What is the Difference Between PTFE Hoses and PTFE Tubes?

The majority of industries like the steel Industry and chemical processing industry have been consistently utilizing pipes made of fluoropolymers and is made of materials like PTFE and PTFE hose for many years for carrying highly reactive or corrosive chemicals. The popularity of these pipes is on the rise because of its properties and it is fast replacing the pipes made of carbon and other metals.

The Properties of PTFE Tubes 

The PTFEtube properties are different from another kind of pipes and it is its unique properties which set it apart from carbon and the metal pipes. 

Thermal properties- PTFE tubing can withstand temperatures up to 680 °F for a short duration under cryogenic conditions; PTFE tubes does not change even at high temperatures like 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand cold temperatures down to -320 °F.

Electrical properties- PTFE tubing has great electrical properties as it is a great insulator and a great surface resistivity.

UV resistance and wearability - PTFE tubing has excellent UV resistance and wearability.

Wear and Friction Qualities- PTFE tubing has a relatively slippery and smooth surface, so it also has a great wear and frictional qualities.

PTFE is commonly used as a non-stick coating for pans and different types of modern items of cookware. PTFE can also be used in containers and pipes for handling various types of reactive and corrosive chemicals; this is mainly due to its non-reactive properties. Another way of applying PTFE is using it as a lubricant. If you use it this way, PTFE can drastically reduce the friction within machinery reduces the “wear and tear,” and greatly improves energy consumption.

PFA or PTFE hose is regarded as much superior to PTFE pipes on the basis of flexibility, particularly when it comes to tubing applications. On the other hand, PTFE hose’s capacity to bear life or repetitive folding also called flex life is lower than that of PTFE. PTFE pipes have a far more potent resistant power to heat than PTFE Hose.

PTFE Hose is far more affected by the absorption of water and weathering but is far superior to PTFE when it comes to the property of salt spray resistance. The most notable quality of PTFE tubings over PFA is perhaps its electrical properties. It has the dielectric constant of PTFE and a very similar dissipation factor, yet PFA has a dielectric strength which boasts of the property of having three to four times higher than that of PTFE.

Teflon is one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, having myriad applications, which are practical and technical. Check out some of the differences between the PFA hose and PTFE tubes.

1. PTFE is the more commonly used fluoropolymer, and it is also known as the “Teflon.”

2. PFA is also melted processable and perhaps more versatile than  PTFE tube, but PTFE is far more superior as it is less water absorbent and resistant to weathering.

3. PFA is rampantly used for industrial applications, particularly when it comes to using in lab equipment and industrial tubing, but PTFE is more popularly used in cookware.