Nylon V Polyurethane

[Spit1]

Hi

Whats the difference between nylon and polyurethane compressed air piping, we have avery dusty/harsh environment and want to know what is most suitable.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Chance17]

I was shocked to hear about these materials being considered for compressed air.
So I Goggled the two items.
Nylon is available in small diameter tubing.
Polyurethane is available in pipe sizes ranging from 2" to 10".

In the 1990's there was momentum to use CPVC for compressed air.
I am personally aware of safety isssues encountered - mainly mechanical strength.
In a manufactureing environment, facilities get banged and bumped.
I would never recommend non-metal pipe for compressed air.

 

[btrueblood]

Shards of aluminum or copper piping are much easier for doctors to see on xrays.

Nylon and similar plastic hoses get used all the time for tool connections.

But fixed piping? In addition to getting banged/bumped by forklifts, etc., you also have to comply with local/national fire codes. Firemen don't like entering burning buildings where compressed air lines melt, rupture, and whip around at them.

 

[Spit1]

Hi

Thanks, yeah I was not very clear in the original post, we use metal piping throughout the factory but when you actually come down to the small control piping for solenoids and small cylinders we use this flexi hose.

I was wondering what one of those materials would be best for this purpose?

 

[ornerynorsk]

Urethane is more flexible and a little more forgiving of being abraded. Nylon tends to fail suddenly/explosively, and cannot be bent in as tight of a radius, whereas urethane is a bit softer. They both have their purposes.