|
O.D. Nom. In. |
I.D. Nom. In. |
Min. Bend
Radius In. |
|
1/8 |
.080 |
.39 |
|
5/32 |
.106 |
.47 |
|
3/16 |
.118 |
.59 |
|
1/4 |
.170 |
.98 |
|
5/16 |
.188 |
1.25 |
|
3/8 |
.250 |
1.5 |
|
1/2 |
.375 |
2.5 |
Broad chemical, solvent, and corrosive atmospheric resistance with good dimensional stability makes polyethylene suitable for many general applications.
Polyethylene is the most widely used tubing due to it’s low cost and chemical compatibility.
Polyethylene tubing is derived either from low-density polyehylene (LDP) or linear low-density polythylene(LLDP). The advantage of the LLDP over the LDP is it’s superior environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR). Either type complies with the FDA regulation 21 CFR 177.1520© with regards to food contact applications.
Polyethylene is not as stable when exposed to sunlight as other tubings, but it is chemically inert.
polyethylene tubing’s flexibility
and abrasion resistance make it the ideal choice for pick-and-place and other
automation applications.
When selecting polyethylene
tubing it is good to keep in mind that not all types are suitable for use with
push-to-connect fittings. Only polyethylenes of a 95A durometer rating should be
used for push-to-connect fittings. While the harder 95A is not as flexible as
softer types of polyethylene, it is still more flexible than most other types of
tubing.
Some of the softer polyethylenes
such as 90A, 85A, or 70A can use a compression type fitting, but most should
only be used with barb fittings.
Compared to other types of
tubing, polyethylene is not as strong and thus tends to have a lower pressure
rating. The lower strength also results in thicker tubing walls for a given
outside diameter. This reduces the flow capacity of the tubing.
Generally polyethylene should be
used only in applications that require superior flexing characteristics, such as
pick-and-place units.
Various grades of polyethylene
are available to meet the specific requirements of FDA, USDA, or NSF. As a
naturally rubbery material, polyethylene does not require any plasticizers that
could leach out over time.
Features & benefits of
polyethylene
-
extremely flexible - extremely small bend radius is possible
-
kink resistant
-
abrasion resistant
-
low gas permeability
-
resistant to many chemicals
Chemical Information
polyethylene is derived from
Polyisocyanate and Polyol, and comes in two different classes; ester and ether.
The ether-based polyethylene (polytetra-methylene
glycol ether) is the preferred choice for pneumatic applications due to it’s
resistance to moisture. Ester-base polyethylene (polyester polycapro-lactone)
while less expensive, and stronger, tends to degrade when exposed to moisture.
- Broad range of corrosion resistance and chemical compatibility
|
|
|
|
|
Applications:
|
|
- Corrosive atmosphere environments
|
- General low pressure and temperature applications
|
|
Specifications:
- Temp. Range: –100°F to 175°F
- Max. Operating Pressure: 500 PSI (75°F)
|
Chemical Compatibility Chart |
|
Acetate Solvents |
Limited |
Glycol |
Excellent |
|
Acetic Acid (10%) |
Excellent |
Hydraulic Oil |
Excellent |
|
Acetone |
Limited |
Hydrogen |
Excellent |
|
Acetylene |
Excellent |
Iron Chlorine |
Excellent |
|
Alum |
Excellent |
Kerosene |
Excellent |
|
Aluminum Chloride |
Excellent |
Lactid Acid |
Excellent |
|
Ammonia Gas |
Unsuitable |
LPG (Liquid Gas) |
Excellent |
|
Ammonia Liquid |
Unsuitable |
Lubricating Oil |
Excellent |
|
Ammonium Chloride |
Excellent |
Magnesium Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Ammonium Nitrate |
Excellent |
Mercuric Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Amyl acetate |
Unsuitable |
Mercury |
Excellent |
|
Barium Chloride |
Excellent |
Methylic |
Excellent |
|
Benzene Chloride |
Unsuitable |
Mineral Oil |
Excellent |
|
Benzine (Benzol) |
Limited |
Moisture |
Excellent |
|
Borax |
Excellent |
Naptha |
Excellent |
|
Boric Acid |
Limited |
Natural Gas |
Excellent |
|
Butane |
Excellent |
Nickel Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Butilic Alcohol |
Limited |
Nitric Acid |
Unsuitable |
|
Butyl Acetate |
Excellent |
Nitrogen |
Excellent |
|
Calcium Hydroxide |
Excellent |
Oleic Acid |
Excellent |
|
Carbonic Acid |
Excellent |
Oxygen |
Limited |
|
Carbonic Dioxide |
Excellent |
Paints |
Excellent |
|
Carbonic Oxide |
Excellent |
Petroleum (Raw) |
Excellent |
|
Chloro Gas |
Unsuitable |
Phenol |
Unsuitable |
|
Chromic Acid |
Unsuitable |
Potassium Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Citirc Acid |
Excellent |
Potassium Cyanide |
Excellent |
|
Cyanide |
Excellent |
Propane |
Excellent |
|
Diesel Fuel |
Excellent |
Sodium Bisulphate |
Excellent |
|
Ethanol |
Limited |
Sodium Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Ether |
Unsuitable |
Sodium Nitrate |
Excellent |
|
Ethyl Alcohol |
Excellent |
Sulphides |
Excellent |
|
Ethyl Acetate |
Limited |
Sulphric Chloride |
Excellent |
|
Ethyl Chloride |
Unsuitable |
Sulphuric Hydrogen |
Excellent |
|
Formaldehyde |
Excellent |
Toluene (Toluol) |
Limited |
|
Formic Acid |
Limited |
Trichlorethylene |
Unsuitable |
|
Freon 12-22-502 |
Excellent |
Xilene |
Excellent |
|
Gas Oil |
Excellent |
Zinc Chloride |
Limited |
|
Gasoline |
Excellent |
|
|
|
Glucose |
Excellent |
|
|
|
Glycerine |
Excellent |
|
|
