PURPOSE - GP GRADES

GP is the 'General Purpose' grade, for use in all applications where fluids or gases are being conveyed which do not generate a risk of static charge development (see 'AS').

Design & Approval

GP Grade has a virgin PTFE liner, manufactured from hose grade PTFE which conforms to the requirements of:

FDA 21 CFR 177.1550

Both the PTFE liner tube and the platinum cured silicone rubber cover have been tested and conform to the requirements of USP Class VI. Additionally, the PTFE liner tube meets the requirements of USP Class VI at 121°C (250°F).

Pharmaline hose (but not Pharmalex Hose) in sizes 3/4" and above includes a Grade 304 SS wire helically wound in the external convolutions, to reinforce the hose against kinking.

EC - ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY
(Also known as 'Electrically Bonded')

Electrical continuity requires that the hose assembly supplied is electrically continuous, or conductive, between metal end fittings at each end of the hose. This can apply whether the hose is GP or AS grade.

The requirements for this are specified in the German Document BRG 132 and EN ISO 8031:2009 Annex A, when tested in accordance with EN ISO 8031:2009 Clause 5, which requires that the resistance between end fittings shall be less than 10² ohms per assembly. For hose assemblies which meet this requirement a Grade "M" marking can be applied in accordance with EN ISO 8031:2009 Annex A if requested.

Pharmaline Hose Assemblies with crimped fittings are all electrically continuous.

Pharmaline hose assemblies with Relink fittings are not normally Electrically Continuous, but can be made EC by a special Assembly Procedure RRF-SA-001/2. Consult Aflex Hose for details

Pharmalex hose assemblies are not Electrically Continuous.

PURPOSE - AS GRADES

AS Grade is an essential requirement in applications where there is the risk of an electrostatic charge build-up on the inside surface of the PTFE tube which may then discharge through the tube wall.

Media passing through which create such a risk are fluids which have a Conductance of less than 10^-8 S/m (Siemens per Metre), or 10⁴ pS/m such as fuels, solvents, freons, some WFI (ultra-pure 'Water for Injection') and non-polar organics which are being transferred at a medium to high flow velocity.

All twin or multi phase media, and any non-mixing media, such as powder in air, or water droplets in steam, in gases or in oil, also colloidal fluids constitute a particular hazard for static charge generation, and always require grade AS.

Design & Approval

AS Grade hose has an anti-static PTFE liner manufactured from FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 approved PTFE, and less than 2.5% of 'high purity' Carbon Black material to FDA requirement 21 CFR 178.3297 and European Commission Directive 2007/19/EC. AS Grade also conforms to the requirements of USP Class VI at 37°C (99°F), 70°C (158°F) and 121°C (250°F).

Antistatic Hose Assemblies

When "AS" (Antistatic) grade hose is specified, then the hose or hose assembly supplied will be tested in accordance with EN ISO 8031:2009 Clause 7 using electrodes specified in EN ISO 8031:2009 Clause 4.2.2.2 d) (and Clause 4.2.2.2 e if the hose has an antistatic cover) and meet the Antistatic requirements of EN ISO 8031:2009 Annex A. This requires, for an antistatic liner or antistatic cover, that the resistance between an appropriately placed foam electrode and a metallic end fitting will be between 10³ to 10⁸ ohms per assembly. For hose assemblies which meet these requirements an appropriate Grade "Ω" marking can be applied in accordance with EN ISO 8031:2009 Annex A if requested.

NOTE: When in service, at least one end fitting must be connected to earth, to permit dissipation of the static charge from the end fitting.