Rubber Tubing
The basic purpose of
rubber tubing is to contain as well to transport various fluids and gases.
This tubing is used in flow lines for gases and fluids in a variety of
hydraulic, pneumatic, medical, and other specialty applications. It is
generally supplied in the form of rolls and measured by its outside
diameter. Rubber tubing is available as flexible or rigid and clear or
multi-color tubings. General-purpose tubing is used in a variety of
applications. Specialized products are also available.
Types of Rubber Used in Rubber Tubing
Various
types of rubber are used for making
these tubings. This include natural rubber such as latex and gum as well as
a variety of synthetic rubber.
Natural Rubber Tubing
The natural rubber tubing is classified into
two categories:
- Gum Tubing: This is abrasion resistant and cost-effective
type of rubber tubing. It acts as an excellent vacuum tubing since it
has tear resistance and memory. This type of rubber tubing is
temperature resistant and maintains a high coefficient of friction in
various applications.
- Latex Tubing: Latex is transformed into sheet stock or dry
stock. It is vulcanized and the compound is extruded or molded in order
to get a finished product or the rubber tube. This type of tubing has
excellent flexible characteristics at low temperatures.
Synthetic Rubber Tubing
Many types of synthetic rubber are used
for making this type of rubber tubes. Synthetic rubber tubing is classified
into further categories:
- Silicone Tubing: This is suitable for high temperature
processes. Silicone rubber has the the property of heat ozone, chemicals
and ageing. Silicone rubber tubes are widely used in industries like
pharmaceuticals and health care.
- Nylon Tubing: It has a high elastic memory and can withstand
long periods of time without fracture. Nylon rubber tubes also have
high-impact resistance.
Features of Rubber Tubing
The rubber tubes or tubing that can also
be called rubber pipes have many such features that make them perfect to be
used in various industries. Some of such characteristic features of rubber
tubing can be listed as below.
Buying Tips for Rubber Tubing Rubber tubing has several
performance specifications and important dimensions.
Performance specifications include
- Rated pressure: The short-term burst pressure at 75°
F.
- Maximum vacuum: It is referenced below one standard
atmosphere.
- Minimum bend radius: It is based on an acceptable
cross-section deformation.
- Temperature range: The full-required range of ambient
operating temperature.
Dimensions
- Outside diameter (OD)
- Inside diameter (ID), and
- Wall thickness
|
- Hardness: This is the characteristic of the rubber
to resist against permanent deformation.
- Specific Gravity: This is the ratio of the density
of rubber to the density of water at a given temperature.
- Tensile Strength: This the maximum stress that the
rubber can withstand without breaking.
- Elongation: It is the increase in the length of the
rubber which is caused by longitudinal tension and this is expressed in
terms of percentage.
- Brittle Temperature: This is the lowest temperature
at which the rubber becomes brittle.
- Operating Temperature: It is the range of
temperature in which the rubber tubing can be used safely and
effectively.
- Diameter: This is the measured distance between the
two ends through the center and expressed in inches or centimeters.
Types of Rubber Tubing
Following are the major types of rubber
tubes made by the rubber tubing manufacturers.
- Conductive or Semi-Conductive Tubing: This prevents the
buildup of static electricity.
- Spark Resistant Tubing: This tubing bears electrical
discharge.
- Explosion Proof Tubing: This type of rubber tubing can
prevent explosions caused by gas, vapor, or dust.
- Sterilized Tubing: This is treated with dry heat, gamma
irradiation, or chemical disinfectants.
- Reinforced Tubing: This tubing includes fibers or banding,
multi-layered tubes containing concentric layers, and multi-element
tubes built in a flat or ribbon configuration.
- Coiled or Spiraled Tubing: This type of tubing is also
available.
- Corrugated Rubber Tubes: These rubber tubings provide
increased flexibility and capacity for compression and elongation.
Advantages of Rubber Tubing
Most of the industries prefer to use
rubber tubes due to its many advantages.
- Rubber tube is explosion proof.
- It can withstand electrical discharge.
- It is flexible.
- It is available in multi-color.
- Rubber tubing has high tensile strength too.
Applications of Rubber Tubing
- Drain tubing
- Rubber surgical tubing used in medical and pharmaceutical industry
- Laboratories for handling gas or fluids at low pressure
- Full vacuum service on air pumps, machinery, and aspirators
- Various temperature ranges as well as resistance applications
- Aerospace industry
- Chemical industry
- Cryogenic
- Food processing etc.
Related Articles
Want Competitive Quotes from Verified Suppliers?