What Is Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing?
Stainless steel flexible tubing is a flexible tubing made of stainless steel.
If there is no particular specification, steel piping is used from the viewpoint of cost, but if rust is to be prevented, stainless steel pipes are used. There are also different types of stainless steel pipes, and they should be used according to detailed applications and budgets.
The structure of a flexible pipe is a corrugated pipe with a braid wrapped around it. The braid is called braided stainless steel wire. It is used to increase the pressure resistance strength of flexible pipes.
Uses of Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
The Fire Service Law stipulates that flexible stainless steel tubing must be installed to provide an escape for hazardous material piping in case the tank settles or in the event of an earthquake. It is also used to provide a size allowance when installing the piping and finally joining the entire system together.
Stainless steel is denoted by SUS (StainLess Steel) followed by a number. In order of decreasing chemical resistance, SUS430, SUS304, SUS316, and SUS316L are used. SUS304 is generally used for applications other than piping. When handling chemicals or seawater, SUS316, which has even higher chemical resistance, is used. SUS316L is often used for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Principle of Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
Rust is caused by iron reacting with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide. Therefore, stainless steel contains chromium inside, which prevents rust by combining with oxygen in the air before iron does. When chromium oxidizes, a passive film of several nanometers is formed on the surface. The passive film is difficult to chemically change, and its role is to prevent oxygen from combining with iron.
SUS304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and is also called 18-8 stainless steel. Nickel has the effect of further facilitating the formation of an immobile film, and SUS316 is stainless steel with an increased amount of nickel and molybdenum added.
The stronger version of SUS316 is SUS316L. The reduced carbon content reduces the corrosiveness of welds.
Types of Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
1. Single-Layer Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
Single-layer flexible stainless steel tubing consists of a single layer of stainless steel hose. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance and high pressure resistance, it can be used in general applications such as steam, gas, and liquid piping and exhaust systems. Its moderate flexibility also makes it suitable for locations subject to frequent bending and vibration.
2. Double-Layer Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
Double-layer flexible stainless steel tubing consists of an inner hose covered with a thin stainless steel hose. This inner hose is highly durable due to its excellent corrosion resistance, yet it is more flexible than the outer hose.
This makes it suitable for use in areas subject to vibration and shock, as well as in high-temperature, high-pressure environments. In addition, the dual-layer construction improves heat resistance and abrasion resistance.
3. Corrugated Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
Corrugated flexible stainless steel tubing consists of a series of corrugated hoses. This corrugated design increases flexibility and enables use in areas where complex shapes and bending are required.
It is especially widely used in engine sections, vehicle exhaust systems, and mechanical equipment. The unique design also allows for a beautiful appearance.
4. Earthquake-Resistant Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
Anti-seismic flexible stainless steel tubing is specially designed to cope with vibrations caused by earthquakes. It combines quake-resistant rubber and metal vibration absorbers. It can be used in buildings, bridges, railroad cars, and other locations where structural vibration caused by earthquakes must be addressed.
5. High Vacuum Flexible Stainless Steel Tubing
High-vacuum flexible stainless steel tubing is suitable for use in ultra-high vacuum environments. Even in special vacuum environments, high airtightness is required to prevent gas leakage, and flexible stainless steel tubing is highly reliable in high vacuum systems due to its excellent pressure resistance and airtightness.