Reinforced thermoplastic multilayer hose for high-temperature and high-pressure transport of fluids

Abstract

The invention discloses a reinforced thermoplastic multi-layer hose for high-temperature and high-pressure transportation of fluids. The multi-layer hose includes a liner layer and an outer sleeve circumferentially surrounding the liner layer. The liner layer has an inner circumferential surface that defines a tubular flow passage extending in an axial direction through the multi-layer hose. And the lining layer comprises ethylene trifluorochloroethylene. The inner circumferential surface of the liner layer may be electrically conductive and may have a surface resistivity of less than or equal to about 1 * 106 ohms / square at 20 degrees Celsius, or the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer may be electrically insulating and may have a surface resistivity of greater than 1 * 106 ohms / square at 20 degrees Celsius. The outer sleeve defines an outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose and includes a reinforcing material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and in all aspects of this description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic hoses, and more particularly to thermoplastic hoses having a layered structure for transporting fluids at high temperatures and pressures. Background Art

[0003] Hoses or flexible tubes used to transport fluids, including motor vehicle fluids, are oftentimes made from thermoplastic materials and may have a layered structure that provides the hose with a desired combination of mechanical strength, low permeability, chemical and heat resistance, abrasion resistance, light weight, and flexibility over a desired operating temperature range. Summary of the invention

[0004] A multilayer hose according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a liner layer and an outer sleeve circumferentially surrounding the liner layer. The liner layer has an inner circumferential surface that defines a tubular flowthrough channel extending through the multilayer hose in an axial direction. The liner layer includes ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene. The inner circumferential surface of the liner layer is conductive and has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square. The outer sleeve defines the outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose and includes a reinforcement material.

[0005] The ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene may comprise greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer.

[0006] The liner layer may include a continuous matrix phase and a dispersed phase distributed throughout the continuous matrix phase. The continuous matrix phase may include ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, and the dispersed phase may include a conductive agent.

[0007] The conductive agent may include carbon.

[0008] The continuous matrix phase may comprise greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer. The conductive agent may comprise greater than or equal to about 0.2% to less than or equal to about 20% by weight of the liner layer.

[0009] The lining layer may have a double-layer structure including a conductive inner layer and an electrically insulating outer layer circumferentially surrounding the inner layer. The conductive inner layer may define an inner circumferential surface of the lining layer and may include a continuous matrix phase including ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and a dispersed phase including a conductive agent. The electrically insulating outer layer may include ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and may have a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square.

[0010] The outer sleeve may be braided, woven, knitted or spirally wound.

[0011] The reinforcement material may include metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, carbon-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0012] Reinforcement materials may include stainless steel or fiberglass.

[0013] In various aspects, the reinforcing material may include woven fiberglass. In this case, the multilayer hose may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the liner layer and the outer sleeve. The adhesive layer may include a thermoplastic polymer.

[0014] The multi-layer hose may be substantially free of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0015] The multi-layer hose may be configured to withstand a temperature of greater than or equal to about -40 degrees Celsius to less than or equal to about 180 degrees Celsius. The multi-layer hose may be configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to about 21 MPa.

[0016] The multi-layer hose may further include a fitting disposed in the open end of the multi-layer hose and a ferrule coupled to the fitting and crimped around the open end of the multi-layer hose such that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fitting and the multi-layer hose.

[0017] The multilayer hose according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a liner layer and an outer sleeve circumferentially surrounding the liner layer. The liner layer has an inner circumferential surface that defines a tubular flow-through channel extending through the multilayer hose in an axial direction. The liner layer includes ethylene trifluorochloroethylene. The inner circumferential surface of the liner layer is electrically insulating and has a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square. The outer sleeve defines the outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose and includes a reinforcement material.

[0018] The ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene may comprise greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer.

[0019] The outer sleeve may be braided, woven, knitted or spirally wound.

[0020] The reinforcement material may include metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, carbon-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In various aspects, the reinforcing material may include woven fiberglass. In this case, the multilayer hose may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the liner layer and the outer sleeve. The adhesive layer may include a thermoplastic polymer.

[0022] The multi-layer hose may be substantially free of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0023] The multilayer hose may further include a fitting disposed in the open end of the multilayer hose and a ferrule coupled to the fitting and crimped around the open end of the multilayer hose such that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fitting and the multilayer hose.

[0024] The present invention also discloses the following technical solution:

[0025] Solution 1. A multi-layer hose comprising:

[0026] A liner layer having an inner circumferential surface defining a tubular flow-through passage extending in an axial direction through the multilayer hose, the liner layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer being electrically conductive and having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square; and

[0027] An outer sleeve circumferentially surrounds the liner layer and defines an outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose, the outer sleeve including a reinforcement material.

[0028] Option 2. The multilayer hose according to Option 1, wherein the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene accounts for greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer.

[0029] Solution 3. The multilayer hose according to Solution 1, wherein the liner layer comprises:

[0030] a continuous matrix phase; and

[0031] a dispersed phase distributed throughout the continuous matrix phase,

[0032] Wherein, the continuous matrix phase includes the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, and the dispersed phase includes a conductive agent.

[0033] Option 4. The multilayer hose according to Option 3, wherein the conductive agent comprises carbon.

[0034] Option 5. A multilayer hose according to Option 3, wherein the continuous matrix phase accounts for greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the lining layer, and wherein the conductive agent accounts for greater than or equal to about 0.2% to less than or equal to about 20% by weight of the lining layer.

[0035] Solution 6. The multilayer hose according to Solution 1, wherein the liner layer has a double-layer structure, and the double-layer structure comprises:

[0036] a conductive inner layer defining the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer and comprising a continuous matrix phase comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and a dispersed phase comprising a conductive agent; and

[0037] An electrically insulating outer layer circumferentially surrounding the inner layer, the electrically insulating outer layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and having a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square.

[0038] Solution 7. The multi-layer hose according to Solution 1, wherein the outer sleeve is braided, woven, knitted or spirally wound.

[0039] Option 8. The multilayer hose according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing material comprises metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, carbon-based material or a combination thereof.

[0040] Option 9. The multilayer hose according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing material comprises stainless steel or glass fiber.

[0041] Option 10. The multilayer hose according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing material comprises woven fiberglass, and wherein the multilayer hose further comprises:

[0042] An adhesive layer is provided between the liner layer and the outer sleeve,

[0043] Wherein, the adhesive layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

[0044] Embodiment 11. The multi-layer hose according to Embodiment 1, wherein the multi-layer hose is substantially free of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0045] Option 12. The multilayer hose of Option 1, wherein the multilayer hose is configured to withstand a temperature of greater than or equal to about -40 degrees Celsius to less than or equal to about 180 degrees Celsius, and wherein the multilayer hose is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to about 21 MPa.

[0046] Solution 13. The multilayer hose according to Solution 1, further comprising:

[0047] a fitting disposed in the open end of the multi-layer hose; and

[0048] A ferrule is coupled to the fitting and crimped around the open end of the multi-layer hose such that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fitting and the multi-layer hose.

[0049] Solution 14. A multi-layer hose comprising:

[0050] A liner layer having an inner circumferential surface defining a tubular flow-through passage extending in an axial direction through the multilayer hose, the liner layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer being electrically insulating and having a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square; and

[0051] An outer sleeve circumferentially surrounds the liner layer and defines an outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose, the outer sleeve including a reinforcement material.

[0052] Embodiment 15. The multilayer hose according to embodiment 14, wherein the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene accounts for greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer.

[0053] Option 16. The multi-layer hose according to Option 14, wherein the outer sleeve is braided, woven, knitted or spirally wound.

[0054] Embodiment 17. The multilayer hose according to Embodiment 14, wherein the reinforcing material comprises metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, carbon-based material or a combination thereof.

[0055] Embodiment 18. The multilayer hose of embodiment 14, wherein the reinforcing material comprises woven fiberglass, and wherein the multilayer hose further comprises:

[0056] An adhesive layer is provided between the liner layer and the outer sleeve,

[0057] Wherein, the adhesive layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

[0058] Embodiment 19. The multi-layer hose according to Embodiment 14, wherein the multi-layer hose is substantially free of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0059] Solution 20. The multilayer hose according to Solution 14, further comprising:

[0060] a fitting disposed in the open end of the multi-layer hose; and

[0061] A ferrule is coupled to the fitting and crimped around the open end of the multi-layer hose such that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fitting and the multi-layer hose.

[0062] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer hose according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer hose according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a hose assembly of a multi-layer hose.

[0067] In the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The multilayer hose according to the present disclosure includes a liner layer and an outer sleeve circumferentially surrounding the liner layer. The liner layer includes ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) and provides the multilayer hose with low permeability, high chemical and heat resistance over a wide operating temperature range and high strength. The outer sleeve includes a reinforcement material that provides the multilayer hose with increased strength, chemical and heat resistance and optionally improved barrier properties (reduced fluid permeability).

[0069] Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymer of the perfluorinated chemical compound tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4), and has a polymer backbone of only carbon, wherein fluorine atoms are directly attached to the polymer backbone. PTFE is composed entirely of carbon atoms and fluorine atoms, and does not include any carbon-hydrogen (CH) bonds. In other words, the carbon backbone of PTFE is fully fluorinated (perfluorinated). On the other hand, ECTFE is an alternating copolymer of ethylene (C2H4 or H2C=CH2) and trifluorochloroethylene (CFCl=CF2), and has a polymer backbone of only carbon, wherein fluorine atoms, hydrogen atoms, and chlorine atoms are directly attached to the polymer backbone. The presence of hydrogen atoms and chlorine atoms directly attached to the carbon backbone of ECTFE means that ECTFE is only partially fluorinated (polyfluorinated). ECTFE is not a perfluorinated chemical compound. Thus, the lining layer can be formulated without using perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and combinations thereof. In addition, ECTFE can provide relatively high strength and creep resistance to the liner layer compared to PTFE, and can allow the use of multi-layer hoses in applications where the hose is crimped to form a fluid-tight seal with another device. Compared to multi-layer hoses that rely on PFAS to obtain sufficient chemical resistance and low permeation, the multi-layer hoses disclosed herein are lightweight and have excellent chemical, thermal and mechanical properties at a relatively low cost.

[0070] Figure 1 A multilayer hose 10 is depicted having an outer circumferential surface 12 and an inner circumferential surface 14 defining a tubular flow-through passage 16 extending in an axial direction through the multilayer hose. The multilayer hose 10 includes a liner layer 18, a reinforcement layer 20, and optionally an adhesive layer 22. The multilayer hose 10 can be used to transport or carry various types of automotive fluids, including fuels (e.g., volatile liquid fuels and / or heavy liquid fuels), engine oils, power steering fluids, transmission fluids, brake fluids, and / or engine coolants. Fuels, engine oils, power steering fluids, transmission fluids, and brake fluids are non-aqueous fluids and are typically hydrocarbon-based. Engine coolants, on the other hand, are often aqueous fluids and may include a mixture of water and alcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol and / or propylene glycol). Examples of volatile liquid fuels include gasoline and fatty alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, and / or butanol). Examples of heavy liquid fuels include diesel fuel.

[0071] The multilayer hose 10 may be used in motor vehicles and may have a wide operating temperature range from about -40 degrees Celsius (° C.) to about 180° C. The multilayer hose 10 has relatively high strength and may be used to transport or carry fluid in a tubular flow-through passage 16 at an internal pressure of about 0 pounds per square inch (psi), optionally 0.5 psi, or optionally 80 psi to about 21 megapascals (MPa) (-3045 psi), optionally about 200 psi, optionally about 150 psi, or optionally about 100 psi. The multilayer hose 10 may have a thickness of about 1 millimeter (mm) or more to about 5 mm or less, which is defined between the outer circumferential surface 12 and the inner circumferential surface 14.

[0072] The liner layer 18 is the innermost layer of the multilayer hose 10 and is configured to create a physical barrier that prevents fluid flowing in the tubular flow-through passage 16 from penetrating, permeating or decomposing the multilayer hose 10. The liner layer 18 has an inner surface 24 and an opposing outer surface 26, wherein the inner surface 24 defines the inner circumferential surface 14 of the multilayer hose 10. The liner layer 18 includes ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE). ECTFE is a semi-crystalline partially fluorinated aliphatic copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene. ECTFE provides excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, impact strength, creep resistance and good processability for extrusion and injection molding applications, and the ability to be crimped to, for example, fittings and connectors, to the liner layer 18. It is noteworthy that ECTFE provides high chemical resistance to fuels to the liner layer 18.

[0073] The liner layer 18 can be electrically insulating or electrically conductive, depending on the application. In applications where the multilayer hose 10 is used to transport or carry fuel (e.g., liquid fuel), engine oil, power steering fluid, and / or transmission fluid, it can be beneficial for the liner layer 18 to be electrically conductive. In applications where the multilayer hose 10 is used to transport or carry engine coolant and / or brake fluid, the liner layer 18 can be electrically insulating. In aspects where the liner layer 18 is electrically insulating, the liner layer 18 can consist essentially of or consist of ECTFE. In aspects where the liner layer 18 is electrically insulating, the liner layer 18 can have a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Ohm / sq or optionally 1x 10 14 Surface resistivity in Ohm / sq.

[0074] In the aspect that the liner layer 18 is conductive, the liner layer 18 has a composite structure including a continuous matrix phase and a dispersed phase distributed throughout the continuous matrix phase. The continuous matrix phase may account for greater than or equal to about 80%, optionally about 90%, or optionally about 95% to less than or equal to about 99.8%, optionally about 99%, or optionally about 97% of the liner layer 18 by weight. The dispersed phase may account for greater than or equal to about 0.2%, optionally about 1%, or optionally about 3% to less than or equal to about 20%, optionally about 10%, or optionally about 5% of the liner layer 18 by weight.

[0075] The continuous matrix phase includes ECTFE and may consist essentially of ECTFE or consist of ECTFE. For example, ECTFE may comprise greater than or equal to about 80%, alternatively about 90%, or alternatively about 95% to less than or equal to about 99.8%, alternatively about 99%, or alternatively about 97% by weight of the liner layer 18.

[0076] The dispersed phase includes a conductive agent. The conductive agent is distributed throughout at least a portion of the liner layer 18 and provides the liner layer 18 with a desired conductivity. For example, the conductive agent can provide the liner layer 18 with a conductivity of less than or equal to about 1 x 10 6 Ohm / sq or alternatively about 1x 10 5 Ohm / sq. The conductive agent may be substantially uniformly distributed throughout the continuous matrix phase, or the concentration of the conductive agent may vary within the composite structure of the liner layer 18. For example, in various aspects, the concentration of the conductive agent may be relatively high in a region of the liner layer 18 disposed along the inner circumferential surface 14 of the multilayer hose 10, and may be relatively low in a region of the liner layer 18 disposed along the outer surface 26 of the liner layer 18. The conductive agent may include particles of a carbon-based material, a conductive polymer, or a combination thereof. Examples of conductive carbon-based materials include carbon black (e.g., acetylene black), graphite, graphene (e.g., graphene nanoplatelets), carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled and / or multi-walled carbon nanotubes), carbon fibers (e.g., carbon nanofibers), and / or Examples of conductive polymers include polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacetylene, and / or polypyrrole. The conductive agent may comprise greater than or equal to about 0.2%, optionally about 1%, or optionally about 3% to less than or equal to about 20%, optionally about 10%, or optionally about 5% by weight of the liner layer 18.

[0077] The liner layer 18 may be substantially free of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). For example, the liner layer 18 may be substantially free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and combinations thereof. The liner layer 18 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to about 0.1 mm to less than or equal to about 1 mm, which is defined between the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32.

[0078] The reinforcement layer 20 is the outermost layer of the multilayer hose 10 and circumferentially surrounds the liner layer 18. The reinforcement layer 20 defines the outer circumferential surface 12 of the multilayer hose 10. The reinforcement layer 20 is configured to provide flexibility, durability, and abrasion resistance, wear resistance, impact resistance, and weather resistance (e.g., resistance to ozone and ultraviolet light) to the multilayer hose 10. The reinforcement layer 20 includes a reinforcement material. Examples of reinforcement materials include metals, glass, ceramics, plastics, carbon-based materials, and combinations thereof. Examples of reinforcement metals include steel, stainless steel, nickel, copper, and / or aluminum. Examples of reinforcement glass materials include amorphous silica, aluminoborosilicate glass (e.g., E glass), soda lime glass (e.g., A glass and / or C glass), alumino lime silicate glass (e.g., E-CR glass), borosilicate glass (e.g., D glass), and / or aluminosilicate glass (e.g., R glass and / or S glass). Examples of reinforcement ceramic materials include crystalline silica (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (Zr2O3). Examples of reinforced plastic materials include thermosetting polymers (e.g., epoxy resins, polyester resins, and / or vinyl ester resins) and / or thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyamides (such as Kevlar), and / or polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate)). Examples of reinforced carbon-based materials include carbon fibers and / or graphite. In various aspects, the reinforcement material may include glass fibers, which include a plurality of glass fibers in a polymer matrix. In various aspects, the reinforcement layer 20 may be braided, woven, knitted, or spirally wound.

[0079] An optional adhesive layer 22 is disposed between the liner layer 18 and the reinforcement layer 20 and provides a strong physical bond therebetween. The adhesive layer 22 may include a thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin resin. The specific composition of the thermoplastic polymer may be selected based on the composition of the liner layer 18 and / or the reinforcement layer 20.

[0080] In various aspects, the multi-layer hose 10 may consist of a liner layer 18 and a reinforcement layer 20, and may not have an additional layer below the liner layer 18, overlying the reinforcement layer 20, or disposed between the liner layer 18 and the reinforcement layer 20. In other aspects, the multi-layer hose 10 may consist of a liner layer 18, a reinforcement layer 20, and an adhesive layer 22, and may not have an additional layer below the liner layer 18, overlying the reinforcement layer 20, or disposed between the liner layer 18 and the reinforcement layer 20.

[0081] Figure 2Another embodiment of a multilayer hose 110 is depicted. The multilayer hose 110 is similar in many respects to the multilayer hose 10, and like numbers between the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements in the drawings. Therefore, the description of the multilayer hose 10 is incorporated into the description of the multilayer hose 110, and the description of the subject matter common to the multilayer hose 10 and the multilayer hose 110 generally may not be repeated here.

[0082] The multilayer hose 110 includes a liner layer 118, a reinforcement layer 20, and optionally an adhesive layer 22. The liner layer 118 is the innermost layer of the multilayer hose 110 and has an inner surface 124 and an opposite outer surface 126, wherein the inner surface 124 defines the inner circumferential surface 14 of the multilayer hose 110. The liner layer 118 has a double-layer structure including an inner layer 128 and an outer layer 130 circumferentially surrounding the inner layer 128. The inner layer 128 of the liner layer 118 defines the inner surface 124 of the liner layer 118 and the inner circumferential surface 14 of the multilayer hose 110. The outer layer 130 defines the outer surface 126 of the liner layer 118. The inner layer 128 is electrically conductive and may have substantially the same chemical composition, physical and electrical properties as those of the liner layer 18. On the other hand, the outer layer 130 is electrically insulating and may have substantially the same composition as that of the continuous matrix phase of the liner layer 18. For example, outer layer 130 may include, consist essentially of, or consist of ECTFE. Outer layer 130 may be substantially free of a conductive agent. Outer layer 130 may have a conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Ohm / sq or optionally 1x 10 14 Surface resistivity in Ohm / sq.

[0083] In various aspects, the multi-layer hose 110 may be comprised of a liner layer 118 and a reinforcement layer 20, and may not have an additional layer below, overlying, or disposed between the liner layer 118 and the reinforcement layer 20. In other aspects, the multi-layer hose 110 may be comprised of a liner layer 118, a reinforcement layer 20, and an adhesive layer 22, and may not have an additional layer below, overlying, or disposed between the liner layer 118 and the reinforcement layer 20.

[0084] The multilayer hose 10, 110 may be manufactured via an extrusion process (e.g., a coextrusion process). In an extrusion process, a material having the same composition as one of the layers (e.g., 18, 20) is melted, fed to an extruder, and forced through a die at high temperature and pressure to form one of the layers. In a coextrusion process, multiple molten materials having different compositions corresponding to different layers (e.g., 18, 20, 128, 130) may be fed into separate extruders and then forced through a single die where the molten materials are combined and deposited concentrically and simultaneously around and on top of each other so that the layers adhere to each other and produce the multilayer hose 10, 110. Alternatively, one or more of the inner layers (e.g., 18, 128) of the multilayer hose 10, 110 may be preformed (e.g., by extrusion), and then one or more of the surrounding layers (e.g., 20, 130) may be formed concentrically on and around the one or more preformed inner layers. In some aspects, the multi-layer hose 10, 110 can be manufactured via multiple extrusion and / or coextrusion processes. Prior to extrusion (or coextrusion), the starting material can be dried to remove residual moisture therefrom. In aspects where the reinforcing layer 20 is braided, woven, knitted, or spirally wound, the reinforcing layer 20 can be braided, woven, or otherwise formed around the liner layer after forming the liner layer 18, 118 in a continuous process (e.g., by passing the liner layer 18, 118 through a braiding machine). In aspects where the multi-layer hose 10, 110 includes an adhesive layer 22, the adhesive layer 22 can be applied to the liner layer 18, 118 before forming the reinforcing layer 20 on the outer surface 26, 126 of the liner layer.

[0085] During the extrusion process, the thickness of the layers (e.g., 18, 20, 128, 130) can be measured (e.g., by a laser) and controlled or adjusted by controlling or adjusting the extruder settings as the layers are extruded. The multilayer hose 10, 110 can be cooled upon exiting the extruder and either placed into a roll or cut into desired lengths. Each cut length of multilayer hose 10, 110 can be placed in a form to assume a preconfigured shape and heated (e.g., on a conveyor that advances through an oven) to soften the multilayer hose 10, 110 and conform to the shape induced by the form.

[0086] Figure 3A hose assembly 200 is depicted that includes the multi-layer hose 10, a fitting 240, and optionally a ferrule 242. A central axis 244 of the hose assembly 200 is aligned with the central axis of the multi-layer hose 10 and the tubular flow-through passage 16. The fitting 240 is configured to fluidly couple the multi-layer hose 10 to another device and includes a first end 246, an opposing second end 248 having an outer circumferential surface 249, and a fluid flow passage (not shown) extending therethrough and aligned with the central axis 244 of the hose assembly 200. The hose assembly 200 is shown and described with respect to the multi-layer hose 10, but such description is equally applicable to the multi-layer hose 110. For example, in an embodiment, the multi-layer hose 110 may be substituted for the multi-layer hose 110. Figure 3 The multi-layer hose 10 is shown in FIG.

[0087] like Figure 3 , the multi-layer hose 10 has an open end 32. When assembled, the second end 248 of the fitting 240 is received in the open end 32 of the multi-layer hose 10 and disposed in a manner within the tubular flow-through passage 16 such that the fluid flow passage of the fitting 240 is in fluid communication with the tubular flow-through passage 16 of the multi-layer hose 10. In various aspects, the second end 248 of the fitting 240 can be press-fit into the open end 32 of the multi-layer hose 10 such that the outer circumferential surface 249 engages the inner circumferential surface 14 of the multi-layer hose 10 and forms a fluid-tight seal therebetween.

[0088] In other aspects, the ferrule 242 can be used to form a fluid-tight seal between the fitting 240 and the multi-layer hose 10. In this case, the ferrule 242 is configured to retain the second end 248 of the fitting 240 in the tubular flow-through passage 16 defined by the multi-layer hose 10. The ferrule 242 has a substantially cylindrical body 250 that includes a collar 252 and an engagement portion 254. The collar 252 defines a socket 256 and is configured to receive the ferrule 242 and couple it to the fitting 240. The engagement portion 254 is configured to couple the fitting 240 to the multi-layer hose 10 and may include a plurality of teeth 258 disposed on an inner circumferential surface 260 thereof. In other embodiments, the inner circumferential surface 260 of the engagement portion 254 may be smooth and substantially free of surface protrusions.

[0089] During assembly of the hose assembly 200, the fitting 240 is received in the socket 256 and coupled to the collar 252 of the ferrule 254 (e.g., by threading). The second end 248 of the fitting 240 is received in the open end 32 of the multi-layer hose 10, and then the engagement portion 254 of the ferrule 242 is crimped around the open end 32 of the multi-layer hose 10 (and around the second end 248 of the fitting 240) so that the plurality of teeth 258 engage and surround the outer circumferential surface 12 of the multi-layer hose 10 and form a fluid-tight seal between the fitting 240 and the multi-layer hose 10.

[0090] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because when studying the drawings, the specification and the following claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Further, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented and / or combined with it in the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments to each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" may be intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "include", "contain", "comprise" and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of the stated features, elements, compositions, steps, integers, operations and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. Although the open-ended terms "include", "contain", "comprise" and "have" will be understood as non-limiting terms for describing and claiming the various embodiments set forth herein, in some aspects, these terms are alternatively understood as more restrictive and limited terms, such as "consisting of..." or "consisting of substantially...". Therefore, for any given embodiment of a narration composition, material, component, element, ingredient, feature, integer, operation and / or process step, the present disclosure also specifically includes an embodiment consisting of or substantially consisting of such a narrated composition, material, component, element, ingredient, feature, integer, operation and / or process step. In the case of “consisting of,” alternative embodiments exclude any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, ingredients, features, integers, operations and / or process steps, while in the case of “consisting essentially of,” any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, ingredients, features, integers, operations and / or process steps that materially affect the basic and novel characteristics are excluded from such embodiments, but any compositions, materials, components, elements, ingredients, features, integers, operations and / or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics may be included in such embodiments.

[0092] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It will also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed unless otherwise indicated.

[0093] When a part, element, or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other part, element, or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0094] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various steps, elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, unless otherwise indicated, these steps, elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish a step, element, component, region, layer or section from another step, element, component, region, layer or section. When used in this article, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first step, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second step, element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiment.

[0095] For ease of description, spatial or temporal relative terms (such as "front", "rear", "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (some) elements or features as illustrated in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial or temporal relative terms may also be intended to encompass different orientations of a device or system in use or operation.

[0096] Throughout this disclosure, numerical values ​​represent approximate measurements or range limits and encompass slight deviations from given values ​​as well as embodiments having approximately the values ​​mentioned and embodiments having exactly the values ​​mentioned. In addition to the working examples provided at the end of the specific embodiments, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., parameters of amounts or conditions) in this specification will be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases, regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. In the appended claims, the numerical values ​​of the parameters will be understood to be modified by such terms only when the term "about" appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows a certain slight imprecision (somewhat close to the exact value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then "about" as used herein at least indicates the variation that may be caused by the common methods of measuring and using such parameters. For example, "about" may include less than or equal to 5%, alternatively less than or equal to 4%, alternatively less than or equal to 3%, alternatively less than or equal to 2%, alternatively less than or equal to 1%, alternatively less than or equal to 0.5%, and in some aspects optionally less than or equal to 0.1%. In addition, the disclosure of ranges includes all values ​​within the entire range and the disclosure of further subdivided ranges, including endpoints and subranges given for these ranges.

[0097] As used herein, the terms "composition" and "material" are used interchangeably to refer generally to a substance that contains at least a preferred chemical constituent, element, or compound, but unless otherwise indicated, it may also include additional elements, compounds, or substances, including trace impurities. A composition or material "based on X" refers generally to a combination or material in which "X" is the single largest component of the composition or material on a weight percent (%) basis. This can include compositions or materials having greater than 50% by weight of X and compositions or materials having less than 50% by weight of X, as long as X is the single largest component of the composition or material based on its total weight. When a composition or material is referred to as being "substantially free" of a substance, the composition or material may include less than 5%, optionally less than 3%, optionally less than 1%, or optionally less than 0.1% of the substance by weight.

[0098] As used herein, the term "metal" may refer to a pure elemental metal or to an alloy of an elemental metal and one or more other metals or nonmetallic elements (referred to as "alloying" elements). Alloying elements may be selected to impart certain desirable properties to the alloy that are not exhibited by the base metal element.

Claims

1. A multi-layer hose comprising: A liner layer having an inner circumferential surface defining a tubular flow-through passage extending in an axial direction through the multilayer hose, the liner layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer being electrically conductive and having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square; as well as An outer sleeve circumferentially surrounds the liner layer and defines an outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose, the outer sleeve including a reinforcement material.

2. The multilayer hose according to claim 1, wherein: The ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene comprises greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer.

3. The multi-layer hose according to claim 1, wherein: The lining layer comprises: a continuous matrix phase; and a dispersed phase distributed throughout the continuous matrix phase, Wherein, the continuous matrix phase includes the ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, and the dispersed phase includes a conductive agent.

4. The multi-layer hose according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive agent includes carbon.

5. The multi-layer hose according to claim 3, wherein: The continuous matrix phase comprises greater than or equal to about 80% to less than or equal to about 99.8% by weight of the liner layer, and wherein the conductive agent comprises greater than or equal to about 0.2% to less than or equal to about 20% by weight of the liner layer.

6. The multi-layer hose according to claim 1, wherein: The lining layer has a double-layer structure, and the double-layer structure comprises: a conductive inner layer defining the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer and comprising a continuous matrix phase comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and a dispersed phase comprising a conductive agent; and An electrically insulating outer layer circumferentially surrounding the inner layer, the electrically insulating outer layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene and having a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square.

7. The multi-layer hose according to claim 1, wherein: The outer sleeve is braided, woven, knitted or spirally wound.

8. The multi-layer hose according to claim 1, wherein The reinforcing material includes metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, carbon-based material or a combination thereof.

9. The multi-layer hose according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement material includes stainless steel or glass fiber.

10. A multi-layer hose comprising: A liner layer having an inner circumferential surface defining a tubular flow-through passage extending in an axial direction through the multilayer hose, the liner layer comprising ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, the inner circumferential surface of the liner layer being electrically insulating and having a thermal conductivity greater than 1 x 10 6 Surface resistivity in ohms / square; as well as An outer sleeve circumferentially surrounds the liner layer and defines an outer circumferential surface of the multi-layer hose, the outer sleeve including a reinforcement material.

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