PVC or thermoplastic hoses for oily food products?

Do you want your food to be transported with the utmost care and efficiency, while still adhering to the highest standards of hygiene and shelf life during production?

Choosing the right type of hose for the transportation of oily food products is crucial to avoid hose degradation and, in the worst case, contamination of the products. But the choice can be difficult and often several important factors need to be considered.

Fortunately, there is a type of hose that often meets the majority of production requirements and surpasses its nearest competitor in many ways.

Read on and learn more!

Thermoplastic hoses vs. PVC hoses

Both thermoplastic and PVC hoses are plastic hoses, but they differ from each other in several ways. 

What are PVC hoses? 

PVC hoses are a type of plastic tubing made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are very common in the food industry because they are cheap and easy to work with. PVC hoses are also very versatile as they can be used for a variety of purposes. 

What are thermoplastic hoses? 

Thermoplastic hoses are another type of plastic hoses that are made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), also called thermoplastic rubber. TPE is a material that can be processed using thermoplastic technologies and has properties similar to rubber. Thermoplastic hoses are also popular in the food industry, but not as common as PVC hoses. 

Best choice for oils 

Thermoplastic hoses are usually more suitable for use with hot oils and oily foods than PVC hoses. This is because thermoplastic materials typically have a higher resistance to chemicals and heat, as well as a higher temperature resistance, in comparison to PVC. 

Main advantages of thermoplastic hoses for oil

Thermoplastic hoses have several key advantages that make them a popular choice for transportation of oily foods.

• Easier cleaning: In food production, hygiene is one of the most important factors. To avoid contamination of the food, it is important to use hoses that are easy to clean and disinfect. Thermoplastic hoses are smooth and have a homogeneous surface that makes it easier to remove bacteria and dirt.
  
  
• Better chemical resistance: Another important factor to consider when choosing the type of hose is chemical resistance. Oily foods may contain substances that can degrade certain hoses. Thermoplastic hoses are more resistant to chemicals and oils, making them more suitable for the transportation of oily foods. They are also more resistant to heat and cold, making them more durable in different production environments.
  
  
• Temperature tolerance: When producing oily food products, it is important to choose hoses that can withstand high temperatures. Thermoplastic hoses are suitable for use in industries where processes with oils take place at high temperatures.

See our range of thermoplastic hoses

How we can help you

When choosing hoses for the transportation of oily food products, thermoplastic hoses are the best choice due to their better chemical resistance, less risk of contamination, easier cleaning, and better durability.

At Alfotech we have the necessary expertise to help you choose the right hose for your specific production needs. Contact us today for more information and guidance via e-mail alfotech@alfotech.dk or give us a call on +45 7020 0422.

Together, we can boost your production.