Drawing on 40 years of experience in dynamic lines and hoses, Trelleborg, the leading global supplier of products for harsh processing environments, has developed a new hose ideally suited to applications involving corrosive chemicals and aromatic solvents.
The CHEMILINE hose has been specifically designed to withstand the effects of highly corrosive chemicals and demanding environments. Using technology originating from aircraft and truck tyres, Trelleborg was able to leverage its expertise to propose a solution suitable for both existing terminals and new terminal arrangements.
Jonathan Petit of Trelleborg explains: "Our unique nippleless, dual-carcass design offers new possibilities for terminal designers. Trelleborg in-house materials expertise has been deployed to effectively bond fluoroelastomer to the hose structure, equipping our products with unrivalled resilience which does not decrease over time. To put this into perspective, our hose has been certified according to GMPHOM2009 – a process involving extensive fatigue testing on both hose prototypes and materials. As well as this certification, material screening tests for 98% sulphuric acid have been successfully completed. No other alternative product has been accredited in this way, highlighting our unyielding commitment to delivering products which meet the requirements of the most demanding applications."
The design comprises an inner fluoroelastomer liner surrounded by a specific rubber layer. The exterior layer is made from a special rubber formulation boasting strong resistance to the effects of sunlight and weathering. The Trelleborg design is GMPHOM2009 certified in sizes from 6in/150cm to 12in/300cm in 15, 19, 21 and 25 bar pressure ratings. Based on proprietary dual carcass technology, each hose incorporates a two-part flange with clamped steel cords, designed to withstand long-term stress loading. It is also fitted with integrated gaskets, and a continuous inner liner protecting the hose structure and end fittings from the chemical effects of aggressive fluids. This continuous inner liner approach contrasts with the steel nipple design commonly found within other products currently on the market, which is more quickly corroded by chlorinated solvents or strong acids, for instance, and therefore more likely to fail in service.
Coastal terminals importing or exporting bulk chemicals are typically equipped with loading arms attached to jetties. CHEMILINE can be used as a simpler alternative to this technology. Not only does this approach minimise the environmental footprint, it permits substantial cost savings – up to 80% in certain instances, in the form of reduced installation and maintenance costs.