Nylon tubing is rapidly replacing rubber hose and steel tubing as fuel lines in the automotive industry. This is because the internal surface of the tube is cleaner and smoother. Even the installation of Nylon Tube as a fuel line is much easier. It has enough capacity to withstand various automotive fuels such as diesel and gasoline, and can withstand more pressure and temperature. Also, these tubes are available in different colors and sizes. It can also be easily molded into permanent curves and angles quickly.
In the automotive industries, OEMs, particularly car and truck manufacturers, around the world generally adopt various test methods to determine the performance of nylon tubing when used as fuel lines. The most common testing techniques adopted are;
1. Abrasion resistance test: To evaluate the abrasion resistance performance of the tube, two different methods are used. The first technique is the wheel-based method according to IS 09352. In this method, the weight loss defines the abrasion resistance performance of the pipe. The second method has been specially developed for Renault vehicles (and has now been adopted by other vehicle manufacturers as well). In this method, the two pipe sample samples are used during the test. One specimen remains stationary while the other remains mobile. The thickness of both tube pieces is measured at the end to determine the abrasion resistance performance.
2. Burst Pressure Test – To determine safe and optimal operation
Nylon tube pressure as fuel line burst pressure test is considered as important test in industries. This pressure test determines the bursting capacity of the pipe. Typically, the burst pressure test is carried out at room temperature (typically 23°C) and also at elevated temperature (typically 120°C). Silicone oil is used by applying oil pressure from 10 to 300 bar for different sizes of nylon tube. The outer diameter is constantly measured while the pressure is gradually increased.
3. Charpy Test: This test is cheap and quick to determine the impact resistance behavior of polyamide tubing as a fuel line.
4. Cold Impact Test: Cold impact test is also known as drop impact test where a cold room is used. Nylon tube samples are placed in the chamber equipped with fixation tube holders. Different testing agencies and OEMs adopt various impact standards.
Nylon tubing such as the fuel line,
• Excellent heat resistance and excellent mechanical properties.
• Good flexibility and resistance to cold impact.
• High burst strength and fit retention.