Silicone is the specialist’s hose: it costs more than rubber, but it survives temperatures and cleaning cycles that rubber cannot. The selection question is when the premium is worth it.
Platinum vs Peroxide Cure
The cure system decides purity. Platinum (addition) cure produces no by-products — cleaner, more consistent, first choice for food and pharma contact. Peroxide cure is cheaper but can leave residues that matter in closed systems. If the product touches the hose, specify platinum.
Grades
- Food grade: FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EU 1935/2004
- Pharma grade: USP Class VI, low extractables, autoclavable
- Medical grade: additional biocompatibility testing
The Temperature Argument
Silicone runs -60°C to 200°C continuous — beyond EPDM’s ceiling. That alone justifies it for steam vents, hot-air lines and process heat. Add repeated autoclaving (which kills most rubber) and the case closes.
Reinforcement Options
Bare silicone handles gravity and low pressure. Polyester braid lifts working pressure for food transfer lines. Stainless steel spiral adds full-vacuum capability — the braided spiral silicone hose is the standard for sanitary vacuum duty.
When Silicone Beats Rubber
- Continuous heat above 120°C
- Autoclave / SIP cycles
- Food or pharma contact requiring purity
- Odour- or taste-free transfer
- Peristaltic pump tubes needing flex life
Selection Inputs
Product, temperature, pressure or vacuum, cleaning regime, bore size. Send them and we spec the grade and construction. Browse silicone hoses.