In the industrial world, high temperatures are a regular factor. In many industrial applications, such as in metalworking or plastics processing, extremely high temperatures are the norm and they are necessary to the efficient functioning of the facility. Although their specific products and output may be different, such industries have one thing is common: the use of a high temperature silicone hose . A high temperature duct made of silicone is ideal for applications that need extremely hot air ventilated away from one area and into another.
Silicone is one of the best compounds to use for high temperature purposes. It can endure exposure to high temperatures much better than most other materials. Typically, a high temperature silicone hose can handle temperatures that reach as high as 550° F. This is a must-have feature for industries like plastics processing because they need to channel extremely hot air into an area in order to mold their plastic materials.
“Silico-550 Nomex”
“Spiral-Lock (Silicone 1P) 550”
“Silico-550 Single Ply”
If you are in an industry that needs a silicone high temp hose, be sure to consider the maximum temperature range involved in your application. High temperature can mean different things to different industries. 200° F would be very hot for an automotive application, but for more intense applications like industrial scale furnaces the maximum allowable temperature is over 500° F! If you are not sure as to the highest operating temperature range of a high temperature duct, just take a look at the product’s name. Usually a silicone hose’s name is followed by a number such as 550. This number indicates the absolute maximum point of heat that the hose can endure. Knowing the temperatures you expect to deal with will make selecting the right high temperature silicone hose an easy process.
However, there is one point of distinction to be made about high temperature ducting products. Just because a hose may be able to resist extremely high temperatures, it does not necessarily mean that it is burn/flame resistant. A product’s burn point is different from its temperature resistance. Burn point refers to a material’s ability to ignite upon contact with fire. If you want a high temperature duct that is able to withstand contact with flames, be sure to check if the hose is made according to flame retardant material specifications.
Depending on the nature of the application, there may be a need for flexibility from the high temperature silicone hose. A high temperature duct that can flex and bend is very useful and valuable in tight or cramped areas. A silicone high temp hose can flex, but if it is bent continuously it may suffer from flex fatigue later on. The material can rip over time if it is flexed in many different ways. For the most part, a high temperature silicone hose will retain a straight shape unless bent by hand.
In addition to temperature resistance, a high temperature silicone hose can be resistant to certain chemicals. The silicone compound comes with the ability to survive exposure to chemicals. Generally, a silicone high temp hose can resist contact with certain types of oils, solvents, and gases. It is always best to check a silicone hose’s compatibility with the chemicals involved in your application.
A high temperature silicone hose can come in different forms and varieties. Fiberglass wires support the frames of some silicone hoses while others feature insulation. The “Spiral-Lock” types of high temperature duct items are supported by an external steel helix to give the body of the hose more durability, thus a longer life span. Some industrial applications are abrasive by their very nature. In a setting like a factory, a hose can come into contact with a machine or even flying particles, so it is important that it be able to retain a degree of physical strength.
A high temperature silicone hose is ideal for use in high temp applications in industries like pharmaceuticals, food packaging, plastics processing, and automotive work. Be sure to check the specifications of the hose and make sure they match with the demands of your industry!