Material Types for Hoses and Tubing

fseider

I'm looking to get a better understanding of the different types of materials used for hoses and tubing. Specifically, I'm looking to know what are the materials that I should look for that are suitable for food grade as well as understanding it's 'stiffness' or pliability, and also temperature suitability.

I'm just tired and annoyed with different types of hoses and tubing that is so stiff it's just a pain to use. For the brewing hot side the silicon hoses are perfect. But for everything else, such as beer transfer, or blow off tubing, etc, I'd like to buy soft tubing, or tubing that shapes without a hassle and that I don't have to fight with. I understand there may be some compromise around keeping the tubing from collapsing, as well as temp ranges.

So any help on understanding the myriad of hose and tubing material types that may be suitable for general brew room use would be appreciated.

Thanks,

**kal** · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:08 pm Post subject:

Take a look at my HOSES article:

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/hoses

I mention different material types, what is safe, etc.

Kal

fseider · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:49 pm Post subject:

**kal** · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 5:28 pm Post subject:

Silicone comes highly recommended. It's what is used in the dairy and pharmaceutical industries when something completely inert is required.

In professional breweries larger diameter hoses of different materials are used because of the pressures that may be involved. (Silicone can't take any pressure).

Kal

David_H · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 12:21 pm Post subject:

Fred, my 2 cent
Silicone for everything on the hot side of the brewery.
EJ Beverage Ultra Barrier Silver AntiMicrobial on the serving side and cold transfers. It is pricey, but stays very flexible at cold temperatures.
I also use a little bit of Polyethylene for a few applications where I want stiff tubing.

**kal** · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 1:10 pm Post subject:

Yup. I do the same as David. My cold side (serving) is done with Micromatic trunk line which is barrier tubing as well. This stuff here:

http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/hoses-cid-367.html?affId=70238

More info in my basement build thread: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/basement/

Kal