Food/Pharma · EU 1935/2004
MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL
MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL is a highly flexible dairy and food suction/pressure hose with mirror-smooth butyl lining and modified elastomer outer. The hose is qualified per BfR XXI:2002 Cat. 2, EU 1935/2004, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and GMP EU 2023/2006 - a wide food-approval portfolio. Distinctively, the hose is qualified for alcohol up to 96% (wine, brandy, high-proof liqueurs) and is steam-cleanable to 130 C for up to 30 minutes under pressureless operation. Typically used in dairy farms, beverage production, microbe-resistant pharma applications and high-proof alcohol handling.
- -30 to +120 C
- Dairy-grade
- 96% alcohol
- SIP 130 C
- Microbe-resistant
- Oil/alcohol/milk
Why this hose?
The butyl lining is the central element in MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL's value proposition. Unlike ordinary food-grade PVC hoses, butyl has three special properties: microbe resistance (critical in dairy/pharma), compatibility with high-proof alcohol (critical in beverage production) and steam-cleanability to 130 C (critical in SIP cleaning). This is a combination that distinguishes the hose from most competitor food-grade hoses.
Mirror-smooth inner surface is a specific construction quality that reduces bacterial adhesion. In dairy and pharma applications, biofilm growth is a daily battle - the smoother the inner surface, the less risk of bacteria establishing between CIP cycles. Mirror-smooth finish is a higher qualification level than ordinary smooth hoses.
BPA, phthalate and PAH-free construction is a high-purity signal. These contaminants are conventional additives in cheaper food-grade hoses, and their absence in MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL qualifies the hose for applications with stricter migration limits - typically pharma, infant formula and high-purity foods.
Where it is used
Dairy farms use the hose for milk distribution between cow stalls and cooling tanks. The standard 40 m roll typically covers an entire milk system installation on a medium-sized farm. The mirror-smooth butyl lining and steam-cleanability are both critical properties for daily operation with multiple CIP/SIP cycles.
Brandy and liqueur producers use the hose for high-proof alcohol distribution. The 96% alcohol qualification is particularly valuable in distilleries and spirits facilities - this is above what ordinary food hoses tolerate. The hose's neutrality (odourless/tasteless) ensures the alcohol aroma is not affected on contact.
Pharma facilities use the hose for liquid raw material handling where microbe resistance and high-purity construction are mandatory. This is typical in bulk raw material handling (syrups, solvents, nutritional supplement liquids) where the hose is in contact with product over several hours or days.
The hose is colloquially known as a dairy hose, butyl hose or brandy hose.
Technical specifications
The hose's key specifications are briefly summarised below. Steam-cleanability to 130 C and 96% alcohol qualification are two central differentiating properties.
| Inner material | Butyl (odourless, tasteless, BPA/phthalate/PAH-free) |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Modified elastomer (shallow-corrugated) |
| Reinforcement | 2 steel spirals + textile plies |
| Colour | White inner, blue outer |
| Temperature range | -30 to +120 C |
| Steam cleaning (SIP) | 130 C, max 30 min, pressureless |
| Working pressure | 10 bar |
| Burst pressure | 30 bar |
| Vacuum | 0.9 bar |
| Food approvals | BfR XXI Cat 2 + EU 1935/2004 + FDA + GMP + 96% alcohol |
| Manufacturer SKU | 3457 |
Dimensions and ordering
The table shows the hose's 6 standard dimensions. All have the same pressure rating (10 bar PN, 30 bar burst, 0.9 bar vacuum). Standard roll length is 40 m for most; the 102 mm version is 20 m.
| Inner Ø |
Outer Ø |
Wall thickness |
Working pressure |
Burst pressure |
Vacuum |
Bend radius |
Max. length |
Weight |
Roll |
Article no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 44 | 6 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 70 | 40 | 0.95 | 40 | 3457032000 |
| 38 | 50 | 6 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 80 | 40 | 1.1 | 40 | 3457038000 |
| 51 | 64 | 6.5 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 100 | 40 | 1.45 | 40 | 3457050000 |
| 63 | 77 | 7 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 130 | 40 | 1.9 | 40 | 3457063000 |
| 76 | 91 | 7.5 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 160 | 40 | 2.45 | 40 | 3457075000 |
| 102 | 118 | 8 | 10 | 30 | 0.9 | 310 | 20 | 3.7 | 20 | 3457100000 |
Fields without a value (—) are not specified in the manufacturer's factsheet. Overpressure and underpressure values are recommended operating limits; the product can be subjected to higher loads on request. Bend radius is measured along the inside of the hose bend.
Standards and compliance
The hose is qualified per the central European and American standards for food-contact materials. BfR XXI Cat 2 and EU 1935/2004 are the primary references.
- BfR XXI:2002 (Cat. 2). German Bundesinstitut fuer Risikobewertung recommendation for food-contact elastomers. Cat 2 includes dairy and aqueous foods.
- EU 1935/2004 + GMP EU 2023/2006. General framework regulation + Good Manufacturing Practice for food-contact materials.
- FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. American FDA approval for food-contact elastomers.
- EN ISO 1307:2008. European standard for rubber and thermoplastic hoses for general use.
- RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU). Restriction of hazardous substances.
- REACH (EC 1907/2006). Registration of chemical substances.
- 3-A Sanitary Standards. American hygiene standard for dairy equipment. The hose is not specifically 3-A qualified but meets functional requirements.
Documentation and downloads
Additional documents about this hose, its compliance and installation. Click to download as PDF in a new tab.
Help with material selection
Although this hose isn't ATEX-relevant, these two articles provide useful background on electrical resistance and industrial safety — important if you later combine the hose with electrical equipment or work in mixed environments:
The invisible weakest link
Why a conductive or antistatic hose isn't sufficient on its own — and what grounding means for the complete system.
Know your ohm
The difference between antistatic and conductive, which resistance limits apply where, and how to measure them correctly.
Industries that use it
MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL is used where combined dairy-grade hygiene, high-proof alcohol resistance and steam-cleanability are required - typically in dairy farms, beverage production and pharma.
Dairy farms are the main market. The hose is used for milk distribution between cow stalls, cooling tanks and processing facilities. The mirror-smooth butyl lining reduces bacterial growth, and steam-cleanability to 130 C allows SIP cleaning that is industry standard in modern dairy facilities.
Beverage production uses the hose for high-proof alcohol handling where the 96% alcohol qualification is critical. Brandy, gin and vodka production involves contact between hose and high-proof alcohol over several hours or days - a standard PVC hose would be softened by this exposure, but butyl retains integrity.
Pharma facilities use the hose for liquid raw material handling where microbe resistance and BPA/phthalate/PAH-free construction are required. This is particularly valuable in biopharma applications where even trace contamination can compromise product quality. CIP/SIP compatibility is typically mandatory in this application.
Custom lengths and assemblies
The hose can be delivered cut to desired lengths. The standard roll can be supplemented with shorter pieces or multiple rolls by arrangement.
At Particulair we advise on couplings and sizing. Send us a sketch of your application and we will assess the right variant and length.
Frequently asked questions
Which liquid foods is the hose qualified for?
The butyl lining is qualified per EU 1935/2004, BfR XXI:2002 (Cat. 2), FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and GMP EU 2023/2006. Most distinctively: the hose is tested for alcohol up to 96% - among the highest alcohol concentrations for food hoses. It covers milk, cream, wine, beer, brandy, cream liqueurs, oil-based dairy products and similar.
What makes butyl particularly suitable for dairy applications?
Butyl is the specific material that makes the hose microbe-resistant - a critical property in dairy and pharma applications where bacterial growth on inner surfaces must be prevented. The mirror-smooth inner surface reduces biofilm growth, and the modified elastomer outer makes the hose compatible with daily CIP cleaning with hot water and bases.
What is the max temperature for steam cleaning?
The hose can be cleaned with steam at 130 C for up to 30 minutes under pressureless operation. This is particularly valuable in dairy facilities where SIP (Sterilisation In Place) is a standard cleaning procedure after CIP. Operating temperature is normally -30 to +120 C - one of the broadest temperature ranges for food hoses.
How many dimensions are in the range?
6 dimensions: ID 32, 38, 51, 63, 76 and 102 mm. These are typical dimensions for dairy and food process installations. All have the same pressure rating (10 bar PN, 30 bar burst) and 0.9 bar vacuum. Standard roll length is 40 m for most; the 102 mm version is 20 m.
What makes the hose 'phthalate-free, BPA-free, PAH-free'?
These are specific chemical contaminants occasionally found in conventional PVC and elastomer hoses. Phthalates are softeners; BPA is a plastic additive; PAH are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from carbon-based additives. The hose's butyl lining is specifically formulated without these substances, making it a high-purity food hose suitable for pharma and dairy applications with stricter contamination requirements.
Which couplings are recommended?
For dairy applications, hygiene couplings (DIN 11851 dairy couplings, Tri-Clamp or SMS) pre-fitted are recommended. These coupling types are industry standard in dairy and can be quickly disassembled for daily CIP/SIP cleaning. We fit couplings by arrangement.
What colour is the hose?
White mirror-smooth inner tube (butyl) and blue outer coating (modified elastomer). The white inner colour is functional - it allows visual inspection of inner cleanliness between CIP cycles. The blue outer coating is industry convention for dairy-grade hoses and distinguishes it from other food hose types.
Is the hose odourless and tasteless?
Yes - the factsheet explicitly specifies 'odourless and tasteless'. This is a critical property for dairy and beverage applications where even minimal taste or odour transfer from the hose can compromise product quality. The butyl lining is specifically formulated to be neutral towards foods.