Aflex Hose Ltd

United States

Purpose For the most rugged applications where the hose may be subjected to rough treatment and severe external abrasion. Also for hygienic applications, where the external smoothness and cleanability of the hose is of prime importance. Design An SS braided hose assembly has a smooth finish, blue EPDM external rubber cover extruded over and vulcanised directly onto the braid. EPDM has excellent chemical resistance, and the hose has a temperature range from -40˚C, -40˚F up to +150˚C, +302˚F. Alternative colours of rubber, and strips with alternative text titles are available to special order. Specifications The Blue EPDM rubber cover has been tested and conforms to the requirements of USP Class VI. Limitations Rubber covers are only applicable to SS braided hose.

Purpose Bioflex Ultra GP is the ‘General Purpose’ grade, for use in all applications where fluids or gases are being conveyed which do not generate a risk of static charge development (see “AS”). Design & Approvals Bioflex Ultra GP is a virgin PTFE liner, manufactured from hose grade PTFE which conforms to the requirements of: FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 Bioflex Ultra GP hose liner tube has also been tested, and complies with USP Class VI, at 37˚C (99˚F), 70˚C (158˚F) and at 121˚C (250˚F) - see Quality Assurance & Certification. Bioflex Ultra GP and AS PTFE Liner Tubes have also been tested for Leachables and Extractables in accordance with BPSA recommendations, and were found to be satisfactory. EC - Electrical Continuity (Also known as ‘Electrically Bonded’) All Bioflex Ultra hose assemblies are electrically continuous, except TO grade hose assemblies. Electrical Continuity requires that the hose assembly supplied is electrically continuous, or conductive, between metal end fittings at each end of the hose (whether GP or AS grade). The requirements for this are specified in the German Document BRG 132 and EN 16643, when tested in accordance with EN ISO 8031, which requires that the resistance between end fittings shall be

Purpose Bioflex Ultra AS is an essential requirement in applications where there is the risk of an electrostatic charge build-up on the inside surface of the PTFE tube which may then discharge through the tube wall. Media passing through which create such a risk are fluids which have a Conductance of less than 10-8 Sm (Siemens per Metre), or 104 pSm such as fuels, solvents, freons, some WFI (ultra-pure “Water for Injection”) and non-polar organics which are being transferred at a medium to high flow velocity. All twin or multi phase media, and any non-mixing media, such as powder in air, or water droplets in steam, in gases or in oil, also colloidal fluids constitute a particular hazard for static charge generation, and always require grade AS. If in doubt, either order AS grade, or consult Aflex Hose. Design & Approvals Bioflex Ultra AS is an anti-static PTFE liner manufactured from FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 approved PTFE, mixed with less than 2.5% of ‘high purity’ Carbon Black material to FDA requirement 21 CFR 178.3297. Bioflex Ultra AS grade also meets the requirements of EC Directive 200719EC. The carbon is encapsulated by the PTFE, and in normal, non-abrasive applications will not come loose to contaminate any fluid passing through. Bioflex Ultra AS also conforms to USP Class VI, at 37˚C (99˚F), 70˚C (158˚F) and at 121˚C (250˚F) - see Quality Assurance & Certification. Antistatic Hose Assemblies When “AS” (Antistatic) grade hose is specified, then the hose or hose assembly supplied will be tested in accordance with EN ISO 8031 and meet the Antistatic requirements of EN 16643. This requires, for an antistatic liner or antistatic cover, that the resistance between an appropriately placed foam electrode and a metallic end fitting will be between 103 to 108 ohms per assembly. For hose assemblies which meet these requirements an appropriate Grade “Ω” marking is applied in accordance with EN 16643. Note: When in service, at least one end fitting must be connected to earth, to permit dissipation of the static charge from the end fitting.

Purpose TO grade hose (available in both GP and AS) is a lightweight hose, used in applications where working pressures are low and where there is no need for the physical protection offered by an external braid. TO grade tube is vacuum resistant to -0.9bar up to 100˚C. Note: 212" & 3" TO cannot be ordered as an assembly.

Purpose Stainless Steel braided hose is the general purpose product, and can be used in applications involving high temperatures and working pressures. High tensile AISI 316 stainless steel wire is used, to give maximum pressure resistance and external protection to the hose.

Purpose Polypropylene braided hose is often preferred to SS in applications involving frequent handling and movement of the hose, and where temperatures are within the range -30˚C and +100˚C (-22˚F to +212˚F). PB braid is lighter in weight, and any broken strands will not cut the operator’s hands. In addition, PB braid is not prone to “chloride stress corrosion”, and has generally good chemical resistance. To ensure Electrical Continuity (EC) between end fittings 2 strands of Monel wire earthing strips are criss-crossed on to the liner, underneath the Polypropylene Braid. These are folded back underneath the ferrule at both end fittings, to make an electrical contact.

Purpose As for RC hose, but where the hose may be required to withstand temperatures from -73˚C, -100˚F up to +204˚C, +400˚F. SI grade hose is semi-transparent, allowing visual monitoring of the braid. Design An SS braided hose assembly has a platinum cured silicone rubber cover extruded directly onto the braid, with a very smooth external surface finish to aid cleaning. Specifications The Silicone rubber cover has been tested and conforms to the requirements of USP Class VI.

Bioflex Ultra PTFE lined flexible hose is the premium product used to transfer process fluids in a wide variety of industries. It is used as a chemically inert, easy clean Pharmaceutical hose, a corrosion resistant suction discharge Chemical hose, a fully compatible Food and Drinks hose, and a hose to transfer paints, resins, inks and other process fluids. Bioflex Ultra is used in biopharm and chemical manufacturing and research facilities, and food and drink processing plants all over the world, and has an unrivalled reputation for reliability, performance and long service life.

• Series300mm

Purpose In applications where excessive flexing of the hose at the end fitting occurs, it is sometimes necessary to ‘stiffen’ the hose in this area, to prevent kinking. Design A layer of rubber is applied and vulcanised directly to the ferrule, and 300mm (12 inch) along the hose from the fitting. This can be done either on an SS braided hose (RC-300) or on a rubber covered hose to form a 300mm (12 inch) long double layer of rubber at the end (DRC-300). The rubber used is normally Blue EPDM, but if the hose is BK, or SI covered, then the same type and colour of rubber would be used (DBK-300 or DSI-300). Limitations Cannot be applied to PB braided hose. If required for a PB hose, consult Aflex Hose for an alternative “EPR” system. (EPR includes a 300mm (12 inch) length of loose rubber hose jubilee clipped to the ferrule).

Purpose Bioflex Ultra BK grade is designed to provide an alternative Rubber Cover which has the additional properties of making the hose Fireproof, and also making the rubber cover Anti-static. Design Bioflex Ultra BK grade hose is Fireproof to BS5173 Section 103.13 Part 6.2 and 6.3. When end fittings are assembled to the hose, the assembly is Fire Resistant, but can be made Fireproof by adding DBK-300 rubber cover end protection. Bioflex Ultra BK meets the requirements of EN 16643 flame resistance. Specifications The Black EPDM Rubber Cover is anti-static in accordance with specification EN 16643 which specifies a resistance of 103 TO 108 ohms per hose assembly, and meets the requirements for Ώ’ marking if required. Note: When in service at least one end fitting must be connected to Earth.