Ameer Randolph
Plastic air line or PVC pipes are not suitable for use with fuel gas or kerosene. This is because PVC and other plastics deform easily in high-temperature environments and may leak or rupture. The plasticizers used to maintain the flexibility of PVC melt in the presence of oil, causing the hose to stiffen. If the hose is forced to bend in this state, it may crack or the reinforcing threads may break, leading to leaks or bursts. For these reasons, it is recommended to use specialized hoses for fuel, such as those made of rubber, which are more suitable for transporting gases with small molecules like liquefied petroleum gas.
Can plastic air line be used for fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Plastic has a larger space between chemicals than rubber, so gas molecules may penetrate through the hose, causing a dangerous leak. |
| Suitability for fuel gas or kerosene | PVC and other plastics deform easily in high-temperature environments and may leak or rupture. |
| Plasticizers | The plasticizers used to maintain the flexibility of PVC melt in the presence of oil, making the hose stiff and prone to cracks and leaks. |
| Practicality | Obtaining authorization from the Hazardous Materials Safety Techniques Association for plastic fuel line use is expensive and requires traceability, making it impractical. |
| Alternative materials | Rubber, metal, and viton-lined rubber are commonly used for fuel lines. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic deforms easily at high temperatures, which may cause leaks
- Plasticizers used to maintain PVC flexibility melt in the presence of oil
- Gas molecules may penetrate through the hose due to the large space between chemicals in plastic
- Viton-lined rubber lines are preferred for biofuels
- Nylon hard plastic lines are rated for gas and diesel
Plastic deforms easily at high temperatures, which may cause leaks
Plastic air lines are not suitable for use with fuel. This is because plastic deforms easily at high temperatures, which may cause leaks. Most thermoplastics have a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of less than 500°F (260°C). When exposed to high temperatures, plastic begins to soften and lose its stiffness, and if heated long enough or beyond its operational temperature range, it will distort. This can lead to leaks or cracks, which are dangerous when dealing with fuel.
The flexibility of PVC plastic, for example, is maintained by plasticizers, which melt in the presence of oil, causing the hose to stiffen. If forced to bend in this state, PVC can crack or rupture. Additionally, the larger space between chemicals in plastic means that small gas molecules can penetrate through the hose, causing further leaks.
The release of harmful chemicals is another concern when plastic is exposed to high temperatures. Polycarbonate plastics, for instance, can leach BPA into liquids when heated, posing health risks. Even moderate heating, such as in a dishwasher, can cause significant BPA migration. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), commonly used in beverage bottles, is considered safer but can still leach harmful chemicals at high temperatures.
Environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, solvents, and duration of exposure, can also accelerate plastic degradation and increase the likelihood of leaching. For example, plastics left in direct sunlight can reach high temperatures, leading to increased chemical release. Therefore, it is essential to understand the role of temperature in plastic degradation to ensure proper storage and handling practices.
Overall, the potential for leaks and the release of harmful chemicals due to plastic deformation at high temperatures makes plastic unsuitable for use with fuel.
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Plasticizers used to maintain PVC flexibility melt in the presence of oil
Plastic hoses are not suitable for use with fuel gas or kerosene. PVC and other plastics deform easily in high-temperature environments and may leak or rupture. Plasticizers, which are substances incorporated into polymers to increase their flexibility, workability, and distensibility, are used to maintain the flexibility of PVC. However, these plasticizers melt in the presence of oil, causing the hose to become stiff. If the hose is forced to bend in this state, it may crack or the reinforcing threads may break, leading to leaks or bursts.
The use of plasticizers is essential to enhance the flexibility of PVC. Plasticizers with ester groups are commonly used due to their interactions with polymers through van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions. These plasticizers act as cohesive structures, preventing the leaching and migration of the plasticizer from the plastics. The permanence of a plasticizer in a flexible polymer product depends on its structure, chemical composition, molecular weight, and polarity.
Various methods and materials have been explored to increase the flexibility of PVC, including traditional and innovative plasticizers, nanotechnology, and advanced processing techniques. One prominent trend is the shift towards bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable resources, such as epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), which offers good thermal stability and compatibility with PVC. Other examples of bio-based plasticizers include epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO) and linseed oil (ELSO), which improve thermal and UV stability.
Primary plasticizers, such as general-purpose plasticizers (GP), are low-volatility liquids that provide the desired flexibility to PVC at a low cost. Examples include DIHP, DOP (DEHP), DINP, and DIDP, which is commonly used in washing machine pipes due to its resistance to soap water. Secondary plasticizers, such as chlorinated paraffin oils, can be used in combination with primary plasticizers to further reduce costs.
In conclusion, while plasticizers are essential for maintaining the flexibility of PVC, they are not suitable for use in the presence of oil due to their melting properties, which can lead to hose stiffening and potential leaks or bursts. This limitation highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate materials for specific applications, especially when dealing with fuel or kerosene, where safety is a critical concern.
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Gas molecules may penetrate through the hose due to the large space between chemicals in plastic
Plastic hoses cannot be used to transport fuel gas. This is because plastic has a larger space between its chemicals than other materials, such as rubber. When a gas with small molecules, such as liquefied petroleum gas, is transported in a plastic hose, the gas molecules may penetrate through the hose. This can cause dangerous leaks.
Rubber is the preferred material for transporting fuel gas and kerosene. It is also possible to use rubber tubing in combination with metal barbed fittings, sliding the rubber over the fittings for a secure fit. Rubber tubing can be joined, clamped, and cut to the desired length, making it a versatile option.
Some users have reported success with plastic fuel lines, such as nylon lines, which are rated for gas and diesel. However, it is important to note that these sources are individual reports and may not represent the consensus view. It is always recommended to prioritize safety when dealing with fuel lines and to follow local regulations and guidelines.
It is worth noting that, in large-volume industrial settings, only metal pipes are typically allowed for transporting fuel. This is due to the high safety standards required in industrial settings. Metal pipes are less susceptible to leaks and ruptures compared to plastic hoses, especially in high-temperature environments.
In summary, while some types of plastic may be marketed or discussed for use in fuel lines, the consensus is that plastic hoses are not suitable for transporting fuel gas due to safety concerns. The large space between chemicals in plastic can allow gas molecules to penetrate and escape, leading to dangerous leaks. It is recommended to use specialized hoses, such as those made of rubber or metal, for transporting fuel to minimize the risk of accidents.
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Viton-lined rubber lines are preferred for biofuels
Plastic hoses are not suitable for use with fuel. This is due to the nature of PVC and other plastics, which deform easily at high temperatures, potentially leading to leaks or ruptures. The plasticizers used to maintain the flexibility of PVC can also melt in the presence of oil, causing the hose to stiffen. If the hose is then forced to bend, it may crack or the reinforcing threads may break, resulting in leaks or bursts.
For these reasons, Viton-lined rubber lines are often preferred for biofuels. Viton is a type of synthetic rubber characterized by its excellent resistance to degradation by fluids and chemicals, including oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. It also has extremely low permeability, which is crucial for the safe transport of fuels. Viton-lined rubber hoses are less likely to leak or rupture compared to plastic hoses, making them a safer option for biofuels.
Viton-lined rubber hoses also offer superior resistance to compression, even at high temperatures. This means they can maintain their shape and structural integrity when exposed to high temperatures, further reducing the risk of leaks or ruptures. Additionally, Viton has good resistance to atmospheric oxidation, sun, and weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use and long-term applications.
Another advantage of Viton-lined rubber lines is their resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons that can dissolve other types of rubbers. This makes Viton-lined rubber lines compatible with a wider range of fuels and chemicals, including biofuels, without the risk of degradation or leakage.
Overall, the superior performance characteristics of Viton-lined rubber lines, including their resistance to degradation, permeability, and compression, make them the preferred choice for biofuels. The use of Viton lining enhances the durability, safety, and compatibility of the rubber hoses, ensuring a more reliable and safe option for transporting biofuels.
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Nylon hard plastic lines are rated for gas and diesel
Nylon hard plastic lines are commonly used as air brake lines and are 100% biodiesel safe. Nylon is rated for use with gas and diesel, and is available from suppliers such as McMaster-Carr and FMSI. Nylon is tubing, not hosing, and therefore will not slip onto or compress to clamp onto nipples of varying sizes.
Nylon is best used for small lines between injectors and pump return fittings. It is not suitable for the line from the injection pump to the fuel tank return. This is because nylon tubing will not fit the 1/4" and 5/16" diameters of the pump and metal line respectively.
Urethane is a flexible alternative that can be heated and fitted to these lines. Viton is another alternative, although it may be too thin-walled for certain applications.
It is important to note that plasticizers used to maintain the flexibility of PVC melt in the presence of oil, and plastic hoses are not suitable for use with fuel gas or kerosene due to safety concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic airline cannot be used for fuel. Plastic has a larger space between chemicals than rubber, so gas molecules may penetrate through the hose, causing leaks. Plastic also deforms easily at high temperatures and may leak or rupture.
Some alternatives to plastic airline fuel include rubber tube lines, viton-lined rubber lines, and bundy-flex copper lines.
Rubber tube lines can be joined, clamped, and cut to the desired length. They are also simple and durable.
