Research on the Corrosion Resistance of UPE Chemical Hose

The UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) chemical hose adopts a multi-layer composite structure, with the inner layer made of UPE material with a molecular weight of over 1.5 million. It has a unique molecular chain structure, which makes its wear resistance 4-7 times that of ordinary steel pipes. The reinforcement layer is combined with multiple layers of high-strength fiber weaving and built-in spiral steel wire to ensure the stability of the pipe body under high pressure conditions, and the blasting pressure can reach more than 5 times the working pressure. The outer layer is made of EPDM rubber or corrugated wear-resistant coating, which maintains the flexibility of the pipe body in the temperature range of -40 ℃ to 120 ℃ and has the ability to resist UV aging. Typical specifications range from an inner diameter of 13mm to 102mm, and the wall thickness can reach 6-12mm depending on the characteristics of the medium.

 

In terms of structural design, UPE chemical hoses effectively prevent static electricity accumulation by embedding anti-static copper wires. The inner wall smoothness is below Ra0.2 μ m, with a friction coefficient of only 0.07, reducing fluid resistance by 60%. Experimental data shows that when transporting sulfuric acid with a concentration of 75%, the annual corrosion rate of UPE hoses is less than 0.05mm, and their service life is 3-5 times longer than traditional rubber hoses.

 

2、 Classification and application scenarios of industrial hoses

Industrial hoses can be divided into three categories based on their materials: rubber, plastic, and metal. Among them, UPE chemical hoses belong to the high-performance plastic hose branch. The following are the core application scenarios and technical adaptation solutions for UPE chemical hoses:

 

1. Transportation of corrosive media in the chemical industry

Typical scenario:

Acid solution transportation

Organic solvent treatment

Extraction of corrosive gases

Technical adaptation:

UPE lining rubber composite layer design, resistant to strong corrosive media such as 98% sulfuric acid, 30% hydrochloric acid, etc

Anti static copper wire embedding to prevent electrostatic sparks in corrosive gas environments

2. Clean transportation in the food and pharmaceutical industry

Typical scenario:

Food grade liquid transportation (such as milk, juice, beer)

Pharmaceutical raw material transportation

Chemical transportation

Technical adaptation:

UPE material that complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 standard

Transparent visualization design for real-time monitoring of media status

Inner wall mirror polishing (Ra ≤ 0.1 μ m) reduces the risk of microbial adhesion

3. Transportation of high wear media in mining and dredging engineering

Typical scenario:

Slurry transportation (such as iron ore, copper ore slurry)

Tailings discharge (with a solid content of 30% -60%)

River dredging and mud pumping

Technical adaptation:

Ceramic particles/silicon carbide coating composite inner wall, with a 200% increase in wear resistance

High strength steel wire winding reinforcement layer, capable of withstanding the impact pressure of slurry

Case: A certain iron ore project uses UPE hoses to transport slurry with a particle size of 15mm, with a service life of 1000 hours

4. Engineering waste disposal

Typical scenario:

Transportation of waste incineration fly ash slurry

waste water treatment

sludge dewatering system

Technical adaptation:

Anti scaling inner wall design reduces dirt deposition

The temperature resistance range is extended to -40 ℃ to 150 ℃, suitable for different working conditions

3、 Key indicators for selection and maintenance

1. Parameter matching principle

Media compatibility: When transporting organic solvents, composite hoses lined with fluororubber should be used, while pure chemical media can use pure UPE lined products.

Pressure adaptation: The working pressure of the system should be lower than 80% of the nominal pressure of the hose. For example, for a hose with a nominal pressure of 2.5 MPa, the actual operating pressure should not exceed 2.0 MPa.

Temperature range: The standard applicable temperature for UPE hoses is -40 ℃ to 120 ℃, and special formulations can be extended to -269 ℃ to 150 ℃.

2. Installation and maintenance specifications

Bending radius: The minimum bending radius of DN50 hose shall not be less than 250mm, otherwise it may cause fatigue fracture of the reinforcement layer.

Joint connection: It is recommended to use clamp or flange connection. The crimping joint should ensure that the stripping length meets the standard to avoid damaging the reinforcement layer.

Regular testing: Conduct a water pressure test every 3 months, with a test pressure of 1.5 times the working pressure; Perform ultrasonic testing every 6 months to check the corrosion of the steel wire layer.