In food, beverage, and pharmaceutical facilities, fluid transfer systems must consistently meet strict performance and sanitation requirements. With frequent exposure to CIP (clean-in-place) and SIP (steam-in-place) procedures, along with regulatory oversight, selecting the right hose assembly is critical. Aflex® PTFE-lined hose is designed to meet these challenges, offering a reliable solution for high-purity applications.
The Realities of Sanitary Processing Systems
Hose assemblies used in hygienic environments are expected to perform under demanding conditions, including:
- Ongoing exposure to elevated temperatures, steam, and aggressive cleaning solutions
- Installation in tight or complex layouts where flexibility is essential
- Adherence to FDA, USP Class VI, EU food-contact, and 3-A sanitary standards
- Requirements for traceability, validation, and consistent documentation
While traditional hose materials may be suitable in less demanding applications, they can struggle to maintain performance and longevity in these environments.
How Aflex® PTFE-Lined Hose Meets the Challenge
Aflex® PTFE-lined hose assemblies are engineered specifically for sanitary and high-purity service. Key attributes include:
Chemically Inert, Smooth PTFE Core
The PTFE liner provides a non-reactive, low-friction surface that helps maintain product purity while minimizing the risk of residue buildup or contamination.
Withstands Harsh Conditions
Designed to handle both extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals, PTFE-lined hose performs reliably through repeated CIP/SIP cycles and steam sterilization.
Engineered for Flexibility
Aflex hose constructions allow for tight bend radii without kinking, making them well suited for installations where space is limited or routing is complex.
Adhesive-Free Design
By eliminating adhesives within the hose construction, the risk of material breakdown or contamination within the flow path is reduced.
Traceability and Quality Assurance
Each assembly includes identification features and supporting documentation to help meet compliance, validation, and audit requirements.
Performance Benefits in the Field
Facilities that utilize Aflex® PTFE-lined hose assemblies often experience:
- Dependable, sanitary fluid transfer across food and pharmaceutical processes
- Improved cleaning efficiency, supporting reduced downtime
- Adaptability in system design, especially in compact or skid-mounted setups
- Extended service life, reducing maintenance and replacement frequency
- Support for regulatory compliance through clear documentation and traceability
Where These Hoses Are Used
Aflex® PTFE-lined hose assemblies are commonly found in:
- Food and beverage production systems
- Pharmaceutical and biotech processing
- CIP and SIP cleaning systems
- Steam sterilization and autoclave connections
- High-purity transfer lines and modular processing equipment
Why Ray Lewis & Company?
Ray Lewis & Company brings decades of experience in fluid handling solutions, helping customers identify the right components for demanding applications. We understand the operational and regulatory pressures faced by food and pharmaceutical processors and work to provide solutions that align with those requirements.
We support our customers with:
- Application insight to help ensure proper hose selection
- Custom-built hose assemblies tailored to system requirements
- Documentation and compliance support
- Responsive service and dependable product availability
Our focus is on delivering solutions that help improve reliability, maintain compliance, and support long-term system performance.
Contact Ray Lewis & Company
Selecting the proper hose assembly is an important step in maintaining product quality and operational efficiency. Whether you’re designing a new system or upgrading existing equipment, Ray Lewis & Company can help you find the right solution.
Our team is available to review your application, recommend appropriate configurations, and ensure your hose assemblies meet both performance and regulatory expectations.
Contact Ray Lewis & Company today to speak with a specialist and get started.