What is a composite hose and why should I use one?

Thanks to their unmatched strength and durability, flexible hoses are ideal for the chemical, petrochemical, oil, and gas industries when it comes to efficiency and ensuring safe practices.

Among the different flexible hose types are composite hoses, and they’re one of the best on the market – but what makes them so great? 

Here’s everything you need to know.

So, what are composite hoses?

A composite hose is designed to carry a range of fluids, including fuels, oils, and liquid chemicals, and is made from a mix of materials.

The materials used in their construction make them one of the most versatile and adaptable hose types on the market.

Built around the ‘Mandrel Wrapped Principle’, composite hose pipes are constructed by first making a spiral of strong wire, then wrapping layers of polymer film or fabric over it – before finally binding the hose in a second spiral of strong wire.

The spirals of wire can be made from galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, polymer-coated steel, or a range of alloys – allowing you to tailor it to the task it will perform.

They can be tailored according to the fluid carried and the specific pressure and temperature, making them perfect for bespoke applications.

Which industries are they best suited to?

Thanks to their versatility, composite hose pipes are suited to a wide variety of applications.

Typically, they’re used for dockside operations, like loading and unloading barges and tankers.

They’re also used in chemical plants and refineries, paint production, paper mills, rail car loading, and tank truck deliveries. 

What benefits do they offer?

Composite hoses offer many benefits, their main ones being:

• Flexibility

The spiralled inner and outer metal wires are what give the composite hose its excellent flexibility.

This helps to maintain its integrity when operating under the pressures of the tasks it’s performing. It can slide over other layers with ease, giving it a great bend radius.

• Chemical resistance

Since composite hoses can be constructed with so many different materials, this means that they can handle a wide variety of harsh chemicals.

They’re totally customisable, and can be tailor-made to accommodate the chemicals you’re working with – meaning they’ll serve you for a long time.

• Safety

Composite hoses are designed to be fail-safe, in terms of the hose itself and the end fittings.

Due to its durable build, you don’t have to worry about leaks, and the end fittings are also extremely secure, acting as safety valves.

Purchase composite hoses online

If you need to purchase a composite hose, what are you waiting for?

There are hundreds of suppliers online, like Proflex Hose, who provide the highest quality composite hoses to their customers. 

For more information on any of their products, or to place an order, be sure to get in touch with their team today!

You can reach them by calling or sending them a message via their online contact form.