PVC or thermoplastic hoses for oily food products?

Do you also want your food products to be transported as safely and efficiently as possible, while maintaining high standards of hygiene and shelf life in production? 

Choosing the right type of hose for transporting oil-based food products is crucial to prevent hose degradation and, in the worst case, product contamination. But the choice can be difficult, and several important factors often need to be taken into account. 

Fortunately, there is a type of hose that often meets most production requirements and is also superior to its counterpart in several parameters. 

Read on to find out more! 

Both thermoplastic hoses and PVC hoses are plastic hoses, but their properties and performance make them suitable for widely different tasks in production. 

PVC hoses are a type of plastic hose made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are very common in the food industry because they are inexpensive and easy to work with. PVC hoses are also very versatile, as they can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes everything from transporting liquids and food to compressed air and industrial cleaning. PVC is challenged if you work with prolonged contact with oil and grease. Over time, they will lose their flexibility. The hose can become hard, crack or transfer taste and odour to the medium, especially if the temperature is high. 

Key advantages: 

• Flexible and easy to adapt – ideal for stationary and mobile installations 
• Affordable solution – low total cost in less demanding environments 
• Phthalate-free – all our PVC hoses are phthalate-free 
• Transparent material – easy visual inspection and quick troubleshooting 

Thermoplastic hoses are another type of plastic hose made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), also known as thermoplastic rubber. TPE is a material that can be processed using thermoplastic technologies and has properties similar to rubber. The TPE material makes the hoses both lightweight and highly chemical resistant. If you work in an industry where you deal with oil, grease, alcohol or CIP processes, you get a hose that lasts. 

Thermoplastic hoses have several notable advantages that make them a popular choice for transporting oil-containing foods. 

• Easier cleaning 
  In food production, hygiene is a key factor. Thermoplastic hoses have a smooth and uniform interior that makes it easier to remove bacteria, dirt and product residues. This simplifies the cleaning process and supports effective CIP. 
• Better chemical resistance 
  Thermoplastic hoses are designed to withstand oil, grease and alcohol up to 96%, depending on the model. They can also withstand strong cleaning agents without breaking down. This gives you a more stable solution with fewer replacements and lower operating costs over time. 
• Temperature tolerance
  With a typical temperature tolerance from –30 °C to +100 °C, you can use the hoses in both hot oil processes and cold filling lines. They retain their flexibility and function – even at changing temperatures. 
• Low weight and high flexibility 
  The hoses are light and easy to handle, even in installations with movement. You get a high bending radius without compromising on durability or safety. 
• Food approved 
  All thermoplastic hoses in the range are approved for contact with food in accordance with both EC 1935/2004 and FDA. This makes them suitable for use in both Danish and international food production. 

We offer a wide range of thermoplastic and PVC hoses, adapted to the requirements of food production. 

Among the thermoplastic hoses, you will find our Pharma Press, produced in TPE-S, which combines flexibility, transparency and chemical resistance. For installations with high strength requirements, we recommend Pharmasteel Press with steel spiral and polyester fabric, which ensures robustness for the transport of milk powder and granules, among other things. 

In PVC hoses, we offer Tubclair AL, a flexible and transparent hose for non-fatty foods and alcohol up to 50% at moderate temperatures. This makes it practical for most process environments. For suction, pressure or powder transport, Plutone Bio is an effective choice. It is characterised by its galvanized steel spiral and smooth inner wall, which ensure strength, flow and easy cleaning. 

When choosing hoses for transporting oil-based foods, thermoplastic hoses are the best choice due to their superior chemical resistance, lower risk of contamination, easier cleaning and better durability. 

With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, we have the expertise to help you choose the right hose for your specific production needs. Contact us today for more information and guidance by email at inquiry@alfotech.eu or give us a call on +45 7020 0422.