Product description
Pharmaceutical process hose assemblies are flexible hose systems fitted with permanently crimped stainless-steel end connections for hygienic fluid and steam handling applications. Each assembly can be configured to match existing process equipment, vessel connections and piping interfaces.
Different reinforced silicone and fluoropolymer hose constructions are available for applications involving elevated pressure, temperature, chemical exposure or demanding pharmaceutical processing conditions.
Technical overview
A pharmaceutical hose assembly combines a flexible process hose with hygienically crimped stainless-steel fittings. The assembly provides a flexible connection between fixed vessels, process systems and pipework while avoiding the need to modify the surrounding installation.
Flexible hose assemblies can also accommodate limited movement and vibration between connected equipment, which cannot be compensated for in the same way by rigid process piping.
Typical configurations use sanitary Tri-Clamp connections, although weld ends and hygienic coupling systems can also be specified. Standard stainless-steel connection materials include 1.4404 / 1.4435, with other materials available according to the process requirement.
Each supplied hose assembly can be pressure tested and provided with batch-related conformity documentation. Applicable material declarations depend on the selected hose construction.
Operating principle
The flexible hose forms the process fluid path between two pieces of equipment. Stainless-steel fittings are permanently attached to the hose by a controlled crimping process, creating a defined transition between the flexible hose material and the hygienic process connection.
During operation, the hose transports process liquid, purified water, steam or another compatible medium while allowing flexibility between fixed connection points. This makes assembled hoses particularly useful where pipework, vessels or equipment cannot be connected conveniently using a completely rigid piping system.
Reinforced hose constructions can be selected for increased mechanical stability under pressure, vacuum or elevated temperature conditions. Fluoropolymer-lined configurations provide an alternative where additional chemical resistance or a different product-contact surface is required.
Material options
Several hose constructions can be configured according to the operating conditions and process medium:
- Braided silicone hose
- Braided and wire-reinforced silicone hose
- Braided and wire-reinforced silicone hose with PFA inner layer
- Antistatic braided and wire-reinforced hose with PFA inner layer
- Antistatic PFA hose for suitable ATEX-area applications
Standard hygienic end connections are typically manufactured from stainless steel 1.4404 / 1.4435. Alternative fitting materials can be evaluated where required.
Material compatibility, pressure capability, temperature resistance and applicable conformity documentation vary according to the selected hose construction and should be confirmed for the final configuration.
Available micron ratings
Not applicable. Pharmaceutical hose assemblies are fluid transfer components rather than filtration media and therefore do not have a micron or pore-size rating.
If particulate or sterile filtration is required within the process line, an appropriate filter can be specified separately as part of the complete fluid-handling system.
Design and construction
Hose assemblies are manufactured to customer-specific dimensions so that they can connect directly to existing equipment, vessels and process pipework. Important configuration parameters include hose material, reinforcement, internal diameter, overall length and end-connection type.
Sanitary Tri-Clamp connections are commonly used for pharmaceutical process applications. Alternative configurations can include weld ends or hygienic coupling systems where the existing installation requires a different interface.
The standard stated internal surface quality of the stainless-steel connection components is Ra < 0.8 µm. Electropolished versions with surface roughness down to approximately Ra 0.2 µm are available on request.
The transition between the flexible hose and stainless-steel fitting is designed to provide a smooth hygienic junction. Assemblies are pressure tested and can be supplied with batch-related certificates of conformance.
Sterilisation and conformity
Suitable hose configurations can be selected for Steam-in-Place (SIP) and autoclave applications. Clean-in-Place applications are also possible where the selected materials and process conditions are compatible.
Depending on the hose material and configuration, available conformity references can include:
- USP Class VI
- European Pharmacopoeia 3.1.9
- FDA CFR 177.1550
- 3-A requirements
- Animal-component-free material options
- cGMP-related documentation
- Batch traceability
These properties are configuration-dependent and should be verified for the specific hose material, fitting material and intended process conditions.
Typical applications
Pharmaceutical process hose assemblies are used where hygienic equipment requires a flexible connection capable of handling process fluids, cleaning media or steam.
- Pharmaceutical process fluid transfer
- Biotechnology process systems
- Vessel-to-vessel connections
- Process vessel connections
- WFI distribution and transfer
- Purified water systems
- Process tubing connections
- Steam-in-Place applications
- Clean-in-Place applications
- High-temperature fluid transfer
- High-pressure process connections
- Chemically demanding process media
- Applications requiring vibration or movement compensation
Key benefits
- Custom configuration: hose length, material and process connections can be selected to match existing equipment.
- Flexible equipment connection: provides a flexible alternative between fixed vessels, piping and process systems.
- High-temperature capability: suitable hose constructions can be selected for steam and elevated temperature applications.
- Pressure-resistant constructions: braided and wire-reinforced designs are available for mechanically demanding applications.
- Chemical compatibility options: fluoropolymer-lined and PFA configurations are available for suitable chemically demanding media.
- Hygienic process connections: Tri-Clamp, weld-end and hygienic coupling configurations can be specified.
- Controlled surface finish: standard stainless-steel fitting surfaces are specified at Ra < 0.8 µm, with electropolished versions available down to approximately Ra 0.2 µm.
- Traceability: assemblies can be pressure tested and supplied with batch-related conformity documentation.
Configuration and quotation
Pharmaceutical hose assemblies are configured around the process connection, medium and operating conditions rather than supplied as one fixed design.
For technical selection and quotation, provide the following information where available:
- Process medium
- Required hose material or construction
- Hose inner diameter and outer diameter
- Required hose length
- Maximum operating pressure
- Maximum and minimum operating temperature
- Vacuum requirements, if applicable
- Required process connections
- Tri-Clamp size or alternative connection dimensions
- Required stainless-steel material
- Required surface finish
- SIP, CIP or autoclave requirements
- ATEX requirements, where applicable
- Required conformity and traceability documentation
- Required quantity or annual demand
Existing hose drawings, equipment connection details or current hose specifications can also be used as the basis for defining a replacement or new process hose assembly.