People use natural gases in a wide array of applications. We use them every day to heat things, like cooking. You may already be familiar with CNG or Compressed Natural Gas. Do you know it applies to many vehicles, including cars? Natural gases are also prevalent in manufacturing, commercial, and power generation. In all these systems, a natural gas hose plays a crucial role.
There are various types of gas hoses used out there. Which one may fit your project depends on your needs. This article mainly highlights the fundamentals of natural gas hoses. You will learn more about its types. Also, you will be familiar with what factors matter the most when you deal with natural gases. Finally, this article will discuss choosing the proper hose for your project.
What is a Natural Gas Hose?
A natural gas hose is either a flexible or rigid pipe designed to carry natural gas. You can often find its uses, from a supply line to appliances or equipment. These hoses are generally suitable to handle gas pressure and resist leaks. They usually come in different materials, and each material here is ideal for specific environments.
Natural gas hoses are very common in household systems. People use them on their stoves, gas fires, and other places. They’re also common in business districts, bars, heating systems, and the streets. People also use natural gas hoses in industries or factories. Natural gas may be needed to run tools that make things, such as heaters and power sources.
Besides the above applications, people use natural gas hoses in many applications. In one line, they are crucial for delivering gas safely and quickly. However, a natural gas hose has the following properties:
- A natural gas hose must be durable, as natural gas is used in long-term equipment. So, you must carefully choose the materials that can withstand the stress.
- A natural gas hose can be either flexible or rigid. If it is flexible, it is easy to bend and place in small areas.
- A natural gas hose must be gas-resistant. It is resistant to corrosion and the chemicals in natural gas.
- Natural gas is prone to fire or explosions, so the hose must be temperature-resistant. Natural gas hoses are also used in cold weather, so they must withstand such cold environments.
- Natural gas hoses also come with safety ratings. It has to follow the rules for safe gas transport.
What Factors Must Be Considered When Conveying Natural Gas?
A gas pipe or hose must be compatible with gases. If you plan to create a natural gas hose system, consider a few things, like safety rules.
Safety
Natural gas is highly flammable. So, the hose that moves this gas must be strong and not break. It should also resist fire and withstand high pressure without failing. Once installed, regular checking is also necessary. This checking will ultimately minimize the accident risks.
Environmental Conditions
Natural gas hoses must handle varying temperatures. You may need these systems in both hot and cold places. Indeed, extreme hot and cold weather might compromise your hose functionality. This is a very critical problem because if your hoses crack, gas will come out and may create fires.
Therefore, you must carefully choose the hose material that will resist the temperature. Especially in the case of outdoor installations, you must pay attention to the UV and weather resistance ability. Indoor uses are most likely to have limited spaces, so flexibility matters here a lot.
Material Compatibility
In this case, the hose material plays a critical role. Some materials are susceptible to petroleum-based materials. So, the natural gas hose must be able to handle such gases. The results could be terrible if you pick the wrong line. Poor materials can not prevent contamination. Also, it doesn’t last longer.
Hose Standards
The natural gas hose must meet compliance with local laws. Different standards, such as ANSI, CSA, or ISO, are used in this case. Certified hoses and fittings always guarantee safety and quality benchmarks. Always check local codes before installation.
Types of Natural Gas Hose
There are various types of natural gas hoses. Not all types can fulfill the same demands, and one’s cons can be the other’s pros. So, determining the correct kind of hose is the technical part here. The following five types are commonly used in every natural gas system.
PVC Pipe
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, the most popular type of plastic used in many applications. The making process of a PVC natural gas pipe is mainly the extrusion process. The raw material is melted and shaped into long, hollow tubes. People prefer using PVC natural gas hoses in residential or commercial gas supply lines.
Pros
- PVC natural gas hoses are cost-effective. The material cost is relatively low, making them a budget-friendly option.
- PVC natural gas pipes are very light. So they are easy to handle and transport.
- These gas pipes are very simple to install. They are highly suitable for small systems.
Cons
- PVC natural gas pipes are usually not suitable for high-pressure applications. They cannot give you enough strength to handle high-pressure gas lines.
- PVC natural gas pipes may degrade under prolonged UV exposure.
- Since these pipes are suited for low-medium pressure jobs, you can use them for indoor systems.
Black Metal Natural Gas Line
Black metal pipes are typically made of steel and may also have a dark oxide layer coating. Although steel is already very corrosion-resistant, the oxide layer makes it more rust-resistant. The manufacturing process may differ based on the final use project. There are three processes: seamless, welding, and casting. People prefer using the black metal natural gas line in permanent installations. Typical places are commercial and industrial settings.
Pros
- The black metal natural gas line is ideal for permanent installations.
- They are very suitable for high-pressure systems.
- These gas pipes can withstand high temperatures. Also, they don’t degrade quickly.
- These natural gas tubes or pipes are a trusted option for many residential and commercial setups.
Cons
- Black metal natural gas lines need extra coatings to prevent rust.
- These gas hoses are not easy to install. They are heavy and often difficult to handle in tight spaces.
- These gas pipes are not suitable for DIY projects. They are heavy and need threading when installing them.
CSST Natural Gas Hose
The CSST natural gas hose is a common name among flexible and robust choices. CSST stands for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. The unique corrugated structure is the main reason for these hoses’ flexibility. These hoses are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
Pros
- The CSST natural gas hose is easy to bend and maneuver. They are ideal for very complex installations.
- This CSST natural gas hose is very lightweight and easy to install.
- These gas hoses are also corrosion-resistant. These hoses are a great alternative to many metal hoses.
Cons
- One of the main disadvantages of these hoses is their conductivity. CSST pipes are very conductive. Therefore, it is more prone to create problems during lightning strikes. Consequently, you must ensure proper grounding.
- CSST natural gas lines are relatively more expensive than other types.
- These gas hoses must comply with specific regulations or local codes.
Copper Pipe
Copper pipes are ideal for indoor applications, and people prefer to use them in residential applications. The making process of these pipes may either be extrusion or casting.
Pros
- Copper pipes offer excellent corrosion resistance. They are long-lasting and ideal for use in outdoor applications.
- Copper pipes ensure smooth gas flow. They produce meager resistance to the gas flow.
- Copper gas lines fit easily into tight spaces.
Cons
- Some natural gas additives may corrode copper over time.
- These gas pipes must need local or regional approval for use.
- Copper natural gas pipes are usually costlier than PVC or black metal natural gas pipes.
Polyethylene Natural Gas Pipe
Polyethylene or PE natural gas hoses are made of thermoplastic polymers. They usually come from extrusion processes. PE gas pipes are highly flexible and resistant to environmental damage. They are widely used in underground, residential, and industrial settings.
Pros
- PE natural gas pipes are ideal for many applications. They can be used underground or even in curved installations.
- These gas lines are highly weather-resistant. You can use it outdoors.
- PE natural gas lines are also corrosion-proof. It works great against moisture and chemical exposure.
Cons
- Special tools are needed to secure joints during installation. Therefore, you must count an expert’s installation and repair costs.
- These pipes are not ideal for indoor applications.
Can You Use a Hydraulic Hose for Natural Gas?
Hydraulic hoses are usually not advised for natural gas use. They do not usually satisfy the criteria for transferring natural gases.
Hydraulic hoses are usually suitable for handling high pressure for oils or water. You will mostly find their uses in heavy-duty applications. They often suffer from wear and tear. But natural gas is a gas, not a liquid, and acts differently from hydraulic oils. Their physical characteristics are also different.
Moreover, natural gas is highly flammable. Therefore, hoses that will carry it must have gas service ratings. The materials used for gas hoses must also resist gas permeation. In addition, gas hoses are suitable for use under low-pressure conditions. They are made of rubber, thermoplastic, and metal.
People also use the same materials to make hydraulic hoses. What makes them different from gas hoses is using a reinforcement layer. People usually use SS reinforcement, which generally comes in braided and corrugated forms. This layer usually improves the ability to handle the pressure. However, this construction type is typically unsuitable for natural gases, and the hoses may not resist gas permeation.