric hoses but also matching accessories such as cocks, taps, valves, connectors, and flow meters. Fabric hoses for your applications, as well as other custom products, can easily be ordered via our online shop – without minimum order quantities. Benefit from high-quality, readily available products at favorable conditions. Not sure which type is right for you or have further questions? Simply contact us by phone or e-mail. Additional chemical and technical information on the available materials can be found in our glossary. Our resistance guide makes it easy to determine the ideal material for your specific application. We look forward to your order!
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Fabric hoses: More protection and structure through textile reinforcement
Fabric hoses combine top quality with maximum operational safety. The textile reinforcement embedded in the hose wall, made of interwoven warp and weft threads, provides these products with their characteristic stability and pressure resistance. By fully integrating the fabric into the hose material, high-performance solutions are created that withstand even extreme demands. The combination of robust materials and carefully engineered construction makes fabric hoses a reliable choice for industrial applications where safety and durability are key. The wide range of available designs, materials, and sizes ensures optimal use in numerous fields – from the food industry to the chemical sector and agriculture.
Applications of fabric hoses
In the chemical industry, they are used for the safe transport of aggressive media and solvents, with the fabric reinforcement ensuring the necessary pressure resistance. In the food sector, these products also play a central role, for example in beverage filling, the transport of dairy products, or the processing of doughs and other food masses.
In mechanical and plant engineering, they are applied in hydraulic systems and pneumatic applications, where they must withstand high dynamic loads. The construction industry relies on them for transporting building materials, cement, and mortar, where high abrasion resistance is crucial. In agriculture, they are employed in irrigation systems and agricultural machinery.
The paper and printing industry uses these lines for conveying inks, paints, and coatings. In the automotive sector, they are integrated into production systems for various media such as oils, fuels, and coolants. They are also indispensable in environmental technology, for example in wastewater treatment and sewage plants.
The plastics industry employs them for conveying granulates and powders, while in the metal industry they are used for coolants and cutting oils. In mining and heavy industry, they prove their worth in transporting abrasive media. The energy sector makes use of them in power plants for various cooling and process media.
Variants in material and reinforcement
To make soft rubber tubing more resistant to mechanical loads and higher operating pressures, they are reinforced with textile or metallic support structures. This supporting structure can either be woven or wound externally around the hose or integrated into the material itself.
Even without an elastomer component, textile fabric hoses alone can serve as protective products against heat. Thanks to their reinforcement, they are especially suitable as pressure hoses, but also as industrial or chemical hoses. The following materials are commonly used in such applications:
- NBR (Nitrile Rubber, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Silicone (MVQ, VMQ, Silicone Rubber)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber)
- FPM/FKM (Fluoroelastomer, THOMAFLUOR)
- SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)
Reinforced fabric variants often consist of an inner lining and an outer cover with mechanical reinforcement between the two layers. In such cases, they are also referred to as double-jacket hoses. The lining and cover can be made of different elastomers. Typically, the lining is made of a chemically and thermally resistant material, while the cover is manufactured from an abrasion-resistant and UV-stable polymer.
Other versions feature external reinforcement instead of embedded pressure stabilization, such as fiberglass braiding or a metal wire covering.
Furthermore, designs with tubes and hoses made of fluoropolymers are available in double-jacket constructions, such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene). These are manufactured with an elastomer outer cover and, depending on nominal size, may additionally contain a steel helix for pressure stability.
NBR fabric hoses
NBR fabric hoses are used in process engineering, chemical engineering, and plant engineering. They are produced in both metric and imperial dimensions, according to customer requirements. Depending on the type, they can be used in pressure ranges up to 60 bar. These products are compatible with fabric hose connectors as well as metal barb connectors and plastic barb connectors.
NBR pressure and hot-material hoses
NBR fabric hoses are used as pressure carriers for tasks involving elevated temperatures. Reinforced with embedded fabric, they withstand pressures up to 40 bar (at +20 °C). To increase abrasion resistance, the outer surface of NBR hot-material variants is coated with CR (Chloroprene Rubber). They can be used in temperature ranges from -20 to +180 °C without difficulty.
NBR beverage hoses
NBR fabric hoses are also applied in the transport of beverages and drinking water due to their food-grade properties. Their complianceof these beverage hoses is tested according to FDA and European Pharmacopoeia standards. They easily tolerate pressures up to 10 bar (at +20 °C).
NBR fuel and oil hoses
Due to its resistance to organic solvents and aliphatic hydrocarbons, NBR is widely used in the manufacture of tubing for gasoline and oil hoses. In this application, antistatic properties are particularly important to prevent explosive ignition. A copper wire embedded in the material prevents static charging of the media by discharging electrical currents. Thanks to this antistatic feature, a discharge resistance of <10⁶ Ohm is achieved.
The antistatic properties are tested in accordance with EN 1360:2005 Type 1 and TRbF131, Part 2 § 5.5. The outer cover of these pressure hoses is made of an NBR/SBR compound. Pressure resistance is ensured up to 48 bar. Another important property of these products is their resistance to ozone (O₃) and aromatic compounds (up to 60% aromatic content in the transported medium). These fuel hoses are therefore ideally suited for diesel and E10 transport.
PVC fabric hoses
PVC is one of the most widely produced plastics globally. Fabric hoses made of PVC are therefore versatile and compatible with standard hose connectors and nozzles.
PVC pressure and food-grade pressure hoses
In the food sector, PVC fabric hoses are used due to their excellent resistance to alkaline cleaning agents, especially where milk and dairy products are processed. Naturally, the PVC tubing offered by RCT complies with FDA requirements. For the European market, food-grade PVC pressure types are also available, certified according to EU Regulation 1935/2004 and BfR guidelines. These hose types are designed for pressure ranges between 4 and 23 bar.
PVC color hoses
Color markings are advantageous when several hoses are placed side by side, allowing quick and easy replacement without lengthy searching. Color pressure lines are available in blue, yellow, and green. With a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar, they are suitable for many applications.
PVC high-pressure hoses
For higher pressure demands, fabric-reinforced high-pressure variants are used. This high-performance material withstands pressures up to 80 bar (at +20 °C). Their pronounced strength and weather resistance make them ideal for robust environments. The working temperature range is -15 °C to +60 °C.
PVC water hoses
In water treatment, environmental, and wastewater technology, a special PVC fabric pressure hose is applied. In addition to high mechanical strength and flame retardancy, this product features a specially knitted, twist-free reinforcement, ensuring low elongation and torsion-free use – a great advantage for lines that are frequently moved. The maximum operating pressure is 10 bar (at +20 °C). To minimize biological deposits such as bacterial growth, the hose interior is manufactured with a completely smooth surface.
Silicone fabric hoses
Silicone is one of the most versatile and cost-efficient elastomers on the market. Fabric hoses made of silicone are therefore equally adaptable and compatible with commercially available connectors and clamps.
Silicone pharma pressure hoses
Special fabric hoses for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications are made of flexible, transparent silicone reinforced with fiberglass fabric. In compliance with European Pharmacopoeia and USP Class VI, they are blood-compatible, pyrogen-free, and non-toxic.
With a Shore hardness of 70° (according to DIN 53505) and an elongation at break of 460% (DIN 53504-S1), this silicone tubing is highly durable. For repeated use, cleaning and sterilization are required. The pharma pressure hoses offered by RCT can be sterilized both with hot air (+200 °C) and steam (+134 °C at 2.5 bar). They reliably withstand continuous operating temperatures from -60 °C to +200 °C.
Silicone pressure and high-temperature hoses
Special fabric hoses for use in pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications are made of flexible, transparent silicone with a fiberglass fabric insert. In compliance with the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia and USP Class VI, they are blood-compatible, pyrogen-free, and non-toxic.
Silicone fabric and pressure hoses are used in laboratory technology, chemical and process engineering, as well as in biotechnology, pharmaceutical technology, and food technology. Many silicone pressure hoses are FDA/BfR-compliant. Some are designed specifically as food and beverage hoses and are widely used. They are resistant to hot air and ozone (O₃) and free from extractable substances. These products can be used in temperature ranges between -40 °C and +150 °C, in some cases up to +250 °C.
EPDM fabric hoses
EPDM is considered a particularly high-quality elastomer that remains elastic even at very low temperatures. Fabric hoses made of EPDM are widely used in laboratory, chemical, industrial, and food technology. They are employed as chemical or antistatic hoses, pressure carriers, spray hoses, and food-grade variants.
Applications include:
- Pressure hoses
- Laboratory hoses
- Chemical hoses (also antistatic)
- Food-grade high-pressure hoses
- Spray paint hoses
Particularly in the chemical sector, the excellent resistance of EPDM to many alkalis, acids, and polar solvents offers a distinct advantage over other elastomers. Fabric hoses in contact with food are naturally FDA-compliant and sterilizable (e.g., steam sterilization at +164 °C).
FPM/FKM fabric hoses
Hoses made of fluoroelastomer are characterized by outstanding chemical resistance to aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, fuels, acids, alcohols, and oils. As pressure carriers, they are reinforced with 0.3 mm fabric. Depending on size, they withstand pressures of 5 to 10 bar (at +20 °C). The permissible temperature range is -20 °C to +200 °C, with short-term peaks of up to +300 °C.
SBR fabric hoses
SBR, a general-purpose synthetic rubber, has properties similar to natural rubber. It is therefore used in applications where natural rubber hoses were once standard.
SBR steam and hot-water hoses
The SBR tubing for steam and hot water is used in turbine technology, process engineering, plant construction, and power engineering. They are especially convincing due to their high abrasion resistance and elasticity, even at elevated temperatures. The working temperature range is -20 °C to +100 °C. When transporting saturated steam, they can even withstand up to +164 °C. Pressure stability is ensured by the synthetic fabric reinforcement up to 6 bar (at +20 °C).
SBR antistatic chemical hoses
The antistatic chemical hose "High Flexible" impresses with its exceptional flexibility. This is a genuine high-tech product. With two different layers joined by a spiralized fabric layer, this hose is custom-designed. The inner lining consists of an NBR/SBR blend, while the outer cover is made of SBR and EPDM. The operating temperature range is -20 °C to +80 °C, with a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar (at +20 °C). Thanks to the antistatic equipment, the discharge resistance is less than 10⁶ Ohm.
SBR liquefied gas hoses
Liquefied gas hoses are used in laboratories and welding applications. They transport propane or butane, but also acetylene and other fuel gases, from gas cylinders to the point of use. For this, they must comply with EN ISO 3821:2010 and EN 559:2003 standards. Liquefied gas hoses are available in red and blue. They are designed for maximum operating pressures of 20 bar (at +20 °C), with a burst pressure of 60 bar (at +20 °C).
Fabric protective hoses
In addition to the wide range of fabric hoses used primarily for transporting liquids and gases, RCT also offers a product class designed to protect rigid pipes, cables, and other components: fabric protective hoses. Harmful external influences may include:
- Mechanical stresses (e.g., shocks, impacts, abrasion)
- Extreme temperatures
- Moisture
- Contamination
- Corrosion
- Aggressive surrounding media
- Electric shock
If sensitive or heavily stressed lines, hoses, and cables are not adequately protected against external damaging influences, serious consequences can occur. For example, leaks in chemical hoses can cause chemical burns, while insufficiently insulated cables may lead to electric shocks or short circuits.
Protective and insulating hoses made of fiberglass fabric are, for example, ceramic-coated to withstand temperatures up to +450 °C. The protective function works in both directions: materials stored inside the protective hose are shielded from external heat, while externally there is insulation to prevent accidental contact. RCT’s range includes additional types of fabric protective hoses for diverse applications.
Buy fabric hoses at rct-online.com
The Reichelt Chemietechnik range includes not only fabric hoses but also matching accessories such as cocks, taps, valves, connectors, and flow meters. Fabric hoses for your applications, as well as other custom products, can easily be ordered via our online shop – without minimum order quantities. Benefit from high-quality, readily available products at favorable conditions. Not sure which type is right for you or have further questions? Simply contact us by phone or e-mail. Additional chemical and technical information on the available materials can be found in our glossary. Our resistance guide makes it easy to determine the ideal material for your specific application. We look forward to your order!
